Overlooked Classics: The Maltese Falcon (1931)

 

As movie lovers (I am assuming if you are reading this you love movies), nearly all of us adore the 1941 version of The Maltese Falcon. This is because it is an incredible film that has well earned it's reputation as a classic. However too many of us overlook the 1931 adaption of the book. While this film may not be quite as good as the 1941 film, it comes very close, much closer than one who hasn't seen this movie would think. It is also very interesting to note how similar these two films are. The 1941 film is actually a very close remake of the 1931 film. There was also 1936 film adaption called Satan Met a Lady, however that film is extremely different from either the 1931 or the 1941 versions. It is worth noting that 1931 was the year often the novel on which all these films were based was released. It is also worth noting that all three version were released by the Warner Brothers studio. Despite some attention from Film Historians, J.B. Kaufman and Leonard Maltin, this 1931 film has unfortunately be forgotten by many, which is sad because this is truly an excellent film, and should be enjoyed by all lovers of classic Hollywood movies, however today we will take a look at this fantastic and very overlooked film.

One of things that really makes this film great is simply it's cast. This film stars Ricardo Cortez, a very underrated actor, as Sam Spade. Cortez turns in an amazing performance in this film. It is no use comparing him to Humphrey Bogart, because he plays the role quite differently. His Spade is a bigger womanizer and a more upbeat character. This role was originally considered for the actor George Bancroft, who is best known today for being in films like Stagecoach and Mister Deeds Goes to Town. We are quite lucky that Cortez was chosen for this part because his performance is fantastic. Also starring in this film is Bebe Daniels, who is best known today for being Harold Lloyd's first leading lady, and for all her appearances in Busby Berkeley's musicals. Again she turns in a great performance. Also in this film is the talented and beautiful Thelma Todd, best remembered today for her roles in Laurel and Hardy and Marx Brothers films.

This film was directed by Roy Del Ruth. While Del Ruth never gained the following John Houston (who directed the 1941 film) did, he was definitely a talented director, directing such films as It Happened on Fifth Avenue, Topper Returns, Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back and The First Auto. This film is definitely one of his best works.

It is intresting to note that this film has the same art director as the 1941 version. This was Robert M. Hass, who also was the art director for such great films as Now Voyager, Jezebel, Dark Victory and Angels with Dirty Faces. His work on both films was fantastic.

This film being made in 1931 has a lot for fans of pre-code Hollywood of which I know there are many. For those unaware of the phrase pre-code, it is referring to the era in Hollywood before the production code took power. The production code was essentially a code of censorship that American movies would have to abide by. If a film broke any of the rules of this censorship code, it would not be able to get the same distribution that one that followed the code could get. This code while it existed earlier didn't take full power until June 13, 1934. Because of this scenes like Sam Spade searching Ruth Wonderly for money he thought she stole and making her take off her clothes (no nudity was shown on screen) during the process would not be possible if this film was released 3 years later. It is worth noting that these scenes are done much more tasteful and discreet than much of what you see in movies today.

When shown on TV in than the 1950's it would be re-titled The Dangerous Female to not be confused with the more popular movie. It is thanks to Turner Classic Movies that it's original title card has been restored.

While this may not be the 1941 version, it comes pretty darn close. This film is full of clever dialogue (some of which would reappear in the 1941 film), great performances, and good direction. This is a fantastic film which is a definite must see for fans of classic movies.

Also movie buffs should look for a portiat of actress Lousie Brooks in Sam Spade's apartment.

-Michael J. Ruhland


Resourses Used
http://www.jbkaufman.com/movie-of-the-month/maltese-falcon-1931-0