Algiers is a 1938 film directed by John Cromwell and starring Charles Boyer, Sigrid Gurie, and Hedy Lamarr. The Walter Wanger production was a remake of the successful 1937 French film Pépé le Moko, which derived its plot from the Henri La Barthe novel of the same name. John Howard Lawson wrote the screenplay. The film is notable as one of the sources of inspiration to the screenwriters of the 1942 Warner Brothers film Casablanca. Per the Turner Classic Movie Channel, the main character, Pepe Le Moko, was the inspiration for Warner Brothers animated character, Pepe Le Pew.

Plot

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Pepe Le Moko (Charles Boyer) is a notorious thief, who escaped from France after his last great heist to Algeria. Since his escape, Moko became a resident and leader of the immense Casbah, or "native quarter," of Algiers. French officials arrive insisting on Pepe's capture are met with unfazed local detectives, led by Inspector Slimane (Joseph Calleia), who are biding their time. Meanwhile, Pepe begins to feel increasingly trapped in his prison-like stronghold, a feeling which intensifies after meeting the beautiful Gaby (Hedy Lamarr), who is visiting from France. His love for Gaby soon arouses the jealousy of Ines (Sigrid Gurie), Pepe's Algerian mistress.

Cast

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Charles Boyer as Pepe le Moko
Sigrid Gurie as Ines
Hedy Lamarr as Gaby
Joseph Calleia as Inspector Slimane
Alan Hale as Grandpere
Gene Lockhart as Regis
Walter Kingsford as Chef Inspector Louvain
Paul Harvey as Commissioner Janvier

Awards and nominations

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Academy Awards

• Best Actor (nomination) - Charles Boyer
• Best Supporting Actor (nomination) - Gene Lockhart
• Best Art Direction (nomination) - Alexander Toluboff
• Best Cinematography (nomination) - James Wong Howe

External links

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1938 films | Films featuring a Best Actor Academy Award nominated performance | Films featuring a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award nominated performance | Drama films | Films directed by John Cromwell