Title: Algiers
Year: 1938
Genres: Crime; Drama; Romance
Director: John Cromwell

Cast:

• Charles Boyer as Pepe le Moko
• Hedy Lamarr as Gaby
• Sigrid Gurie as Inès
• Joseph Calleia as Jean
• Gene Lockhart as Jules
• Eugene Pallette as Cartney
• George Hassell as Inspector Slimane

Synopsis:

Pepe le Moko, a charismatic French thief, has been hiding in the Casbah of Algiers for years, eluding the police with the help of the local community. When glamorous American tourist Gaby arrives, Pepe risks everything by falling in love and granting her secret tours of the Casbah. As his infatuation deepens, Inspector Slimane closes in, determined to capture the elusive fugitive. Torn between safety and passion, Pepe must choose whether to stay with Gaby or flee—and the tragic consequences that follow underscore the clash between duty and desire.

Trivia:

• This Hollywood version was adapted from the 1937 French film Pépé le Moko and helped establish the “Casbah” as an icon of exotic noir.
• Algiers marked Hedy Lamarr’s breakout in American cinema and launched her stardom.
• The film’s art deco set design and shadowy cinematography influenced later film noirs of the 1940s.
• Paramount Pictures failed to renew the U.S. copyright after its initial term, placing Algiers into the public domain.