The Maltese Falcon

January 1941

(80)

Synopsis

Cinematic masterpiece stars screen-legend Humphrey Bogart ("Casablanca," "The African Queen") as private detective Sam Spade, a no-nonsense loner whose partner is killed while pursuing a case. As Spade seeks out the killer, he becomes entangled in a sinister plot to locate a priceless 16th century statuette, known as the Maltese Falcon. Based on best-selling crime author Dashiel Hammet's novel, it was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Screenplay. Recently selected as one of the top 25 American films of all time by the prestigious American Film Institute. Bogart is joined by Oscar-winner Mary Astor ("Little Women," "The Great Lie"), Peter Lorre ("Casablanca"), Sydney Greenstreet ("Casablanca"), and Elisha Cook, Jr. ("The Big Sleep"). Greenstreet received an Oscar-nomination for his portrayal of "the Fat Man." Written and directed by Academy Award-winner John Huston ("The African Queen," "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre"). MPAA Rating: PG © 1941 A Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved

Reviews

4.6

80 total

5 59

4 15

3 2

2 2

1 2

Otis Ferguson

The Maltese Falcon is the first crime melodrama with finish, speed and bang to come along in what seems ages.

Frighteningly good evidence that the British (Alfred Hitchcock, Carol Reed, et al.) have no monopoly on the technique of making mystery films.

James Berardinelli

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

This is one of the best examples of actionful and suspenseful melodramatic story telling in cinematic form.

Dave Kehr

Who can argue with Bogart's glower or Mary Astor in her ratty fur?

Derek Adams

Filmed almost entirely in interiors, it presents a claustrophobic world animated by betrayal, perversion and pain.

Critic reviews

Otis Ferguson

The Maltese Falcon is the first crime melodrama with finish, speed and bang to come along in what seems ages.

Full Review

Frighteningly good evidence that the British (Alfred Hitchcock, Carol Reed, et al.) have no monopoly on the technique of making mystery films.

Full Review

James Berardinelli

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.

Full Review

Variety Staff

This is one of the best examples of actionful and suspenseful melodramatic story telling in cinematic form.

Full Review

Dave Kehr

Who can argue with Bogart's glower or Mary Astor in her ratty fur?

Full Review

Derek Adams

Filmed almost entirely in interiors, it presents a claustrophobic world animated by betrayal, perversion and pain.

Full Review

Bosley Crowther

Mr. Huston gives promise of becoming one of the smartest directors in the field.

Full Review

User reviews

Donna Mongelli March 16, 2014

AWESOME! Hammett's story becomes classic with Bogart & Astor. Bogie is the definitive gums hoe asking all the right questions. You also have scene stealing Peter Lorre, who also starred in Casablanca with Bogie., more scene stealing. These were the actors that created iconic characters, that built Hollywood. They were legends in the making. First time I saw this was on the big screen, at a revival theater in NYC. Just made you love Bogie and Lorre even more.

A Google User November 5, 2012

One of the Classics I will wait to purchase. Makes no sense to rent it is on TCM every few months.

A Google User November 13, 2012

Want to buy Ill rate it five when i can buy. I wont rent this movie. I will wait to see i i can buy later

A Google User September 8, 2012

Want to buy I'm not going to spend any money on this until I can buy it. Make it happen!

A Google User October 3, 2012

Want to buy this I'd rather buy than rent this. Make it happen and then we'll talk

A Google User November 18, 2012

Love it :D Have always been a Bogart fan :D

Rudy Torres July 15, 2013

Great!! Bogie does it right

A Google User March 4, 2012

Great movie! Classic!

Ashley Petrea October 2, 2013

The Maltese Falcon This part was made for Bogie.

Katrina Scotka July 20, 2014

Terrible....couldn't make it through the show.

Cast and credits

Actors	Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Peter Lorre, Gladys George, Sydney Greenstreet, Elisha Cook Jr.
Director	John Huston

Additional information

Rotten tomatoes® score

100%

Audio language

English (Stereo)

Subtitles

English

Rental period

Start within 30 days, finish within 48 hours.

Run time

100 minutes

Rating

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