Lauren Bacall’s Forgotten Flop: The Film She Hoped You’d Never See

Few screen duos have left a mark quite like Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart. Their on-screen chemistry kicked off with Bacall’s debut in To Have and Have Not, but her path to stardom wasn’t as effortless as it might seem. Born Betty Joan Perske, she started out as a teenage model before catching the eye of Slim Keith, who was married to director Howard Hawks. That chance encounter led to a Hollywood contract, a new name, and a rapid leap into the world of film, even though she’d barely set foot on a set before.

Bacall’s first role was a hit, but her second outing was a different story. Still finding her feet in the industry, she accepted the part of Rose Cullen in Confidential Agent, playing opposite Charles Boyer’s character, Luis. The film, based on a Graham Greene novel, cast her as a young British woman caught up with a spy. Unfortunately, her performance didn’t go down well with critics, and the film itself failed to make much of an impression with punters. While Greene himself thought she did alright, the general consensus was far less kind.

Stumbling in the Spotlight

It’s no secret that Bacall was still learning the ropes at this stage. She was suddenly thrust into the limelight, working alongside seasoned actors, and the pressure was on. The fallout from Confidential Agent was tough. Bacall later pointed the finger at Warner Bros executive Jack L Warner, blaming him for nudging her into a role that didn’t suit her. She genuinely feared that this misstep would ruin her chances of being taken seriously in the industry.

In a candid interview, she didn’t mince words about her feelings towards the film, saying,

“Whatever you do, don’t watch that movie.”

It was a rare moment of vulnerability from someone who would become known for her poise and confidence.

Bouncing Back with Bogart

Luckily for Bacall, Confidential Agent faded into the background, never quite achieving classic status. Her next move was a smart one—she teamed up again with Howard Hawks for her third film. This time, she landed a role in The Big Sleep, once more sharing the screen with Bogart, who by then was her husband. The film, adapted from Raymond Chandler’s novel, saw Bogart as a private detective and Bacall as the eldest daughter of General Sternwood. While the initial reviews were mixed, the film soon became a staple of classic cinema.

Her partnership with Bogart didn’t end there. They went on to star together in Dark Passage and the acclaimed Key Largo, directed by John Huston. These roles helped Bacall shake off the shadow of her earlier miscasting and cemented her reputation as a leading lady.

Lasting Legacy Beyond Early Missteps

Bacall’s career didn’t stall after that early stumble. She continued to take on diverse roles well into the 21st century, appearing in everything from Lars von Trier’s Dogville to Jonathan Glazer’s Birth. Despite the rocky start, she proved that one misjudged role wasn’t enough to define her legacy. Her resilience and talent kept her in the spotlight for decades, long after Confidential Agent was forgotten by most.