Early Bogart

Last night, I watched two films featuring Humphrey Bogart from early in his career - from 1937  San Quentin  and  Swing Your Lady from 1938.

Starring with Bogart in San Quentin was Pat O'Brien and Ann Sheridan. This film is your run of the mill Bogart film from the late 30's - with Bogart as a tough guy who has trouble with the law. No surprises.

Of the two, I preferred Swing Your Lady although I'm sure to be the only person who thinks that way. 

According to wikipedia, Bogart considered his performance in the film the worst of his career and Swing Your Lady was listed in the 1978 book The Fifty Worst Films of All Time. 

It's not the sort of film you'd expect to see Bogart in. In some ways, the film brings to mind the Harold Lloyd film,  The Milky Way. Not exactly a screwball comedy.....but close. 

 

The film features Frank McHugh, Penny Singleton (with black hair), Allen Jenkins and Ronald Reagan in one of his earliest films.