The Maltese Falcon

I hope they dont hang you, precious, by that sweet neck… The chances are youll get off with life. That means if youre a good girl, youll be out in 20 years. Ill be waiting for you. If they hang you, Ill always remember you. Thus spake Sam Spade (Humphrey Bogart) to the femme fatale Brigid OShaughnessy (Mary Astor) in John Hustons classic film noir The Maltese Falcon, the 1941 movie that virtually defines the genre. Written by Huston from Dashiell Hammetts novel, the movie has all the elements that make for the perfect noir experience, and well deserves its elevated status as a movie legend.