THE MALTESE FALCON (1941)

Film of the Day #248

THE MALTESE FALCON
1941 • John Huston

Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Gladys George, Peter Lorre, Barton MacLane, Lee Patrick, Sydney Greenstreet, Ward Bond, Jerome Cowan, Elisha Cook Jr.
Screenplay: John Huston; Based on The Maltese Falcon 1930 novel by Dashiell Hammett
Cinematography: Arthur Edeson
Music: Adolph Deutsch

Warner Bros.

When you're slapped, you'll take it and like it.

The Maltese Falcon is the quintessential film noir masterpiece that unfolds as an enigmatic detective story, where the truth is rare and elusive. Humphrey Bogart stars as Sam Spade, a private investigator who falls into a plot to attain the priceless and elusive Maltese Falcon, a statuette of incredible value. Spade becomes entangled in a web of deceit and intrigue when his partner is murdered while investigating the case. As Spade delves deeper into the mystery, he encounters a cast of enigmatic characters, each with their own motives and secrets. The Maltese Falcon stands as a timeless entry into the realm of film noir, a shadowy landscape of deception and intrigue that has seldom been surpassed.

Bogart's portrayal of Sam Spade is iconic—a classic tough guy with a cynical edge. Many argue that this performance rivals his renowned role in Casablanca, making Spade one of the most memorable characters in film noir history. The influence of The Maltese Falcon is evident in the countless imitations of Bogart's portrayal of Spade. Spade is a cynic navigating a world where morality is as elusive as the coveted falcon itself. His dialogue is sharp and memorable, with the film offering a plethora of unforgettable quotes that have seeped into the fabric of pop culture.

The pace of the film is relentless, maintaining a fast-moving rhythm. It guides you through the underbelly of a seedy world, a world where truth is a scarce commodity. Morality takes a back seat in this seedy world, where no character can claim to be entirely honest or righteous. Even Spade himself is revealed to be entangled in an affair with his partner's wife, adding a layer of moral ambiguity to his character. This begs the question: is Spade genuinely cynical, or has the grim world he inhabits molded him into a reflection of its own darkness?

The dynamic between Mary Astor's character, Brigid O'Shaughnessy, and Bogart is a constant game of deception, blurring the lines between truth and lies. Their dynamic keeps the audience guessing about who holds the cards of truth. From the moment Brigid steps into Spade's office, her motives and true identity remain shrouded in mystery. Her beauty conceals a cunning nature, and as she spins her tale of woe and desperation, the line between truth and lies becomes blurred. Astor's performance is masterful, offering a delicate balance of vulnerability and deceit, making it challenging for both Spade and the audience to discern her true intentions.

As Spade, the epitome of a hard-boiled detective, attempts to unravel the lies surrounding Brigid, their dynamic becomes a psychological chess match. Each interaction is laden with subtext. Spade, with his cynical wit and sharp instincts, becomes both the pursuer and the pursued in this dichotomy. Is Brigid a victim of circumstance or a skilled manipulator? The uncertainty surrounding Brigid O'Shaughnessy contributes to the film's appeal, as viewers are left wondering about her true nature. The constant game of deception not only heightens the suspense but also underscores the film's overarching theme of moral ambiguity in a world where trust is extinct.

Sidney Greenstreet's Kasper Gutman is mesmerizing. As the rotund and urbane villain, Greenstreet brings a unique blend of charm, sophistication, and malevolence to the screen, creating a character whose every nuance adds to the film's dark and mysterious atmosphere. From the moment Gutman appears on screen, there's an undeniable aura of menace surrounding him. Greenstreet's commanding presence, accentuated by his deep voice and imposing stature, establishes Gutman as a figure not to be taken lightly. The character's physicality is juxtaposed with an air of refinement, creating a subtle contradiction that adds to the enigma surrounding him. Every word uttered by Gutman is carefully measured and imbued with a sense of calculated cunning. The cinematography further enhances Greenstreet's portrayal, utilizing low-angle shots that emphasize Gutman's imposing presence. Shot from below, he looms over the other characters, a visual representation of his dominance. Gutman is not a one-dimensional villain; he is a character with layers of sophistication and ruthlessness. Gutman is simultaneously repulsive and intriguing. For fans of the Star Wars franchise, there are a lot similarities between Gutman and the alien slug gangster Jabba the Hutt.

The Maltese Falcon itself becomes a symbol of greed that drives almost everyone in the story. It becomes a metaphorical embodiment of the characters' relentless pursuit of their own desires. The Falcon becomes a coveted treasure that mirrors the darker aspects of human nature. Everyone lusts after it, except, notably, for Spade. Sam Spade is a character motivated not by the tangible allure of the Maltese Falcon but by an unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. Amidst a world where deception and moral ambiguity prevail, Spade's singular focus on exposing reality stands out as his defining redemptive trait. In a society where everyone is lying and self-serving, Spade's dedication to uncovering the facts is a rare thing, offering a glimpse of morality in a dark and ugly world.

- What is it?
- The, uh, stuff that dreams are made of.

Notable Awards & Accomplishments

• Academy Award Nominee: Best Picture

• Academy Award Nominee: Best Supporting Actor (Greenstreet)

• Academy Award Nominee: Best Writing, Screenplay

Streaming: Tubi
Digital Rental/Purchase: Available at most digital retailers
Physical Media: Available on 4K, Blu-Ray and DVD