High Sierra (1941)

This is the film, along with Maltese falcon that rocketed Bogart to stardom. Plot: Bogart plays Roy "Mad Dog" Earle, a convicted bank robber is released after 8 years in prison. Earle immediately goes to California to pull another heist - and meets a country girl and Ida Lupino a refugee from a LA dance hall.

 Bogart turns in a sympathetic performance as Earle, the bank robber who wants to pull off one more heist, then go straight. His character reflects the standard Bogie character that is seen in the Maltese Falcon and later in his other 40s films. He's cool professional who's good at his job and always the smartest man in the room. He's tough on the outside but has a soft spot for dames, dogs, and kids. The acting by Lupino and Bogart is excellent. The supporting cast especially Henry Travers is good. The script is above average and at 100 minutes the film doesn't wear out its welcome. Oddly, Lupino is given top billing, not Bogart.