THE MALTESE FALCON

CAPSULE REVIEW –– One of the first and best film noirs to ever come out of Hollywood. Bogart finally gets the star treatment as street smart detective Sam Spade, a man caught in a sticky web of lies, betrayal and murder. He's drawn into the desperate search for the Maltese Falcon – a priceless 400-year-old, jewel-encrusted statue – by a lovely woman, played by Mary Astor, who does nothing but lie to him from the moment they meet. Despite this, he allows her to use him because he wants to see where her stories lead. The men she's battling for possession of the statue are extremely dangerous, but they only amuse Spade. He's not a threat since, for most of the film, he has no idea what they're looking for. However, Sam's no chump. He's only being amenable in order to be included in the final discovery. One really has to pay attention to the proceedings since everybody double-crosses everyone else at least once and sometimes twice. The film ends as it should, with the bad guys getting exactly what they deserve. The reason this film is considered a classic is because of the great dialogue, colorful characters, brilliant cinematography and intriguing story. Lorre and Greenstreet are two of the best character actors to ever come out of Hollywood and prove why here. Astor is bad to the bone, but gives the usual vamp role class and intelligence. Bogart moves up to the A-list with this performance. He has an ugly mug, but no one plays hard-boiled with a heart of gold better. A must-see worth seeking out.