🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Michael Curtiz
- Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Family, Holiday
- Release year: 1955
- Runtime (length): 1h 46min
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10 (11K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Three escapees from Devil’s Island accidentally become good guys by letting a snake handle all their problems.
🍿 We’re No Angels: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Escape from Devil’s Island
The film opens with Joseph (Humphrey Bogart), Jules (Peter Ustinov), and Albert (Aldo Ray) escaping from the infamous Devil’s Island prison. These three convicts, a forger, a murderer, and a safecracker respectively, seek to find passage off the island and start new lives. They arrive in a small French colonial town, desperate for supplies and a place to hide.

Encounter with the Ducotel Family
The trio stumbles upon a struggling general store owned by Felix Ducotel (Leo G. Carroll) and his family. Initially intending to rob the store, they quickly realize the Ducotel family is on the verge of financial ruin. Felix is a kindly but inept merchant, exploited by his ruthless cousin André Trochard (Basil Rathbone). Feeling a pang of sympathy, the convicts decide to postpone their escape plans and help the family.

Christmas Miracles and Unlikely Allies
As Christmas approaches, the convicts use their unique skills and resources to improve the store’s business and the Ducotel’s prospects. Joseph puts his forgery skills to work, Jules uses his charm, and Albert relies on his unusual pet, a venomous snake named Adolphe, to influence events. They become unlikely guardian angels, protecting the family from the avarice of André and unexpected challenges.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Joseph (Humphrey Bogart): A master forger and the pragmatic leader of the escaped convicts, who finds himself surprisingly helping a struggling family.
- Jules (Peter Ustinov): A witty, safecracking convict with a talent for manipulation and a surprising sense of morality.
- Albert (Aldo Ray): A strong, but simple-minded convict whose loyalty and pet viper, Adolph, become invaluable to the group’s endeavors.
- Felix Ducotel (Leo G. Carroll): A kind-hearted but bumbling shopkeeper struggling to save his business and provide for his family.
- Andre Trochard (Basil Rathbone): The selfish and greedy owner of the store who exploits the Ducotel family.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Joseph: “We came here to rob them and that’s what we’re gonna do – beat their heads in, gouge their eyes out, cut their throats. Soon as we wash the dishes.” – Joseph ironically states their violent intentions, juxtaposed with a mundane task.
- Jules: “People like that, how can you cut their throats?” – Jules expresses doubt about harming the kind Ducotel family.
- Joseph: “I got ten years for a better set of books than this.” – Joseph comments on the poor bookkeeping of the Ducotel’s store.
- Albert: “Adolph doesn’t like mean people.” – Albert warns about his pet snake’s dislike for cruel individuals, foreshadowing events.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $1.685M
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $94
💥 We’re No Angels Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely love this movie! Bogart in a comedy role? Who knew he could be so funny! The whole premise is ridiculous, but the performances are so genuine, and the one liners are so perfect that I’m hooked from start to end. And the snake is just hilarious. Definitely a movie I could watch again and again.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of classic comedies”
- “Humphrey Bogart enthusiasts”
- “Viewers seeking heartwarming Christmas stories with a twist”
- “Those who appreciate witty dialogue and ensemble casts”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild peril”
- “Thematic elements of crime, though presented in a comedic light”
- “Depiction of a venomous snake as a pet (Adolph)”
Professional Reviews
- The Wrap: “A charming black comedy with Bogart showing off his seldom-seen comedic timing. Ustinov and Ray provide excellent support, creating a delightful and heartwarming film experience. The script’s sharp wit and the cast’s chemistry make this a classic worth revisiting.
- Screen Rant: “A witty, feel-good movie that delivers on many levels. The movie features Bogart, Ustinov, and Ray, portraying each character in such a way that it makes it easy to fall in love with them. The dialogue is well written and the overall plot can be enjoyable for all ages.
Audience Reactions
The witty dialogue and unexpected humor make it a standout Christmas movie.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s clever humor, stellar performances, and heartwarming story despite its unconventional premise.
Overall Consensus: A delightfully charming dark comedy with memorable performances and witty writing, though some find the premise slightly far-fetched.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Humphrey Bogart took a role in this comedy to show he wasn’t just a tough guy actor.”
- “The film is based on the French play ‘La Cuisine des Anges’ by Albert Husson.”
- “This was the final film collaboration between Humphrey Bogart and director Michael Curtiz.”
🖥️ How to Watch We’re No Angels?
Currently, “We’re No Angels” (1955) is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for potential broadcast options or streaming availability through subscription services.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed We’re No Angels, you might like these similar films:
- Arsenic and Old Lace (1944): Dark comedy involving murder and quirky characters, with a farcical tone.
- The Lavender Hill Mob (1951): British comedy about a mild-mannered man who plots to steal gold bullion, similar lighthearted crime theme
- The Ref (1994): A burglar is forced to play marriage counselor for a bickering couple, creating comedic chaos.
- A Christmas Story (1983): A Christmas-themed classic with dark humor elements and unconventional family situations.
🛒 We’re No Angels Related Products
- Humphrey Bogart: The Essential Collection: A collection of Bogart’s best films including Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon, and We’re No Angels. Experience the range of Bogart’s talent.
- We’re No Angels (1955) Blu-ray: High-definition Blu-ray edition of the original film. Remastered for optimal viewing quality.
- Devil’s Island Escape Board Game: Strategically plan your escape from Devil’s Island in this board game inspired by the movie. Outwit guards and fellow prisoners to claim your freedom.
- “We’re No Angels” Movie Poster (Framed): High-quality framed movie poster featuring original artwork. A stylish addition to any film lover’s home decor.
🎧 Soundtrack
We’re No Angels features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘We’re No Angels’ was primarily filmed at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California.
Yes, the 1989 film starring Robert De Niro and Sean Penn is a remake of the 1955 ‘We’re No Angels’ starring Humphrey Bogart.
While not a traditional Christmas movie, the 1955 ‘We’re No Angels’ is set during the Christmas season and explores themes of kindness, redemption, and unexpected miracles, making it a popular choice for holiday viewing.
🔥 Bonus Content
【NG】來介紹一部神明顯靈啦的電影《我們不是天使We’re No Angels》
Hey, have you ever wondered what makes ‘We’re No Angels’ so special? This review breaks it down, and even though it’s not in English, the visuals and energy are contagious! It might give you a whole new perspective on the movie. I think you will enjoy it!
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