I once read that Howard Hawks himself said he has no idea what this movie was about, as an already convoluted script was being rewritten even after filming had begun. But it somehow doesn't matter when you're swept along and thoroughly entertained by one great scene after another. I couldn't even begin to list my favorite scenes, there are so many, and some of the best movie dialogue of the era. While people tend to focus on the verbal sparring between Bogie and Bacall, there's a masterfully written exchange between Bogart and General Inwood that in just a few minutes gives you the sense of the entire life of this old, dissipated tycoon.
As beautiful as Bacall was, for me Martha Vickers as her wayward younger sister almost steals the show. Vickers' character really pushes the boundaries of the Production Code, with hints of her involvement in drugs and pornography. Similarly risque, there's also the afternoon quickie between Bogart and Dorothy Malone's book clerk, in a classic "you're beautiful when you let your hair down" scene. (I know that Bogie's Marlowe is supposed to be cool, but it may be stretching things a bit the way all the women in the movie throw themselves at him, including the lady cabbie who gives him her business card. "Call me at night. I work days.")
Probably in the end I would've been happier with less loose strings and plots contrivances, but this is a classic example of a movie where each scene has its own rewards. It's one of the most entertaining works of one of our greatest directors. Enjoy.
As beautiful as Bacall was, for me Martha Vickers as her wayward younger sister almost steals the show. Vickers' character really pushes the boundaries of the Production Code, with hints of her involvement in drugs and pornography. Similarly risque, there's also the afternoon quickie between Bogart and Dorothy Malone's book clerk, in a classic "you're beautiful when you let your hair down" scene. (I know that Bogie's Marlowe is supposed to be cool, but it may be stretching things a bit the way all the women in the movie throw themselves at him, including the lady cabbie who gives him her business card. "Call me at night. I work days.")
Probably in the end I would've been happier with less loose strings and plots contrivances, but this is a classic example of a movie where each scene has its own rewards. It's one of the most entertaining works of one of our greatest directors. Enjoy.