What is the plot of The Maltese Falcon?

In this noir classic, detective Sam Spade (Humphrey Bogart) gets more than he bargained for when he takes a case brought to him by a beautiful but secretive woman (Mary Astor). As soon as Miss Wonderly shows up, trouble follows as Sam’s partner is murdered and Sam is accosted by a man (Peter Lorre) demanding he locate a valuable statuette. Sam, entangled in a dangerous web of crime and intrigue, soon realizes he must find the one thing they all seem to want: the bejeweled Maltese falcon.
The Maltese Falcon/Film synopsis

What is the climax of The Maltese Falcon?

But the climax of all climaxes takes place when a mysterious man staggers into Spade’s office. He dies (from six gunshot wounds to the chest) right before handing a bulky package to Spade. Inside the package is the jewel-encrusted Maltese falcon.

Who was the killer in The Maltese Falcon?

Back at his apartment, he is grilled by Polhaus and Lieutenant Dundy, who tell him that Thursby was also murdered the same evening. Dundy suggests that Spade had the opportunity and motive to kill Thursby, who likely killed Archer.

What happens at the end of The Maltese Falcon?

Even though Sam Spade is not doomed, he does get his comeuppance at the end, earning the contempt of Effie for betraying Brigid, and being left with the affection of Iva Archer, whom he doesn’t want anymore. So much for happily ever after.

What is the theme of The Maltese Falcon?

The themes of honor and integrity are central to The Maltese Falcon. Even Gutman, deceitful as he is and willing to lie, bribe, drug, and kill, maintains his own standard of honor and integrity, always seeking ways to trust those in his charge.

Why was Archer killed in The Maltese Falcon?

Gutman says Wilmer killed Thursby to scare Brigid into dealing with them because Thursby was loyal to Brigid. The plan failed when Thursby refused to kill Archer, so she killed Archer herself. Brigid wanted to scare Thursby out of his share of the profits when they turned the falcon over to Gutman.

What is the main conflict in the Maltese Falcon?

The main conflict in the story revolves around the maltese falcon and the many people who are attempting to locate and possess it.

Why do the police suspect Sam of killing Thursby?

Sam wants to trade the falcon for money and a fall guy for the three murders. Gutman says Wilmer killed Thursby to scare Brigid into dealing with them because Thursby was loyal to Brigid.

What is Miss Wonderly’s real name?

Miss Wonderly a.k.a. Miss Leblanc a.k.a. Brigid O’Shaughnessy is the classic femme fatale.

What kind of hero is private investigator Sam Spade in The Maltese Falcon?

Sam Spade is a fictional character and the protagonist of Dashiell Hammett’s 1930 novel, The Maltese Falcon. Spade also appeared in four lesser-known short stories by Hammett….

How old was Mary Astor in The Maltese Falcon?

81 years (1906–1987)
Mary Astor/Age at death
She was 81 years old. Miss Astor entered silent films in 1920 as a willowy 14-year-old and portrayed scores of vulnerable ingenues. Two decades later she gave her most indelible performance opposite Humphrey Bogart in ”The Maltese Falcon,” John Huston’s crime classic.

What does the Maltese Falcon symbolize?

Thus, while the falcon was originally meant as a symbol of loyalty, it transforms into a symbol of a corrupting, futile, and self-destructive greed that makes people betray their loyalties. In addition to representing greed, the falcon symbolizes Sam Spade’s quest for the truth.

What is the climax of the film The Maltese Falcon?

The climax of `The Maltese Falcon’ ranks with the last scene of `Casablanca,’ another Bogart vehicle, in showing how the tough guy has to put himself back together after his emotions almost get the better of him. That assertion of strength, bowed but not broken, defines the enduring quality of Bogart on screen.

Who is the cast of the Maltese Falcon?

The Maltese Falcon is a 1931 American pre-Code crime film, based on the 1930 novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett and directed by Roy Del Ruth . The film stars Ricardo Cortez as private detective Sam Spade and Bebe Daniels as Ruth Wonderly. Maude Fulton , Brown Holmes , and Lucien Hubbard (who went uncredited) wrote the screenplay.

What is a Maltese Falcon?

Maltese Falcon is a full rigged ship using DynaRig technology, which was built by Perini Navi in Tuzla, İstanbul, and commissioned by her first owner, Tom Perkins . It is one of the world’s most complex and largest sailing yachts at 88 m (289 ft), similar in size to the Athena and Eos.