Review of The Maltese Falcon (1941) by John T — 19 Nov 2013

John Huston's directorial debut is quite possibly the best film noir detective story. Humphrey Bogart stars as Sam Spade in the third and best adaptation of Dashiell Hammett's film noir classic about the hunt for a jewel encrusted statue of a black falcon. Bogart set the standard for all film noir detectives to be measured against as he played each of the characters against themselves to get to the truth. The entire cast, a collection of oddball characters is fantastic. Peter Lorre is his usual creepy self as the nervous Joel Cairo, determined to locate the Maltese Falcon for his employer played by Sydney Greenstreet. The scene where he initially encounters Spade in his office is both suspenseful and hilarious; one of the best in film noir history. Mary Astor does a fine job albeit a bit too as melodramatic at times. Elisha Cook was as good in one of his first roles as Greenstreet's hitman with little dialogue; a role he became accustomed to playing. Barton MacLean as the District Attorney (Gen. Peterson from I Dream of Jeannie) and John Hamilton as the police detective (Perry White form The Adventures of Superman television series) are good in their supporting roles.

The script is fast paced with excellent dialogue, especially the scenes between Bogart and Greenstreet, although you may have to watch the concluding scene several times to understand how the plot unravels. I never tire of watching this movie.