When a man's partner is killed, he's supposed to do something about it.
A review by Mike Shea Movie Rating: ( * * * * * ) DVD Rating: ( * * · · · )
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I am beginning to become a really big Humphrey Bogart fan. Maybe it is his attitude in the most stressful of situations, his calm attitude when faced with situations that would make most men cower and wet themselves, or the way he treats women, but I am sold. Bogart plays the legend, Sam Spade. Sam's partner is killed while on a job and Sam is going to get the best of the situation. All of the troubles surround a statuette of a falcon that is said to be gold encrusted with jewels. Only Sam is able to work four parties against each other and manage to get out on top. Sam's attitude follows right along with Rick Blaine in Casablanca, a film Bogart did a year later. He talks fast and harsh. He smiles as he beats a dude up with his own gun. He discusses handing over a hitman to the police as a patsy while that very hitman is holding a .45 on him. When faced with a woman falling at his feet begging to be loved by him, he asks her for cash. Maybe it is my complete and total lack of control in these situations, but he is my own personal hero. The movie moves right along with twists and turns during the dialog driven story. The DVD does a good job, but it is hard to screw up a 4x3 black and white picture. There isn't a commentary or any extras worth mentioning, but it is still a good disc. Overall, I just like watching Bogart work the plot around himself. I like watching him command in situations I would be weeping like a school girl. I like the attitude. This movie is definitely one to watch.