Lauren Bacall’s Biggest Regret: The Film She Hoped You’d Never See

Few couples in Hollywood history have captured the public’s imagination quite like Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart. Their on-screen chemistry began with Bacall’s very first film, To Have and Have Not, launching her from teenage model to silver screen sensation almost overnight. Born Betty Joan Perske, she caught the eye of Slim Keith, wife of director Howard Hawks, and soon found herself with a new name and a contract in Tinseltown. Despite her inexperience, Bacall’s allure was undeniable, and she quickly became a star to watch.

But not every step in her early career was a triumph. There’s one project Bacall would have preferred to erase from memory—a film she felt failed to showcase her abilities and left her questioning her future in the industry. Still adjusting to the demands of fame and working alongside seasoned actors, Bacall’s second movie role would become a source of deep regret.

Stumbling in the Spotlight

After her breakout debut, Bacall was cast as Rose Cullen in Confidential Agent, playing opposite Charles Boyer’s character, Luis, a spy. The role was a pivotal opportunity, but the outcome was far from what she’d hoped. Critics were harsh, and the film’s reception was lukewarm at best. While Graham Greene, who wrote the original novel, praised her performance, the broader press was less forgiving. Bacall found herself facing a wave of negative attention that threatened to derail her budding career.

She placed much of the blame on Warner Bros executive Jack L. Warner, who had steered her toward the part. The experience left her shaken, worried that audiences and studios alike would never take her seriously again. In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, she didn’t mince words:

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

Turning the Tide

Fortunately for Bacall, Confidential Agent faded into relative obscurity, sparing her from lasting embarrassment. More importantly, she made a smart move by reuniting with director Howard Hawks for her third film. This decision would prove to be a turning point, both professionally and personally.

Her next project, The Big Sleep, saw her once again sharing the screen with Bogart—by then her husband. The film, adapted from Raymond Chandler’s novel, featured Bogart as a private investigator and Bacall as the enigmatic daughter of General Sternwood. While initial reviews were mixed, the movie soon earned its place as a classic, and Bacall’s performance helped restore her reputation.

Resilience and Lasting Legacy

Bacall and Bogart would go on to collaborate on two more films: Dark Passage and the Academy Award-winning Key Largo, directed by John Huston. These roles solidified her status as a Hollywood icon and proved she could bounce back from early missteps. Bacall’s career continued to flourish well into the 21st century, with memorable appearances in films like Lars von Trier’s Dogville and Jonathan Glazer’s Birth.

Despite the rocky start, Bacall’s determination and talent ensured that one regrettable role would never define her. Her journey from uncertain newcomer to legendary actress remains a testament to her resilience and enduring appeal.