Public Domain Movies | Beat the Devil
The film follows a group of eccentric and morally ambiguous characters who find themselves embroiled in a complex scheme involving treasure hunting, deception, and intrigue in Italy.
The central character is Billy Dannreuther (played by Humphrey Bogart), an American expatriate and small-time hustler. Along with his wife Maria (played by Gina Lollobrigida), Billy is part of a group of adventurers who are trying to secure a uranium-rich plot of land in Africa.
The group includes Peterson (played by Robert Morley), an Englishman who claims to represent a British syndicate interested in the land; Julius O'Hara (played by Peter Lorre), a Hungarian who poses as a scientist; and Major Ross (played by Ivor Barnard), a retired British officer.
As the group travels by ship to Africa, they encounter various obstacles and setbacks, including engine trouble that forces them to stop in a small Italian port town. While waiting for repairs, they become involved with a motley crew of characters, including a mysterious British couple, Mr. and Mrs. Chelm (played by Edward Underdown and Jennifer Jones), who claim to be on their way to Africa to work as coffee planters.
As the plot unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that each member of the group has their own agenda, and alliances shift as they scheme and double-cross each other in pursuit of their goals. Meanwhile, a series of unexpected events and plot twists keep the audience guessing as to the true intentions of each character (1953).
Director: John Huston
Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Jennifer Jones, Gina Lollobrigida
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