The Maltese Falcon

Snubbed: Humphrey Bogart

Dir. John Huston. 1941, U.S. 101 mins. 4K DCP. With Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, Gladys George. Huston’s improbably accomplished first film, adapted from the novel by Dashiell Hammett, set the template for a genre, predicting the decade’s plunge into film noir with its sinuous plotting, sinister characters (the magnificent Lorre and Greenstreet are standouts), and, most of all, its establishing of Bogart as the quintessential private detective. Yet Bogart’s transformative performance as Sam Spade, who keeps his cool despite the nest of vipers surrounding him, was somehow overlooked by the Academy despite the film’s multiple nominations including Best Picture. Perhaps he made it look too easy—it wouldn’t be until 1951’s The African Queen, also directed by Huston, that he would win his first Oscar. 

Tickets: $15 / $11 senior and students / $9 youth (ages 3–17) / discounted for MoMI members ($7–$11). Order tickets. Please pick up tickets at the Museum’s admissions desk upon arrival. All seating is general admission. Review safety protocols before your visit.