The Criterion work on this films was superb! the photography really helps you to immerse in the world of Pépé le Moko. And I don't think he was as charming as everyone depicted him in his world, he was full of flaws BUT non the less he is a complex character, and he's capable even after 80 years later to share his longing with all of us, to move us, to permeate our own feelings, all through his longing for Gaby, and I believe his love for Gaby is a secondary matter, I think this film with every line in it, and even in the middle of Algiers screams its love and longing for Paris.

A full on romantic film, a romance with a city, with a nation, with a way of life! And without being nationalistic, but perhaps just a little näive; the love for a country, and the search for freedom was at the core of this story.

Yep, if Casablanca does not drink from this, and don't know where it drinks from. Some of the small characters are rare diamonds. Tania, for one, has the most extraordinary little moment.

@Catalina_xmp Pepe Le Pew was characterized after Charles Boyer’s portrayal of Pepe in Algiers, the 1938 remake of this film.