Conflict (1945)

The thrill-story sensation of the year...

In this gripping film noir psychological thriller, Humphrey Bogart's character is drawn into a deadly affair with his beautiful young sister-in-law, played by Alexis Smith. The sudden disappearance of his wife becomes a criminal investigation, but the sudden emergence of unsettling clues and ominous sightings suggest his wife may still be alive, plunging Richard into the depths of paranoia and madness.

I stumbled across this movie one evening a few years ago. I was looking for Casablanca, but this film happened to catch my eye. So many people consider Bogart a romantic lead and don’t want to see him in these dark parts but to me, he’s perfect for the psychological thriller role. He seems to easily portray both – perhaps he has the face (not to mention the voice) to do so. I guess that’s why I enjoy pretty much any film starring Mr. Bogart. Conflict (1945) is a great film containing mystery, crime, and suspense. Add some ideas and techniques of psychoanalysis for a true teeth clenching, white knuckles, riveting film.