The Maltese Falcon (1941) - Critical Reviews

Synopsis

Spade and Archer is the name of a San Francisco detective agency. That's for Sam Spade and Miles Archer. The two men are partners, but Sam doesn't like Miles much. A knockout, who goes by the name of Miss Wonderly, walks into their office; and by that night everything's changed. Miles is dead. And so is a man named Floyd Thursby. It seems Miss Wonderly is surrounded by dangerous men. There's Joel Cairo, who uses gardenia-scented calling cards. There's Kasper Gutman, with his enormous girth and feigned civility. Her only hope of protection comes from Sam, who is suspected by the police of one or the other murder. More murders are yet to come, and it will all be because of these dangerous men -- and their lust for a statuette of a bird: the Maltese Falcon.

Critical Acclaim

Upon its release in 1941, *The Maltese Falcon* was met with positive acclaim, quickly establishing itself as a quintessential film noir. Directed by John Huston in his directorial debut, the film showcased a gripping narrative and taut screenplay adapted from Dashiell Hammett's novel. Critics were impressed by the film's atmospheric tension and the compelling performance of Humphrey Bogart as the hard-boiled detective Sam Spade. The film was praised for its sharp dialogue and intricate plot, which kept audiences on the edge of their seats.

Bosley Crowther of *The New York Times* described *The Maltese Falcon* as "one of the best examples of actionful and suspenseful melodrama," highlighting Bogart's "superb" portrayal. Modern critics continue to celebrate the film, noting its influence on the genre. It holds a 99% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its status as a classic. Film historian Roger Ebert included it in his "Great Movies" list, emphasizing its "amazing economy" and how Huston "saw the possibilities in Hammett's story."

The lasting impact of *The Maltese Falcon* is profound, as it is often credited with defining the film noir genre. Its success paved the way for Bogart's subsequent stardom and solidified Huston's reputation as a master filmmaker. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and it continues to appear on numerous "greatest films" lists, including those by the American Film Institute. Its iconic Maltese Falcon statuette remains a symbol of cinematic intrigue and treasure, influencing countless films and filmmakers in the decades since its release.