The Maltese Falcon
A private detective takes on a case that involves him with three eccentric criminals, a beautiful liar, and their quest for a priceless statuette.
Critics Sentiment
Kasper Gutman explains the Maltese Falcon's history to Sam Spade
Ruth Wonderly hires Sam Spade and Miles Archer for missing sister story
The film jumps from a modest opening setup to Sydney Greenstreet's commanding introduction as Gutman, which reviewers universally praised as the film's highlight.
The Maltese Falcon builds steadily from a conventional detective setup to its peak with Sydney Greenstreet's masterful performance as Gutman, widely praised as the film's standout element. While some reviewers found the plot convoluted and the finale somewhat rushed, Bogart's iconic performance and the film's noir atmosphere maintain strong audience appreciation throughout. The film concludes powerfully with Spade's moral betrayal of Brigid, cementing its status as a classic despite some narrative complexities.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 22
Humphrey Bogart
Samuel Spade
Mary Astor
Brigid O'Shaughnessy
Gladys George
Iva Archer
Peter Lorre
Joel Cairo
Barton MacLane
Lt. of Detectives Dundy
Lee Patrick
Effie Perine
Sydney Greenstreet
Kasper Gutman
Ward Bond
Det. Tom Polhaus
Jerome Cowan
Miles Archer
Elisha Cook Jr.
Wilmer Cook
James Burke
Luke
Murray Alper
Frank Richman
John Hamilton
District Attorney Bryan
Charles Drake
Reporter (uncredited)
Chester Gan
Bit Part (uncredited)
Creighton Hale
Stenographer (uncredited)
Robert Homans
Policeman (uncredited)
William Hopper
Reporter (uncredited)
Walter Huston
Captain Jacoby (uncredited)
Hank Mann
Reporter (uncredited)
Crew
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