Storm Over Lisbon

In my opinion, and that of many others, "Casablanca" is one of the very best films ever made. Much of it was because of the plot...but much more because of the wonderful ensemble cast. Warner Brothers used all the best supporting actors in its inventory to create a masterpiece. So, it's not surprising that another studio would try to cash in on its success. Unfortunately, this other studio was Republic. I say unfortunately because they didn't have access to nor could afford such a terrific cast. In addition, the film is saddled with studio chief Herbert Yates' personal 'favorite'.... Vera Ralston. According to most film experts, Ralston was Yates' mistress* and this alone would explain why he cast this woman in the leads in so many films, as she certainly was no great actress. Additionally, they have her doing something new here...sing and dance...and you have to see it to believe it! All in all, a recipe for mediocrity....at best.

Erich von Stroheim plays Mr. Deresco, a man who owns a nightclub in Lisbon and who is a rather amoral man. He really doesn't see too concerned about who wins the war....and is more than willing to do spying for both sides. After all, his allegiance is to Deresco. And, like in Casablanca, all sorts of stateless people arrive there in order to avoid the Nazis.

So is this third-tier "Casablanca" worth seeing...even if it stars the likes of Richard Arlen, Vera Hruba Ralston and Erich von Stroheim? Not especially. It's not terrible but sure could have been so much better with a better script and with better leads.

*Eventually Ralston and Yates did marry in 1952 after Yates divorced his wife, Petra.