The Maltese Falcon

The Maltese Falcon

Year: 1941

Runtime: 100 min

Language: English

MysteryFilm-Noir

A private detective, Sam Spade, finds himself embroiled in a dangerous case when a mysterious woman, later revealed to be Brigid O’Shaughnessy, seeks his help. Her pursuit of a valuable and ancient artifact, the Maltese Falcon, attracts a host of shady characters, each with their own motives. As the search intensifies and rivals turn up dead, Spade must navigate a complex network of lies, double-crosses, and perilous encounters to uncover the truth and protect himself.

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Timeline & Setting – The Maltese Falcon (1941)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Maltese Falcon (1941). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1930s

The film takes place during the 1930s, a period marked by economic hardship due to the Great Depression. This era influenced the film's characters, showcasing the desperation and moral ambiguity that often accompany crime and survival. Elements like prohibition and organized crime also echo the tumultuous social dynamics of the time.

Location

San Francisco

San Francisco serves as the backdrop for this classic film noir. Known for its iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and steep street hills, the city provides an atmospheric setting filled with intrigue and tension. The bustling streets contrast sharply with the dark and deceptive world of crime that unfolds in the narrative.

🏙️ City 🔍 Mystery

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:34

Main Characters – The Maltese Falcon (1941)

Meet the key characters of The Maltese Falcon (1941), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sam Spade (Humphrey Bogart)

Sam Spade is a tough and cynical private eye whose moral code is tested throughout the film. As he navigates a world of deceit and betrayal, Spade remains street-smart and resourceful. His complicated relationship with Brigid showcases his struggle between personal feelings and professional duty.

🧩 Detective 💔 Antihero

Brigid O'Shaughnessy (Mary Astor)

Brigid O'Shaughnessy is the enigmatic femme fatale whose charm and deceit drive much of the plot. She exhibits intelligence and manipulative prowess, but her true motivations remain obscured. Her complex character evokes both sympathy and mistrust, making her a quintessential representation of deception in film noir.

👩‍🦰 Femme Fatale 🥀 Deceptive

Joel Cairo (Peter Lorre)

Joel Cairo is a morally ambiguous character who seeks the Maltese Falcon for personal gain. He embodies the archetype of a scheming character, often caught between threats and desires. His interactions with Spade highlight the unpredictable nature of the film's criminal world.

👨‍🎤 Schemer 🔫 Menacing

Casper Gutman (Sydney Greenstreet)

Casper Gutman is the imposing antagonist in the film, driven by his obsession with the Maltese Falcon. His size and demeanor indicate a commanding presence, while his cunning nature reveals a manipulative personality. Gutman's desperate pursuit of the falcon positions him as a major threat to Spade and others.

💼 Villain 🔍 Obsessive

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:34

Major Themes – The Maltese Falcon (1941)

Explore the central themes of The Maltese Falcon (1941), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♂️ Betrayal

Betrayal is a central theme as characters manipulate and deceive one another for their gain. Sam Spade's relationships are fraught with dishonesty, particularly with the femme fatale, Brigid O'Shaughnessy. The repercussions of betrayal permeate the plot, leading to tragic outcomes for many involved.

💰 Greed

Greed drives the characters' actions, particularly in their pursuit of the valuable Maltese Falcon. The desire for wealth leads to compromises in morals and ethics, propelling the story forward and resulting in conflict. Characters become ensnared in a web of greed, with tragic consequences.

❤️ Love and Deception

The interplay of love and deception plays a significant role, especially in Spade's complicated feelings for Brigid. While there is an attraction, trust is absent, highlighting the dangers of emotional entanglement in dangerous situations. This theme explores the fine line between affection and manipulation.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:34

Unlock the Full Story of The Maltese Falcon

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Maltese Falcon in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Maltese Falcon is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Maltese Falcon Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Maltese Falcon, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Maltese Falcon Summary

The Maltese Falcon Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Maltese Falcon with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Maltese Falcon Timeline

More About The Maltese Falcon

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Maltese Falcon: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Maltese Falcon

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