We're No Angels (1955)

1955 • 105 minutes

About this movie

Humphrey Bogart plays one of his rare comedy roles in this jaunty excursion about three convicts - Joseph (Bogart), Albert (Aldo Ray) and Jules (Peter Ustinov) - who are plotting their escape from Devil's Island. Fate intervenes when they hide out with kindly, but inept Felix (Leo G. Carroll) and his family. Felix manages a store for his arrogant cousin Andre (Basil Rathbone), who makes the fatal mistake of stealing Albert's pet, a poisonous snake. After resolving Felix's problems, the convicts return to prison, convinced that the world is much too wicked. Based on the play by Albert Husson.

Ratings and reviews

Probably the most light-hearted yet dark Christmas comedy ever created. Humphrey Bogart, Peter Ustinov, Aldo Ray have great chemistry together and it's a joy to watch their characters go from charming hardened murderers/criminals to... well, hardened murderers/criminals with sympathy for those they feel deserve better than their current station in life. FYI, there's a tiny bit of sexual assault that's definitely of-it's-time and the homicide happens off screen but is discussed.

Don't buy this from Google if you have Roku or Movies Anywhere. I tried to purchase it to watch on my Roku and add to my Movies Anywhere family movie plan, which some movies work with. This one says ineligible, but only said that after purchase. It's been such a hassle dealing with Google movies that I'm just done. I won't be purchasing movies from them anymore. I might even switch to iPhone they've pissed me off so much.

Hysterical Dark Comedy played hilariously by a huge cast not known for playing for laughs. Bogart and Ray are having a blast trading quips in their iconic cadences, Ustinov is charming, deliciously low & base, yet urbane. Carroll is kind and befuddled, Rathbone is hissably wicked and you will giggle through his meeting with Adolph.