The Maltese Falcon (Old Time Radio) by Humphrey Bogart Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Maltese Falcon (Old Time Radio)
Book Review: annoying packaging
Summary: 3 Stars
A second to the reviewer who voiced a complaint about Warners' new cheap-looking slim case packaging. Sure, this is one of the best American films of all time, and a lot of reviewers here have given the DVD 5 stars for that reason. But my understanding is that these Amazon reviews are supposed to be for the DVD product, not the film itself. In any case, yes, as picky as it may sound, those of us building DVD libraries would appreciate a consistent format. Warners has been switching over from the old snap cases to the standard-sized keep cases for some time, and now they've changed their minds again to go to the slim cases, which are typically used only for TV show collections and by the way result in the DVDs being easily damaged. I won't go on and on about this, but please get back on track.Book Review: The Maltese Falcon - DVD
Summary: 5 Stars
One hesitates to use an already overused word, but in this instance, "classic" is appropriate. Besides simulataneously creating and setting the standard for the noir genre, the film contains possibly the greatest line ever uttered by Bogie in his career, in response to Mary Astor's plaintive suggestion that she has caused him nothing but trouble -
"I don't mind a reasonable amount of trouble."
Book Review: Bogart, the hero who was exactly right for his time...
Summary: 4 Stars
The Forties were the years when Hollywood decided that the mystery thriller deserved big-budget, big-star treatment, threw up a new kind of hero who was exactly right for his time: they were the fabulous years which established the private eye adventure as the irremovable all-time favorite in the whole field of suspense... The field was so rich, the choice so lavish in that decade, that it was difficult to know where memory should stop and call "Encore".
As the author of the screenplay, Huston made every effort to do justice, and remain faithful, to Dashiell Hammett's novel... But in remaining faithful, the newest version asked audiences to accept the complicated plot at its full strength and that is where the film's main flaw occurs... Names, murders, and intrigues turn up so quickly that it is extremely difficult to understand exactly what is happening in this tale of an assortment of characters in search of a fabulous jewel-encrusted statue...
Probably in no other film will a viewer find a gallery of such diverse human beings whose perfect1y constructed portrayals remain permanently locked in one's memory...
Mary Astor's Brigid O'Shaughnessy is a striking picture of feminine deceit and betrayal... Able to shed tears on command, she is a confirmed liar who can be as deadly as she is beautiful; she can make passionate love to Bogart, but wouldn't hesitate a moment to kill him if it suited her plan... Her performance is surely one of the screen's most brilliant portrayals of duplicity masked with fascination...
Sydney Greenstreet, in his movie debut, was equally memorable as the menacingly mountainous man behind the search for the elusive black bird, and almost stole the picture... Cunning, determined, appreciative of the fine arts, Greenstreet--who seemed to get more dangerous as he got more imperturbably polite--is a man who would devote his entire life to a single quest if need be...
Peter Lorre's Joel Cairo was a resolute picture of classic villainy... With curled hair and impeccably clean dress, he is an unpredictable accomplice of Greenstreet, difficult to deal with...
But it is Bogart's portrayal of Sam Spade that remains classic in its construction... Obviously cynical, he still maintains his own code of ethics which he adheres to faithfully... He is doubtful, but not foolhardy... He is courageous, but not without fear... Spade uses everyone he comes in contact with... He wins not because he's smarter than his enemies, but because he is the only character in a central position... Spade is every bit as ruthless as the crooks who try to use him... His tactics in dealing with them, however, are necessary for his survival...
His treatment of the two women in the film seems equally as harsh, but neither is a wide eyed innocent and both attempt to deceive him in one manner or another... His exchanges with Brigid O'Shaughnessy are electric... Their mutual attraction is undeniable... But Spade will play the fool for no woman... He is a loner, but he has contacts, and knows where to go for what he wants... Even with very little money, he is totally incorruptible... He has no apparent friends... He is laconic, but he can throw a wisecrack as fast as he can throw a punch...
"The Maltese Falcon" molded the image we remember of Bogart all through the early years of the Forties--an image elaborated upon and reinforced in "Casablanca," and the one which all Bogart fans remember with great affection and admiration...
Book Review: Maltese Falcon: Excellent film Noir
Summary: 5 Stars
This three -disc special edition is top notched. From the radio broadcast by edward g. robinson to the original motion picture versions of the film these are great extras. The picture and audio quality of the dvds is excellent. However no one embodies the role of sam spade as Humphrey Bogart and with a cast of villians as colorful as the ever elusive black bird, this film is a must own for any fan of bogart and of great film noir. Book Review: One of the best films of the era
Summary: 4 Stars
The Maltese Falcon stands as one of the finest detective films ever made. Jonh Huston's debut is a marvelous adaptation of Hammet's novel. The set also includes the first two attempts at turning the novel into a film, whihc didnt turn out so well. This is the film that made Bogart and it shows in his performance. Sidney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre also show up to give the film impeccable character.
The only problem I have with the DVD is that the transfer isn't nearly as good as the one for Casablanca. It would have been nice if Warner Bros had given the same amount of care for this film.