We’re No Angels: Bogart Sings In This Underappreciated Christmas Movie

Humphery Bogart was one of Hollywood’s classic tough guys. With a steely gaze and soft-spoken stance, he stared down Nazis (Casablanca), thugs (The Maltese Falcon), kingpins (Key Largo), and mosquitoes (The African Queen). Although credited with some of the greatest American motion pictures, my personal favorite is a little mentioned Christmas movie from 1955. We’re No Angels tells the story of three Devil’s Island convicts who escape the prison, and pose as roofers while planning their getaway from the island. They become involved with the family running the store and use their unique talents to help them. There are many films where Bogart punches someone in the jaw but only one where he sings a Christmas carol. If you are looking for something fresh for holiday viewing, I recommend this funny, heartwarming prison break escapade.

Devil’s Island – Hell on Earth

Let’s start with the location. Devil’s Island was the name associated with the French penal colony of Cayenne in French Guiana. The island prison operated from 1852 to its official closing in 1953. Criminals shared the facility with political prisoners and anyone the French government wanted to disappear. The tropical climate, rampant disease, and brutal treatment by the staff accounted for the prison reaching a peak mortality rate of 75%.

It is little wonder why three convicts would seek freedom when the chance presented itself.

The Story

We’re No Angels opens after Joseph (Humphrey Bogart), Jules, (Peter Ustinov), and Albert (Aldo Ray) escape. We learn this was facilitated by Adolph, a small viper, who did not like their guard’s voice and bit him. While evading a police patrol, the trio duck into a shop where they meet Felix Ducotel (Leo G. Carroll), the kindly manager mistakes them for a work detail to fix the roof. Joseph plays into the misunderstanding and they head up the ladder, out of sight, and planning on robbing the place.

The trio observe the family unseen from the roof. Felix, his wife Amelie (Joan Bennett), and their daughter Isabelle (Gloria Talbott) prepare for Christmas under a cloud of financial hardship and the ruthless oversight of the owner, Felix’s cousin Andre Trochard (Basil Rathbone). The family is loving and vulnerable, and awaken realization within the convicts of what they lacked in their lives.

Joseph, Jules, and Albert soon become involved with the Ducotels. They take an active role in helping the shop. Joseph displays his salesman skills, ringing up sales by convincing customers of what they want, even if it is not what they need. The Ducotels respond by inviting them to join them for Christmas dinner.

The banter between the convicts is at the heart of the movie’s comedy. Albert is a kind-hearted “swine.” Jules is a master lockpicker with wonderful comedic timing. Joseph know how to fix the books and many problems. Joseph channels some of Bogart’s typical persona when he reminds Albert and Jules, “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.“

All good things must end and Christmas ends with the arrival of cousin Andre and his son, Paul. Andre shows only distain towards Felix and the convicts. His priority is his money and will not hesitate to toss Felix into the street if the shop does not show a profit.

Joseph cleans the books to put Felix in the black, but Andre suspects wrongdoing and threatens Felix with prison. Here is where Adolph saves the day. When Andre finds Adolph’s case, he assumes the trio stole it and takes it to his room. What follows is Joseph, Jules, and Albert debating who should warn Andre the case contains a poisonous snake. They drag it out in hilarious fashion until Joseph eventually goes to warn Andre. When he returns, Joseph reports with a shrug, “He knows.”

With Andre dead, Joseph writes him a new will, leaving everything to Felix. However, Paul burns the will, so he gets everything. Unfortunately, Paul does not have time to gloat. He stumbles upon Adolph and also gets bit.

With the Ducotels secure, the trio leave, looking the part of three law-abiding gentlemen. While at the docks, they reflect on their lives and how prison wasn’t so bad. They decide to turn themselves in. Besides, they can always break out again next year.

Making Angels

We’re No Angels was directed by Michael Curtiz, winner of the 1944 Best Director Oscar for Casablanca. The movie was based on Albert Husson’s French play La Cusine des Anges. The script was written by Ranald MacDougall, winner of the 1946 Oscar for Best Screenplay for Mildred Pierce.

The reported production cost was $1,685,000, adjusted to $20.4 million in 2025. The movie received mixed reviews and the box office was $3 million in 1955, adjusted to $36.3 million today.

Though not a recognized classic, I believe the sardonic theme of three convicts helping a struggling family against a businessman who views people only in terms of financial value to him holds special meaning these days. If only all such problems could be solved with a viper in a box.

The Players

Humphrey Bogart (Joseph): A true Hollywood legend. While starring in a Christmas movie may seem usual for such a dramatic actor, it makes sense considering Bogart’s birthday of December 25, 1899.

Peter Ustinov (Jules): Another legendary actor with an infectious smile. While an accomplished actor, director, writer for Hollywood and the stage, Ustinov is probably best remembered for his 1961 Oscar winning role in Spartacus.

Aldo Ray (Albert): The foundation of Ray’s tough guy roles could be traced to his experience as a U. S. Navy frogman in World War II who saw action on Iwo Jima. Ray played a variety of character roles in his career, including the voice of Sullivan in 1982’s The Secret of NIMH.

Leo G. Carroll (Felix Ducotel): Classic sci-fi movie fans will recognize Carroll as Dr. Deemer in 1955’s Tarantula. He was a prolific character actor whose credits include North By Northwest, Spellbound, and the TV spy show, The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Joan Bennett (Amelie Ducotel): Bennett was a Jersey girl from a family of actors. She appeared mainly on stage and television. She was nominated for her roles in Suspiria and Dark Shadows.

Basil Rathbone (Andre Trochard): Rathbone was the quintessential Sherlock Holmes in the movie, The Hound of the Baskervilles. Along with solving dastardly crimes, he starred in The Adventures of Robin Hood, Captain Blood, If I Were King, and Tales of Terror.

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