The Maltese Falcon (1941)

100% of critics liked it
(43 reviews)
90% of users liked it
(52,423 ratings)

After two previous film versions of Dashiell Hammett's detective classic The Maltese Falcon, Warner Bros. finally got it right in 1941--or, rather, John Huston, a long-established screenwriter making his directorial debut, got it right, simply by adhering as closely as possible to the original.… More After two previous film versions of Dashiell Hammett's detective classic The Maltese Falcon, Warner Bros. finally got it right in 1941--or, rather, John Huston, a long-established screenwriter making his directorial debut, got it right, simply by adhering as closely as possible to the original. Taking over from a recalcitrant George Raft, Humphrey Bogart achieved true stardom as Sam Spade, a hard-boiled San Francisco private eye who can be as unscrupulous as the next guy but also adheres to his own personal code of honor. Into the offices of the Spade & Archer detective agency sweeps a Miss Wonderly (Mary Astor), who offers a large retainer to Sam and his partner Miles Archer (Jerome Cowan) if they'll protect her from someone named Floyd Thursby. The detectives believe neither Miss Wonderly nor her story, but they believe her money. Since Archer saw her first, he takes the case -- and later that evening he is shot to death, as is the mysterious Thursby. Miss Wonderly's real name turns out to be Brigid O'Shaughnessey, and, as the story continues, Sam is also introduced to the effeminate Joel Cairo (Peter Lorre) and the fat, erudite Kasper Gutman (Sydney Greenstreet, in his film debut). It turns out that Brigid, Cairo and Gutman are all international scoundrels, all involved in the search for a foot-high, jewel-encrusted statuette in the shape of a falcon. Though both Cairo and Gutman offer Spade small fortunes to find the "black bird," they are obviously willing to commit mayhem and murder towards that goal: Gutman, for example, drugs Spade and allows his "gunsel" Wilmer (Elisha Cook Jr.) to kick and beat the unconscious detective. This classic film noir detective yarn gets better with each viewing, which is more than can be said for the first two Maltese Falcons and the ill-advised 1975 "sequel" The Black Bird. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 41 min.
Directed By: John Huston
Written By: John Huston
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Drama

In Theaters: Oct 18, 1941 Wide
On DVD: Feb 15, 2000
Studio: Warner Bros.

Critic Reviews

, TIME Magazine
Frighteningly good evidence that the British (Alfred Hitchcock, Carol Reed, et al.) have no monopoly on the technique of making mystery films.
James Berardinelli, ReelViews
The Maltese Falcon is among the most important and influential movies to emerge from the Hollywood system -- as significant in some ways as its contemporary, Citizen Kane.
Variety Staff, Variety
This is one of the best examples of actionful and suspenseful melodramatic story telling in cinematic form.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Who can argue with Bogart's glower or Mary Astor in her ratty fur?
Bosley Crowther, New York Times
Mr. Huston gives promise of becoming one of the smartest directors in the field.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Among the movies we not only love but treasure, The Maltese Falcon stands as a great divide.
Richard T. Jameson, Parallax View
It's the classic hardboiled private-eye movie; the nervy maiden offering of its celebrated director, John Huston; the first glamorous star vehicle for Humphrey Bogart...
Bryant Frazer, Bryant Frazer's Deep Focus
Immaculately designed, evocatively photographed, and easy to watch but also spiky, morally complex, and ultimately unsettling.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Excellent but too mature for the littlest kids.
Chris Cabin, Slant Magazine
John Huston's just-slightly overpraised noir debut gets its fair shake from Warner Bros. via an overall exceptional Blu-ray.
Dan Jardine, Cinemania
Ground zero for film noir. Iconic.
Sean Axmaker, Seanax.com
This Spade is no stranger to the guile of shady clients and colorful suspects...
Douglas Pratt, DVDLaser
The film is made up almost entirely of talk, and yet the performances are so wonderfully flamboyant and focused that conversations become the action of the movie.
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
Perfect use of the old McGuffin.
, Empire Magazine
Arguably the finest remake ever.
, Film4
With its dark, complex plotting, stark black-and-white photography, concentration on the baseness of man, and a cynical mood sustained to its still shockingly grim conclusion, this is the prototypical film noir.
Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
... part of what makes a film great is its power to obliterate whatever preconceptions we bring to it. There is brittle wit and sparkling harm and a very adult sense of fun present in The Maltese Falcon; it still works as a movie
Chris Barsanti, Filmcritic.com
sharp and jagged... stripped clean
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
In tribute to the best, Warner Home Video's Blu-ray transfer of the film is truly 'the stuff that dreams are made of.' (Blu-ray Edition)
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
If 'The Maltese Falcon' doesn't qualify as the best private-eye yarn ever filmed, I don't know what does.

Read all 21 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Jay H

Why don't we get films like this anymore? Why don't we get actors as slick and as savvy as Humphrey Bogart in our day? There's really not much to say about this film other than it's an exciting, compelling picture the likes of which just aren't created in this… More
Why don't we get films like this anymore? Why don't we get actors as slick and as savvy as Humphrey Bogart in our day? There's really not much to say about this film other than it's an exciting, compelling picture the likes of which just aren't created in this modern day. It's a classic dramatic mystery.
Chris W

John Huston's debut film is the third(!) adaptation of Dashiell Hammett's classic detective novel. Much like Ben-Hur, I had no idea that the classic that everyone raves about is a remake or at least not the first version. Regardless, this is a great film, and it pretty much… More
John Huston's debut film is the third(!) adaptation of Dashiell Hammett's classic detective novel. Much like Ben-Hur, I had no idea that the classic that everyone raves about is a remake or at least not the first version. Regardless, this is a great film, and it pretty much kick started the film noir subgenre. The film concerns private eye Sam Spade who gets caught up in a web of mystery, intrigue, and a valuable item whe na lvoely lady shows up at his office needing his services. From there the film becomes less about the plot and the statue of the title (it's a classic MacGuffin), and is instead a sharply written, wonderfully acted, and excellently paced character study where the focus is less on action, and more of a duel of wits. The cinematography is elegant, evocative, and sets the mood perfectly. The music starts off kinda light and almost unfitting, but then comes around, saves itself, and adds to the tension and suspense. The acting is where the film really shines though, As Sam Spade, Humphrey Bogart stopped being a B-Level character player and became the A-List icon everyone knows and loves. Peter Lorre is good as the iffy and effiminate Joel Cairo, and Mary Astor makes for a terrific femme fatale, but it's Sydney Greenstreet, in his film debut as Kasper Gutman who really impresses, definitely makign a solid impression, thanks in part to his intimidating build (guy must be at least 6 feet tall and weigh over 300 lbs). All in all, this is a stirring and memorable caper that just cruises right along and, despite the twisty, turny nature of the plot, never becomes incomprehensible, and gets wrapped up nicely by the time the end credits roll. This one set a standard that is still influencing pop culture today, and definitely deserves to be seen.
Daniel P

I know, I know: it's a classic. Unfortunately, I had trouble staying awake during this one. The scenes are so long and talky - though that's something I usually like in old movies, it didn't work for me here. Also, I understand the purpose of a plot coupon like the… More
I know, I know: it's a classic. Unfortunately, I had trouble staying awake during this one. The scenes are so long and talky - though that's something I usually like in old movies, it didn't work for me here. Also, I understand the purpose of a plot coupon like the titular falcon, but it kind of makes you feel cheated in the end, doesn't it? I didn't really care to learn who was doing the killings: I wanted to know what was going to happen once they found the falcon. High suspense, though - I'm sure I'll appreciate it next time through - and great acting combine to make this film watchable, and re-watchable, but it's kind of a ho-hum genre piece stuck in its time. It won't blow your mind.
Graham J

The Maltese Falcon is Huston's first masterpiece and the essential example of film noir. Bogart in one of his most memorable roles.
Thomas B

Perplexing, stylish and dark. Full review later.
Tsubaki S

If you ever wonder why Bogart is a movie icon, this is the movie you need to watch.
Sergio G

Agree with most of you. One of the best movies ever. I doubt someone could give us a better performance as Humprey portraying Sam Spade or any other detective. He's is unique, as he is ironic, sarcastic, clever and fast talker. "What do you want me to do? Learn to… More
Agree with most of you. One of the best movies ever. I doubt someone could give us a better performance as Humprey portraying Sam Spade or any other detective. He's is unique, as he is ironic, sarcastic, clever and fast talker. "What do you want me to do? Learn to stutter?" . Great script and good directing. It would be great to watch a new Sam Spade adventure...but also improbable.
Steven C

John Huston's "The Maltese Falcon" is just really great. The plot is mature and twisty and the performances are first rate. Yes, this is quintessential Humphrey Bogart but the real standout is Mary Astor. She deftly calculates the right amount of vulnerability and… More
John Huston's "The Maltese Falcon" is just really great. The plot is mature and twisty and the performances are first rate. Yes, this is quintessential Humphrey Bogart but the real standout is Mary Astor. She deftly calculates the right amount of vulnerability and strength to make her role singularly believable. The only real fault this film has is that it's essentially a series of conversations, so things can feel a bit long and confined, but regardless, it's a nifty little mystery.
Jon L

I don't know if it was just me or not, but I found this one hard to follow. It all made sense in the end, but I got lost about halfway through. I'm okay with it just being me. Maybe I was tired or something. Anyways, it was neat to see a similar cast to Casablanca in the… More
I don't know if it was just me or not, but I found this one hard to follow. It all made sense in the end, but I got lost about halfway through. I'm okay with it just being me. Maybe I was tired or something. Anyways, it was neat to see a similar cast to Casablanca in the film. They did a tremendous job and even though I got lost in some if the lengthy dialogue, it had me on the edge until the last line of the film. Entertaining for certain and a good one to watch.
AJ V

Many people point to this as one of the best noir films, I don't think it's the best, but I do like it. I highly recommend checking it out.
danny d

definitely one of the best films of all time. classic noir with great performances and a perfect plot. the twists and turns were intriguing and the payoff at the end following all of the mystery was incredible. there were no holes in this one and the characters were consistent and… More
definitely one of the best films of all time. classic noir with great performances and a perfect plot. the twists and turns were intriguing and the payoff at the end following all of the mystery was incredible. there were no holes in this one and the characters were consistent and well developed despite their simple purposes. after another viewing im still in love with this film. a truly great piece of film history.
Conner R

Just flat out flawless, there's no denying the magic this movie possesses. It gives you the ultimate trip into film noir with all of the cliches and gags. However, that's the main reason the genre works so well. You know what's going to happen 10 minutes in, but you… More
Just flat out flawless, there's no denying the magic this movie possesses. It gives you the ultimate trip into film noir with all of the cliches and gags. However, that's the main reason the genre works so well. You know what's going to happen 10 minutes in, but you stay for the characters and the way it looks. In my opinion, this has all of the techniques and revolutionary devices that Citizen Kane had without any of the flaws.
Tim S

Fantastic noir detective story. I'm not an enormous John Huston fan, but this one was just knocked out of the park.
Jennifer D

It was a classic film noir I had to seen in order to call myself a film nerd. I really loved Humphrey Bogart and Peter Lorre was nice and creepy. Very nicely done - which is why it is a classic.... duh.
xGary X

A lot of films that are considered "classic" are viewed because you feel you ought to rather than because you want to, and the result can be disappointment. The Maltese Falcon is an all-time classic that not only deserves to be seen, but demands it. Bogart's cynical… More
A lot of films that are considered "classic" are viewed because you feel you ought to rather than because you want to, and the result can be disappointment. The Maltese Falcon is an all-time classic that not only deserves to be seen, but demands it. Bogart's cynical anti-hero was far from the square-jawed do-gooder that was the staple of the crime story of the time, and Huston's own adaptation of Hammet's novel has barbed dialogue zinging off every character like a hail of ricocheting bullets. Some examples of this type of film can be too convoluted for their own good, but the comparatively straightforward plot of The Maltese Falcon makes it the perfect entry point for anyone interested in Film Noir, and what you'll find is a wealth of taut, witty dialogue, timeless characters and one of the best detective movies ever made that arguably was the starting point for an entire genre. And to think... this was John Huston's first film! Remarkable.
Saskia D

I know it's a classic, but it's just not my thing. All detective, no depth. Bogart didn't really do it for me either.
Jennifer X

Bogart is the male Angelina Jolie. His grimace takes no prisoners but he's sexy while sending you off to death. It's no surprise Mary Astor can't keep up with him but she tries, and even pulls it off in a few scenes. It was enjoyable watching the rest of the Casablanca… More
Bogart is the male Angelina Jolie. His grimace takes no prisoners but he's sexy while sending you off to death. It's no surprise Mary Astor can't keep up with him but she tries, and even pulls it off in a few scenes. It was enjoyable watching the rest of the Casablanca cast making an experience with quite sizeable roles. I can see where The Treasure of the Sierra Madre gets its greed momentum from.
Sarah G

Review coming soon
Veronique K

"maltese falcon" is a noir masterpiece of director john huston and humprey bogart who was the last-min substitute for george raft, and bogart's breakthru successs in the early 40s should thank to raft's refusal to several projects which catapult bogart's… More
"maltese falcon" is a noir masterpiece of director john huston and humprey bogart who was the last-min substitute for george raft, and bogart's breakthru successs in the early 40s should thank to raft's refusal to several projects which catapult bogart's stardom, such as "high sierra"... bogart plays detective sam spade who gets involved with mary astor's dubious femme fatale who leads him into the quest of a precious maltese falcon. meanwhile a trio of falcon treasure hunters (peter lorre, sydney greenstreet and elisha cook jr. ) is also avid to track down the falcon, so bogart has to deal with them all but still shrewdly alert enough to any backstabbing scheme. simultaneously, he also sets his covetous eyes to his object of desire, astor who hooks him as her protector. the plot development is vibrantly swift-paced, and bogart is the sneering cynic anti-hero who mocks everyone. lines like "you kill my husband, be kind to me! ha!" to his partner's widow is sarcastic. or "you're good. very good. but don't overact, angel" to mary astor is also very defyingly poignant, and it's like he's laughing at you right to your face relentlessly then telling you he's not gonna buy into any of those shits from you. that's our insolent cocky man who is misogynistic enough not to fall as evil woman's romantic steer. the final confrontation of bogart and astor indicates his stance that he's an unpredictable man with moral ambiguity. he takes a bit of the pretty poison for a slight taste, then he spits out before he's gonna devour it then get himself ruined, just like you're bold enough to trifle with fire but smart enough to extinguish it before it strikes at you. that's a peculiar poise diffrent from the typical noir anti-hero who usually succumbs to the insidious feminine charm, but not bogart who is sneakily clever enough to get away with it. then the enclosing line from bogart to the falcon "it's the stuff dreams are made of" while he witnesses mary astor dispatched to the prison mercilessly. bogart used to play villainy before "maltese falcon" then he blends a sort of new aura to the protagonist, a sort of blurred moral relativism which makes you wonder if he's decent or crooked, then he amazes you by doing the right thing in last min as the steel-willed man who ruthlessly serves the record right at any cost. besides, the falcon trio has some suggestive undertone of homosexuality in them, especially the old obsese man and the young thug who gets doublecrossed eventually.
Cindy I

There are no words to accurately describe how good this film is. It justly made Humphrey Bogart a mega-star with his portrayal of private eye Sam Spade. Everything about this film noir thriller -- the cast (Mary Astor, Peter Lorre and an Oscar-winning turn from 62 year old Sidney… More
There are no words to accurately describe how good this film is. It justly made Humphrey Bogart a mega-star with his portrayal of private eye Sam Spade. Everything about this film noir thriller -- the cast (Mary Astor, Peter Lorre and an Oscar-winning turn from 62 year old Sidney Greenstreet in his first film role), the direction (John Huston's first of many fine directing efforts), the crackling script which closely follows the Dashiell Hammett novel of the same name -- is perfect. What is the Maltese Falcon? Why do they want it? What will they do to get it? Get the answers to these questions by seeing this film as soon as possible, and then seeing it again...and again.