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OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 089

Algiers

193899 minUnited States
DramaCrime
Video edition
YouTube
Original language
English
This copy runs
99:07
Subtitles
English

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Synopsis

A wanted jewel thief has found protection in the winding streets of the Casbah, but the refuge is also a prison. A visitor from France awakens his longing for another life and draws the attention of a patient inspector. Desire becomes the opening through which the outside world can finally reach him.

Cast

DirectorsJohn Cromwell

Inspirations

The film remakes the French Pépé le Moko, itself adapted from Henri La Barthe's novel. Producer Walter Wanger acquired the earlier film's rights and sought to prevent it from competing with the remake in the United States.

Behind the scenes

Hedy Lamarr made her Hollywood debut here. Charles Boyer later described the discomfort of following Jean Gabin's performance closely, making the production an illuminating case of the tension between faithful remaking and an actor's own interpretation.

Sources and availability

General references identify the work and its copy. A reference beside an editorial section is linked to the claims checked in that section.

WikipediaInternet Archive

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

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Availability checked on September 10, 2026.

Photograph credit

Photographs cropped, resized and optimized as WebP, displayed in monochrome.

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