Review of The Big Sleep (1946) by Daniel W — 18 Aug 2008
Bogie, as Philip Marlowe, is at his Bogiest. Bacall is at her most luscious, trying to protect her trollop of a sister (Martha Vickers) from some blackmailing pornographers. Howard Hawks directs Raymond Chandler's great dialogue and memorable characters in a practically incomprehensible story. Never mind all that though, the important thing is that it's so much fun.
The scene with the old General in the greenhouse never fails to floor me. What a great performance from that old man.
General Sternwood: "If I seem a bit sinister as a parent, Mr. Marlowe, it's because my hold on life is too slight to include any Victorian hypocrisy. I need hardly add that any man who has lived as I have, and indulges for the first time in parenthood at my age, deserves all he gets.".
This review of The Big Sleep (1946) was written by Daniel W on 18 Aug 2008.
The Big Sleep has generally received very positive reviews.
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