Passage to Marseille

Released Feb 16, 1944

1h 50m

War

List

60%

Tomatometer

5 Reviews

57%

Audience Score

250+ Ratings

During World War II, a French ship finds five men drifting in a small boat. Once aboard, the men tell the ship's captain, Patain Malo (Victor Francen), that they are convicts who escaped prison, led by Jean Matrac (Humphrey Bogart), to fight in the war. As the ship nears its destination in Marseille, France surrenders to Germany, but Malo decides to hide the prisoners. When traitorous Major Duval (Sydney Greenstreet) tries to overtake the ship, Matrac and the others work to defeat him.

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Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

I'm afraid that even the wide cast of actors commanded by Bogart is not enough to elevate a war adventure that sinks in predictable waters at the service of the most obvious patriotic propaganda. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 6/10

Apr 22, 2023

Full Review

Nathanael Hood

The Retro Set

...a thoroughly mediocre military melodrama...

Rated: 5/10

Dec 29, 2018

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Sort of a class reunion of Casablanca, but not as good, reuniting Bogart, director Curtiz and other key players of that cult picture.

Rated: B-

Apr 17, 2011

Full Review

Michael W. Phillips, Jr.

Goatdog's Movies

A slightly above average war thriller.

Rated: 3/5

Jun 9, 2006

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Michael Curtiz's follow-up to Casablanca.

Rated: B

May 2, 2006

Full Review

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Steve D

Not worthy of its cast.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

06/27/23

Full Review

Russ G

A sort of sequel to Casablanca, but despite the presence of Claude Rains, Sydney Greenstreet, and Peter Lorre, We know Casablanca. We Love Casablanca. THIS is no Casablanca! Implausible even for a propaganda film made at the height of the war. Now, many elements of Casablanca were implausible, but somehow it was pulled off, as the story centers on sympathetic characters not hokey [but standard for the era and the budget] special effects. Here it isn't. A four-engined DIVE BOMBER, anyone? BTW, anyone notice our protagonist committing a WAR CRIME by machine-gunning the downed German fliers? But, it's No Biggie 'cuz the movie makers were deliberately aiming to whip up hatred against the enemy. About the only real parallel between the two films is that in both roles Bogey's character is self-centered but transforms into a selfless hero dedicated to a greater cause.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

09/28/22

Full Review

Jared D

Great cast used to very mixed results here. Its famous (and confusing) flashback within a flashback within a flashback structure tends to slow it down -- but the various elements and/or sequences of the film are very well done. The cinematography is outstanding!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

10/25/21

Full Review

john m

Compared to "Casablanca" and other Curtiz films from around this time, it's not great, but still has its charms and excitement. The action scenes at the end are terrific and I'm blown away at how authentic they look for the time. Same goes with "Captain of the Clouds" and "Dive Bomber." Curtiz knew how to shoot action scenes man.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Bob S

Of course it's not Casablanca. Lightening rarely strikes twice. However, the movie is well written and well acted.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/14/18

Full Review

Audience Member

Compared to his audience-favorite biggest-movie-ever, "Casablanca" Curtiz directed this masterpiece with the ideal being to reassemble the cast of his hit. Not only did he do that sans Ingrid Bergman, he made another masterpiece in this original tale of Redemption. Original in the use of flashbacks within flashbacks film making in that one has to pay attention to see how and why the films current tense of the present arrived. Even though the entire plot takes place on a tramp steamer it neatly wraps all the nefarious villains, political agendas, and sufficient development for each character superbly. Sidney Greenstreet is at his fattest, meanest, and most despicable as is his sickening ass-kissing adjutant whose neck you'd love to wring. Lots of action, concern for the characters, and a heartfelt support for these underdogs all cooperating to protect their country despite what Matrac says about, understandably, not giving a damn. Claude Reins is again in his element - he was truly one of the world's greatest actors. Best thing to do is watch it and you will be glad you did. No one makes such quality, classy films like this anymore.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

Full Review

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Michael Curtiz

Director

Humphrey Bogart

Jean Matrac

Michèle Morgan

Paula Matrac

Claude Rains

Capt. Freycinet

Philip Dorn

Renault

Sydney Greenstreet

Maj. Duval

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Synopsis

During World War II, a French ship finds five men drifting in a small boat. Once aboard, the men tell the ship's captain, Patain Malo (Victor Francen), that they are convicts who escaped prison, led by Jean Matrac (Humphrey Bogart), to fight in the war. As the ship nears its destination in Marseille, France surrenders to Germany, but Malo decides to hide the prisoners. When traitorous Major Duval (Sydney Greenstreet) tries to overtake the ship, Matrac and the others work to defeat him.

Director: Michael Curtiz
Screenwriter: Casey Robinson, Jack Moffitt
Production Co: Warner Bros.
Genre: War
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 16, 1944, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 21, 2016
Runtime: 1h 50m

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