Conflict (1945)

WOW! This is a great Humphrey film, no one has ever heard of. I see so many references to other films inside this one. A severely, strained marriage. A super slender, drop dead, gorgeous looking wife, with a penchant for ordering mutton. ok. ok. So, she has that twist of evil, silver streak in her thick, black hair. This silver hair streak, does NOT make her the Bride of Frankenstein, now does it? Bickering, quarrelsome, and super nasty to each other. She continuously orders Mutton. Husband hates mutton. The personal slights, the wry insults toward each other and then finally the truth comes out. Humphrey has fallen deeply in love with the wife's young, blonde, simperingly, sweet sister.(Reference to the great film, AGE OF INNOCENCE, embedded in here, as well). The younger sister, is charming, mild-mannered and deftly honest. The wife, hard to determine why she is so hard on Humphrey? Is she so bitter because of her husband's lost love or was she always bitter and vengeful from the outset of their marriage? The audience never gets a feel for their early marriage days, but in a sort of way it's hinted that Katherine was always resentful and bitter towards others. Katherine is certainly a trophy wife by1940 's standards. Humphrey, the uber successful, Engineer husband. The coldness, that they heap upon each other in private is in stark contrast to the loving and joyful personas they show to the world. Sidney Greenstreet is his usual logical, wonderful self in this film. His smooth voice, his wit and sweetness make him a charming and great character in the film. The level of marriage toxicity between Katherine and Humphrey is pervasive and sinister. However, I'd crash the car too, if had to remain married to Katherine...without any chance of a divorce, separation or living apart. My sympathies lie with Humphrey, as they do also with Max De Winter of the film Rebecca. Another great film, with similar story lines. Conflict, is s bone chilling study on love gone wrong, jealousy, and a deep hatred of being served mutton, too many times. I cannot decide if both of these ruthless killers, are really ruthless killers or if they are just simple, honest (wealthy) men driven to distraction by super bitter, ornery wives? In both films, Conflict and Rebecca, both husbands make fatal decisions. Then act upon their decisions. By 1930's & 1940's standards, the audience support would be for the hard working, uber wealthy husbands. By today's standards, the audience support would lie with both long suffering wives. As a movie goer, we watch a destructive marriage with (2) very bitter partners, who will not give an inch to the other. Katherine's relentless hen pecking and chastising is nearly unbearable. She draws little compassion or support and provides her audience no reason to sympathize with her. Humphrey's unending palavering over the younger sister, is nauseating and creepy, asa Katherine so adroitly points out to Humphrey. In the end, both people pay a hard debt for their final freedoms. Well worth, watching.

great performance though i figured the Dr. was behind it trying to drive 'richard' back to the scene i was eager to see how it all played out... very clever... enjoyed this 4+ star movie very much...

Great noir film. Different kind of role for Bogart. Really enjoyed.

It kept my hubby on the seat of his pants. He really enjoyed the movie. We love classic movies, although I don't like anyone getting killed. I'd rather see mysteries where the murder part was left out. Agatha Christie was one who always seemed to come when it was a fait de accompli. That's the kind I prefer. Those a hard to find. But Humphrey Bogart is still one of the great actors that we both love & of course, his wife, Lauren Bacall. What a great team!

Enjoyed the suspense and mystery of the plot.

Loved the movie. Terrific. Keeps you guessing. Great cast. The print was not so good but it’s passable. Highly recommend this movie.

This movie was unexpectedly good. It's not one of the usual titles that comes to mind when thinking of Humphrey Bogart. But as my title states, this movie was a very pleasant surprise. Not only was Bogart great, but Sydney Greenstreet was excellent, too. I don't want to give away details about the movie... so I'll just say that it reminded me of something Alfred Hitchcock would have done. I'm not saying that the movie is perfect, as in there are no plot holes... but what does happen is, more or less, in the realm of possibility. From that perspective, I could also rate this movie 4 or 4.5 stars. But I was thoroughly entertained and feeling generous tonight... so five stars. And what is always important... it's a movie I want to watch again someday.

The only problem that I have with this movie is that it has these black borders on either side of the screen when I watch it on my Roku or on my Kindle. This is only unique to Amazon Instant Video. I have DVD copies of movies made during the same time period and the video fills the entire screen on my HDTV.This is one of these rare, and relatively unknown movies that Humphrey Bogart made after he reached leading man status. It is one of these rare movies that are not as well known as many of the earlier and later films that he made. Alexis Smith is, sort of, playing a good girl in this movie who is the object of Bogart's desire, however unknowingly. This movie sort of reminds me of The Two Mrs. Carrolls in the respect that Bogart's character is contemplating killing his wife to have another woman. It is a taut psychological thriller with many twists and turns.

I was happy with my purchase. No problems at all!

Conflict is an interesting drama. The quality of the DVD was in good condition. However, I probably won't buy any more DVDs as the cost is prohibitive, especially considering the rate of exchange and the bank costs. Thank you.

An interesting Bogart film.

Great film. Product arrived in excellent shape and on time, as promised. Highly recommendable for those who love oldies and for Bogart afficionadoes!

I expected more from a legend like Humphrey Bogart. The story was weak and not developed - it had such promise but ends up being a disappointment.