History of Key Largo (film) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 22, 2025

Key Largo, a 1948 film noir, follows Frank McCloud (Humphrey Bogart), a war veteran, as he visits Key Largo to honor a fallen comrade. He finds the hotel overrun by Johnny Rocco (Edward G. Robinson), a deported gangster, and his crew who are waiting out a hurricane. Nora Temple (Lauren Bacall), the widow of Frank's friend, and her father-in-law James (Lionel Barrymore) are also held hostage. As the storm rages, Frank must confront Rocco's brutality and his own disillusionment, ultimately finding the courage to oppose the gangster and protect Nora and James. Claire Trevor won an Oscar for her portrayal of Rocco's abused, alcoholic moll, Gaye Dawn.

1929: Introduction of "Moanin' Low"

In 1929, "Moanin' Low," composed by Ralph Rainger with lyrics by Howard Dietz, was introduced on Broadway in the revue "The Little Show" by Libby Holman.

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1936: Bullets or Ballots film

In 1936, Edward G. Robinson and Humphrey Bogart starred in "Bullets or Ballots", where Robinson received top billing.

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1937: Kid Galahad film

In 1937, Edward G. Robinson and Humphrey Bogart starred in "Kid Galahad", where Robinson received top billing.

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1938: The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse film

In 1938, Edward G. Robinson and Humphrey Bogart starred in "The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse", where Robinson received top billing.

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1939: Maxwell Anderson's play

In 1939, Maxwell Anderson wrote the play "Key Largo", which served as the basis for the film's screenplay.

Key Largo: A Play In A Prologue And Two Acts

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1939: Adaptation from Maxwell Anderson's play

In 1939, the script for the film "Key Largo" was adapted from a play of the same name by Maxwell Anderson. The play featured Mexican bandidos and the Spanish Civil War.

1940: Brother Orchid film

In 1940, Edward G. Robinson and Humphrey Bogart starred in "Brother Orchid", where Robinson received top billing.

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1944: To Have and Have Not film

In 1944, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall starred in "To Have and Have Not".

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1946: The Big Sleep film

In 1946, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall starred in "The Big Sleep".

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1947: Dark Passage film

In 1947, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall starred in "Dark Passage".

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1948: Filming at Warner Bros. Studios and Stock Footage

In 1948, "Key Largo" was primarily filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank. Exterior shots of the hurricane used stock footage from "Night Unto Night", another Warner Bros. production from the same year.

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1948: Key Largo film release and Claire Trevor's Academy Award win

In 1948, Key Largo, a film noir crime drama directed by John Huston, was released, starring Humphrey Bogart, Edward G. Robinson, and Lauren Bacall. Also in 1948, Claire Trevor won the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for her role as Gaye Dawn.