A 1941 American film noir about a San Francisco private detective drawn into a hunt for a jewel-encrusted statuette of legendary value.
Production
John Huston made his directing debut with the film, adapting Dashiell Hammett’s 1930 novel as Warner Bros.’ third filmed version. Humphrey Bogart played Sam Spade, with Mary Astor, Sydney Greenstreet, and Peter Lorre rounding out the principal cast.
Reception
The film opened in October 1941 to strong reviews and box office, kicking off a major career run for Bogart and earning three Academy Award nominations.
Legacy
The film is generally credited as the first true American film noir, fixing the genre’s visual style and morally compromised protagonist. The black-bird prop became a staple of cinema memorabilia.
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