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The Big Sleep (1946)

Director: Howard Hawks

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Movie review

From Time Out Film Guide

One of the finest mainstream noir-thrillers ever made. As Bogart's Marlowe gets involved with the Sternwood family's many problems (drugs, blackmail, nymphomania and murder), Hawks never allows the plot to get in the way of his real interest: the growing love, based on remarkably explicit sexual attraction, between Bogie and Bacall, and the way that emotion causes both of them to modify their initial positions regarding the criminal goings-on. In fact, the story is virtually incomprehensible at points, but who cares when the sultry mood, the incredibly witty and memorable script, and the performances are so impeccable?

Author: GA 0000-00-00 00:00:00

Time Out Film Guide

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User reviews of this film

  • Bob Jones said...
    Posted on Oct 15 2008 13:42 Possibly the best thriller ever made. A collaboration of supreme talents (Hawks, Chandler and William Faulkner) delivers an almost perfect script, sizzling eroticism - watch Martha Vickers walk downstairs in her opening scene as Carmen Sternwood.- and a believable rendition of a downbeat, rainy,California. Even the smallest parts are played by actors who bring something to the script. No crashing helicopters or cars, no explosions, but lots of suspense and a delight to watch
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Cast & crew

Director: Howard Hawks

Producer: Howard Hawks

Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, John Ridgely, Martha Vickers, Dorothy Malone, Regis Toomey, Elisha Cook Jr, Peggy Knudsen full cast

Genre(s): Film Noir

Duration: 114 mins

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