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The Key

1934, Movie, NR, 82 mins

The Key: Review

Though it has not aged well with time, this is an interesting drama about the conflict between the Black and Tans and the Irish Revolutionaries in the 1920s struggle for Irish independence. At the heart of the drama is Powell, an officer decorated three times, once for bravery and twice for "indiscretions." Clive, in an excellent portrayal, is a British intelligence officer whose wife (Best in her American film debut) is having an affair with Powell. The crowd scenes, particularly the one involving a mother and child in prayer before prison gates, are nicely handled. Unfortunately, some street fighting and sniper scenes look like studio shots. Curtiz would later deal more successfully with freedom fighters in the timeless film CASABLANCA. leave a comment