Review of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) by Cecilia C — 13 Mar 2009

This movie, forever known for the line ?I don?t have to show you any stinking badges,? is more of a philosophical study on human nature than an action film. Yes, there is action and a certain sense of mystery, but the core of the film is a character study about materialism, morals and friendship.

Don?t be alarmed?all of these things make it sound like a boring ?educational? film, which it is most definitely not. Based on a novel by the elusive author B. Traven, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre lives up to its reputation as a true classic directed by one of the greatest filmmakers of the 20th Century (John Huston).

Humphrey Bogart, who had already developed a working relationship with Huston with films like 1941?s The Maltese Falcon and Key Largo also from 1948, changed his clean-cut ladies man image to take on the role of a scruffy, indigent American Fred Dobbs trapped in Mexico.

With a coincidental twist of fate, Dobbs meets up with Curtin, who is just as down on his luck, and an aged prospector (Huston?s father Walter) who tells the two younger men about his good old days gold mining.

That?s when it really all begins?the three of them head out of town to hunt for gold. Whether they find some of not is soon irrelevant since once in the middle of nowhere Curtin?s and especially Dobbs?s greed and paranoia starts to take over.

Walter Huston?s character, Howard, is the one constant in the film. He does not change since he already has experienced the highs and lows of prospecting and knows what not to do. Also, being the oldest, Howard has the least to lose or gain from finding gold.

Put all of these characters and situations together and what you have is one great film filled with flawed, yet powerful people learning an equally powerful message. Don?t worry?this film is not preachy in its morality.

It just depicts how easily greed can corrupt. A good film for everyone to watch but especially recent lottery winners!