The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of

One of my favorite things is the TCM Big Screen Classics. It gives me an opportunity to see classic films on the big screen, often for the first time. This weekend was The Maltese Falcon, the film noir classic starring Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor and Peter Lorre.

The film is written and directed by John Huston. It was actually his directorial debut, based on a novel by Dashiel Hammett, which has actually been filmed twice before. Apparently the third time was the charm, because this is the only version of The Maltese Falcon that people talk about.

With good reason, because it's pretty fantastic. Huston's script is top-notch; every scene dazzles with sparkling dialogue between characters that are shady and yet completely interesting. Huston's direction is impressive, as well, with some sweeping shots and awesome long takes.

If you want to see a classic film noir (if you don't know what a film noir is this is a great introduction) watch The Maltese Falcon. You'll get the femme fatale, the P.I. that's not really a hero, the dark lighting, the crime and the downbeat ending.