Product Description
New book reveals discoveries about The Maltese Falcon, Dashiell Hammett, and detective Sam Spade

Hammett expert Richard Layman packs Discovering The Maltese Falcon and Sam Spade with hundreds of unexpected delights, says Los Angeles Times

This richly illustrated new paperback edited by Richard Layman, Discovering The Maltese Falcon and Sam Spade, uncovers from institutional and private archives a wealth of revelations about the book and film versions of The Maltese Falcon, its author Dashiell Hammett, and his influential hero, detective Sam Spade. Crammed with fascinating facts, the new book provides hundreds of never-before-published photos, documents, and original source materials, including production notes for the three movie versions.

The result of a lifetime of research by Hammett expert Layman, Discovering The Maltese Falcon and Sam Spade provides hundreds of surprises about the novel, its author, and its film versions, such as:

• For rights to publish the now-famous novel (which has sold more than 4.5 million copies in English alone), publisher Alfred A. Knopf paid author Hammett an advance of nothing.
• The sculptor who created the legendary statuette of the black bird for the 1941 Humphrey Bogart movie may have been an accomplice of the Black Dahlia murderer and the killer of author James Ellroy’s mother.
• Working notes (printed here for the first time) for The Secret Emperor, Hammett’s first, never-finished novel, show that it included elements he later used in The Maltese Falcon and The Glass Key.
• About the same time that Hammett wrote The Maltese Falcon, he also wrote "The Boundaries of Science and Philosophy," published here for the first time.
• More than two thousand changes were made to the original magazine version of The Maltese Falcon before it was published as a novel.

Contributors to Discovering The Maltese Falcon and Sam Spade include Dashiell Hammett himself, plus Jo Hammett, Richard Layman, Joseph Shaw, Mary Astor, Dorothy Parker, Hal Wallis, John Huston, Joe Gores, William F. Nolan, and more than fifty additional writers. It is illustrated with more than 250 black & white and color photos, illustrations, and facsimiles.

The book is "the stuff that dreams are made of" for fans of The Maltese Falcon, Sam Spade, Dashiell Hammett, detective fiction, film noir, and the history of literature and cinema.

Discovering The Maltese Falcon and Sam Spade: The Evolution of Dashiell Hammett’s Classic Novel, Including John Huston’s Movie with Humphrey Bogart updates and expands a hardcover book published two years ago for libraries. The paperback edition includes everything from the library edition and more at a much lower price.

Discovering The Maltese Falcon and Sam Spade is the second title in The Ace Performer Collection, a new series of books published by Vince Emery Productions by and about Dashiell Hammett, crowned "the ace performer" by his disciple Raymond Chandler. It is released in 2005 as part of events held worldwide this year to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the publication of Dashiell Hammett’s masterpiece The Maltese Falcon, often named as one of the twentieth-century’s best novels. John Huston's film adaptation made Humphrey Bogart a star, and was selected by the American Film Institute as number 23 in its selection of the 100 greatest movies of all time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Maltese Falcon
The book I got was fine.The problem was that it took over 3 weeks for me to get the book even though the book was sent out the next day after I ordered it.I was in contact with the company and they were very helpful...the situation was the way the book was mailed.It could have been my fault because I had it shipped the cheapest way, which was some lower form of mail service than the normal way.Who would have believed it could take that long to get from NY to NC?So the moral of the story here is, if you order something, really looking at the shipping method and believe that it could take a long time if you don't upgrade the shipping method.

Amazing Collection of Materials on the Genesis and Legacy of "The Maltese Falcon".
"Discovering the Maltese Falcon and Sam Spade" is an amazing collection of materials related to Dashiell Hammett, his greatest novel "The Maltese Falcon", the film adaptations of the book, and other spin-offs assembled by Hammett biographer Richard Layman. Layman states in his introduction, "The purpose of this volume is to provide researchers basic materials useful in studying 'The Maltese Falcon'."Not everything ever written about "The Maltese Falcon" is here, but the contents of this book are remarkably varied. The collection is probably too dense for casual fans of "The Maltese Falcon", but it's indispensable for Hammett scholars and aficionados. The only fault I find is that reproductions of newspaper and other type-written materials are sometimes poor and would have benefited from enhancement.

The book is organized into five parts. The first part, "Detective Days", provides biographical information on Dashiell Hammett, a history of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, an interview with a colleague of Hammett's at Pinkerton, excerpts from books on criminal investigation that Hammett studied, and some non-fiction pieces that Hammett wrote about his detective days. The second section, "The Pulps and the Making of the Novel", includes a history of "Black Mask" magazine, the historical basis for the Maltese Falcon statuette, comments by "Black Mask" editor Joseph T. Shaw, some reviews of Hammett's mystery fiction, and many excerpts from Hammett's stories that later inspired characters and events in "The Maltese Falcon".

"Magazine and Book Publication" begins with a copy of Hammett's book contract with Knopf and correspondence with publisher Harry Block. There are covers of "Black Mask" issues that serialized "The Maltese Falcon", examples oftext that was revised between magazine publication and book publication, early book jackets, many favorable reviews of the book, Dorothy Parker's tepid review of "The Glass Key", articles about Cecil Henderson's plagiarism, and sales data for the novel. The forth section, "Critical Views of 'The Maltese Falcon'", is seven pieces of relatively recent literary criticism that explore American individualism, Sam Spade's vernacular, the novel as introverted romance, as allegory of international politics between the wars, and the pursuit of tangible wealth, among other themes.

The last section, "Movies, Stage, and Radio: Hammett's Novel in Popular Culture", follows Hammett's life after the publication of the novel, followed by discussions of the script, budget, and reviews for the first film adaptation at Warner Brothers in 1931. More letters from Warner Brothers, title suggestions, correspondence with the Breen Office, and reviews of the second movie adaptation, "Satan Met a Lady", in 1936. For John Huston's 1941 adaptation, there is a letter from Joseph Breen citing Production Code violations in the script, a budget, letters about filming, Mary Astor's recollections of the film, 3 movie reviews, and 4 critical analyses. There is a bit about an abortive stage play and the legal challenges over "The Adventures of Sam Spade" radio show. There is a list of selected publications of "The Maltese Falcon" in the back of the book as well as an index.

No Question Left Unanswered
I love the story of THE MALTESE FALCON, not only as it is told in Hammett's novel but also as it is portrayed in John Huston's movie. I can never read enough about Dashiell Hammett, Joseph Shaw, Humphrey Bogart, Peter Lorre, Gladys George, Sydney Greenstreet, Elisha Cook Jr., Mary Astor, Barton MacLane, Robert and William Pinkerton, John Huston, Lillian Hellman, the Knights of Malta, BLACK MASK, San Francisco after World War I and Raymond Chandler.

This book has enough anecdotes and background material to satisfy even the most ardent enthusiast. My own favorite piece is an account by Mary Astor of her experiences while filming for her role as Brigid O'Shaughnessy in the 1941 version of THE MALTESE FALCON.

A Rare Treat For The Fan Of Sam Spade
DISCOVERING THE MALTESE FALCON AND SAM SPADE is the complete book for the fan of Sam Spade in both film and fiction. Fortunately, a very detailed index is provided which allows the reader to choose from among an array of tantalizing topics.The latter includes an account of Dashiell Hammett's days as a Pinkerton detective as well as his work for BLACK MASK. The author also gives us much information about THE MALTESE FALCON in the movies and on stage and radio.The book represents an admirable effort by Layman and it will be enjoyed by anyone captivated by the lure of this enduring tale.

Dashiell Hammett
Dashiel Hammett is one of my favorite authors, I have all of his stories, including a couple of biographies. I'm also a fan of Noir stories and movies.This is a great book to add to my collection. ... Read more

Product Description
As three of the most prominent actors of the early studio system, James Cagney, Edward G. Robinson, and Humphrey Bogart played an unparalleled role in the rise of the Warner Brothers Studio. These "Warners Wiseguys" are now virtually synonymous with the studio's era of gritty gangster films. This study of their interwoven studio-contract careers highlights the similarities of their personalities and their struggles with harsh typecasting. It details and comments critically on each of their combined 112 Warners films. Complete with commentary from the author and other film buffs. An appendix provides a filmographic guide to the films discussed, including lists of primary actors, release dates, directorial credits, and running times for each film. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Canyon News Editor Tommy Lightfoot Garrett Loves This Book
Being an avid reader I did know who Scott Allen Nollen was. The author of 16 books was educated in Film and History at the University of Iowa. He is currently on staff at Heritage Auction Galleries in Dallas, Texas.

So when I saw the recent McFarland Publishing book "Warner's Wiseguys," it caught my interest. I had known Virginia Mayo for many years and her leading man in many gangster films, including her most favorite, "White Heat," was James Cagney, so I knew that he'd be included. A young Bogart also got his start in these type of films and Warner's round out of tough guys would have to include Edward G. Robinson. All three were featured in this wonderful new book.
These wise guys who rounded off Warners' top leading men are now synonymous with the studio's era of gritty gangster films. This book is complete with commentary from the author and other film buffs. Warner's was not my favorite of studios, and MGM being most people's favorite was not either. I loved 20th Century Fox, but Warner Bros. Studios cranked out an amazing amount of work out of their actors, which is why Bogart and Bette Davis were so excellent in their roles in movies. Bette said, "You never got a chance to get lazy. There were always movies being made."

But this book not only brings out the truth of the Warners system but it chronicles all 112 movies that the three actors aforementioned starred in. The book also showcases some rare and amazing photographs of many Warners stars and is edited to precision. Anyone can pick the book up, finish a chapter or two and then start again later and feel like you know the story. The author's style of writing commentary is one that I enjoy doing and also love reading. My favorite chapter is titled "Playing All the Angles." It is how Warner Bros was run and how actors who became huge stars at the studio were forced to comply with. Cagney probably understood it better than most, Robinson seemed to enjoy it most, while Bogart was an accidental star but truly the biggest the studio has had. Even though he languished for years in Purgatory, but not in this book, there's a wonderful and well researched chapter called Bogie in Purgatory.

The book is easy to read, but not overly simplistic. The cover very catching and that's important in today's marketing. I enjoyed seeing some of the old movie posters as well featured in this book. Mr. Nollen has done a great job and I give this read four out of five stars. It's a book that has a definite niche audience, but for any old Hollywood buff, this book is readable and suggested reading as well.

Review by Canyon News Editor, Tommy Lightfoot Garrett

I couldn't agree more with Mr. Garrett's Review.
Jason.

The Best Book Of It's Kind!!!
Author Scott Allen Nollen Has Written The Definative Book On The Topic of Warner Brothers Gangster Films. This Book Is An In Depth Study Of James Cagney, Edward G. Robinson, And Humphrey Bogart And The Great Gangster Classics They Made For This Studio. This Book Studies In "Major" Depth The Combined 112 Films These Great Actors Made. This Book Includes Commentary From This Great Author Plus Thoughts And Comments From Other Film Buffs Too. Everything Is Covered In This Great Book Including Not Only The Films Discussed And Actors Roles But Also Detailed Information About Release Dates, Directoral Credits, And The Running Times For Each Film Studied. This Book Is A "Must Have" As The Best Book Ever Published On This Topic. Highly Recommended!!! Five Stars!!! ... Read more

Product Description
Tough-guy private eye R.J. Brooks is back in the Big Apple and he's not happy. Hollywood has finally gotten around to making a sequel to his parents' beloved film "As Time Goes By". He makes some threatening remarks that get a lot of air time on the network news. And when Andromeda Studios' employees start turning up dead in Los Angeles and New York City, Brooks finds the police are taking those threats seriously. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Witty and engaging, a writer's read...
I picked up this paperback recently in the $1 store, only for its famous name and backcover promises. When I finally got around to reading it, I was instantly impressed with the author's clever and original turns of phrase, his captivating characters and a story that is just "out there" enough to be intriguing without seeming implausible. Stephen Bogart's female characters lack some depth, but the story is told from a man's POV, and so they are presented through a male lens, and I think this is the flavor of the novel. Detective RJ Brooks is a flawed human being, but a likeable mensch, and I'm eager to seek out Mr. Bogart's other writings.

Great mystery, weak secondary characters.
I picked up this novel because of the famous name, and I wanted to see if Stephen could actually write, or if he was just flying along on his famous parent's coattails.I was pleased to find an amusing story and a good mystery and a fairly strong main character.However, the secondary characters left something to be desired, especially the character of Casey.I had no idea why RJ would be remotely interested in this woman.I was disappointed that Bogart didn't flesh out the character of Wendy a bit more, since she had promise, but she disappeared without a word, along with the evidence she was going to find for RJ.I also felt that there were a few too many loose ends left in the story.This can be a plus in some stories, but in this case all I saw were dangling threads.I hope that Bogart continues to write about RJ Brooks, because that character is very strong and enjoyable.And hopefully in his next install! ment we'll learn more about the characters that had to sit in the sidelines.

Fans of Bogart and Bacall will love this mystery
Private Investigator R.J. Brooks is irate to learn that Andromeda Studios is planning to make a sequel to the classic movie, As Time Goes By, the film that co-starred his parents.Though in New York to escape Tinseltown, R.J. tells a reporter that he will do anything to stop the film from ever being produced since it would be an affront to the memory of his parents.This interview becomes national news when people from the studio start being killed.The police are positive that R.J. is the culprit since he basically confessed his plans. ......R.J. begins to investigate the series of murder destroying the project. He hopes to not only clear his name, but to locate the missing studio head at the bequest of the man's daughter.As more deaths occur, R. J. realizes that he must identify the culprit soon before he becomes the next victim of someone with a terrific grudge towards the production of the sequel. ......The author is the son of his namesake and Lauren Bacall, and he sprinkles references from their movies throughout his novel.However, readers need to realize that THE REMAKE OF AS TIME GOES BY is an excellent who-done -it regardless of the author's gene pool. R.J. is a fabulous private investigator whose escapades readers will enjoy.This novel and the first R.J. tale (PLAY IT AGAIN) are fun to read who-done-its because the mystery isquite good and the Hollywood footnotes add a unique touch.Readers will think that this is the beginning of a long friendship. ......Harriet Klausner ... Read more

Product Description
This is the sequel to "Play It Again". Again featuring New York private investigator R.J. Brooks, this tale revolves around R.J. being set up as a murderer as he attempts to voice his objections about the making of a cheap sequel to the classic black and white film which starred his parents. ... Read more

Product Description
Leaving behind his life as a New York City matrimonial detective, R. J. Brooks is forced to confront the ghosts of his past when his beautiful and celebrated mother is murdered in a Manhattan love nest. Reprint. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Affluent detective moans the truth about celebrity
Bogart's first novel about fame, fortune and the misery of being the child of celebrity parents is witty and colorful. The most interesting character is the female reporter that he warns himself not to fall in love with,she's a radical feminist and well, he's never had one of those before. R.J. Brooks and his secretary have a snappy yet somehow flat repartee thatshows his true character: lazy, spoiled, self-indulgent and not concernedwith the feelings of the people around him.Although the character isdrawn from Stephen Bogart's own life and his parents' movies, the bookmoves slowly unless you know the artist and can hear him talking.I doubtMr. Bogart has ever been to the opera, owned a red tabby cat or dated afeminist. I doubt that these were original ideas. I doubt that R.J. Brooks,as portrayed, would have figured-out the crime without more adventures. Sometimes it seems that Bogart was being paid by the word.The momentumbuilds in the final scene when the writer seems to slip away from somepre-programmed tape recording.He should stick with what he knows. I don'tthink he's a natural to write fiction, however, if he would like to sharehis own life glossed over as fiction, he'd do better intriguing us withthat.He can be, in person, a natural wit and this is not evident in thecharacter of R.J. Brooks.The you're gonna take it and you're gonna likeit works well for him in person, yet needs stronger descriptions in thebook to come alive. ... Read more

Product Description
In Dead Reckoning, Rip Murdock (Humphrey Bogart) recites the film's plotline to a priest in the confessional. Murdock and Johnny Drake (William Prince) are Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, en route to Washington by train. Drake hops off and disappears, leading Murdock on a hectic manhunt. Upon meeting Drake's former girlfriend Coral Chandler (Lizabeth Scott), Murdock is thrown into a maelstrom of intrigue involving a crooked gambler (Morris Carnovsky) and a complex blackmailing scheme. The upshot of this is that Murdock finds himself the prime suspect in a murder. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

Tense thriller with plenty of surprises
This 1947 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Lizabeth Scott is a fine example of film noir at its best. It is one of Bogart's best and I rank it at almost as good as The Maltese Falcon and The Big Sleep.

The time of the film is near the end of World War II. Captain "Rip" Murdock (Bogart) is seeking to find out why his army pal Sgt. Johnny Drake has chosen to disappear rather than receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.

He trails Johnny to Gulf City USA. When he gets there, he finds that Johnny expected him, but he can find no trace of Johnny. Instead, he finds more mysteries and a very intriguing woman, Coral Chandler (Scott).

Rip falls in love with Coral and the feeling is mutual. The romance between Bogart and Scott is excellent and will remind viewers of the relationship between Bogart and Bacall, and one has to wonder why Lauren Bacall was not in this film.

There are also some historical shots in the film. The actual city is not named but the shots were taken in the late 1940s. If anyone knows the actual city, I'd love to know.

This is a tense thriller with plenty of surprises.

The best of the Columbia Bogie Noirs
This is by far the best of the Columbia Noirs made with Bogart.Generally his Warner Brothers movies were superior.But I would recommend this this one to most any Bogie or Noir fan as a great example of the type.

Generally speaking, Bogie needed Huston--and that's what's lacking from this film.Still worthwhile.

Bogart is the best thing about this noir
Humphrey Bogart's performance in this film is what makes it rise above 2.5 or 3 stars out of 5. Columbia is obviously trying to replicate the elements of the types of films that Bogart did so well in the 1940's over at Warner Brothers. The oddest thing about this film is Bogart's dialogue, especially during his voice-overs. At times it comes on so strong as to approach a parody of Bogart as Bogart. If any other actor were speaking this dialogue it might evoke laughter if not confusion, yet Humphrey Bogart makes it work.

Here Bogart is paratrooper Rip Murdock, just recently home from the war with Sergeant Johnny Drake, who is to receive the Congressional medal of honor. However, when Drake disappears right before the ceremony, Murdock gets permission from his superiors to find out what happened to his usually reliable friend and fellow soldier. Murdock follows his buddy's trail to Gulf City, a bar and gambling joint there that is run by a mobster, the girl that stole Johnny's heart - young and beautiful - and wealthy - widow Dusty Chandler (Lizabeth Scott), and a trail of clues fraught with mystery and murder. It's rather obvious that Lizabeth Scott is Columbia's answer to Lauren Bacall in this one, and that gangster Martinelli and henchman Krauss are attempting to duplicate the types of roles played by Sydney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre in Bogart's successful Warner pictures. Although these three can't begin to match their Warner counterparts, and at times Scott painfully overacts, they do lend enough credible support to give Bogey a framework in which to play an interesting character in a rather intriguing mystery that has plenty of atmosphere.

The video is darker than I expected. The film is better than public domain quality, but it lacks the clarity and contrast I would expect from a studio release of a classic film.

Film Noir and Humphry Bogart, a match
The DVD transfer is fair to good.There are noticeable scratches but not bad enough to disturb the viewer.There is a little too much grain in the grey areas but, once again, the film will be good enough to watch.

How do you make a fairly standardized noir better, you cast Humphrey Bogart in the lead.Adding 50's femme fatale, Lizabeth Scott doesn't hurt either.

Capt. "Rip Murdock" (Bogie) is taking one of his men, Johnny Drake (William Prince) to receive the Medal of Honor when the man jumps the train and runs off.Rip vows to find the answers to his soldier's disappearance.

After discovering that the Drake was involved in a sordid murder just before he enlisted, Rip heads into the dark underworld to get some answers.There he meats the local underlord, Martinelli (Morris Carvnosky) a couple of thugs and signer Dusty Chandler (Liz Scott) who was the wife of the original murder victim.After Rip finds Drake's charred body in the morgue, Rip know voes to get all the answers.From there he is caught in a quicksand of gangsters, molls, murders and betrayal.Ordinarily, the film would get 3 stars since many of the plot motivations or scenes are things we've seen elsewhere.But the presence of Humphrey Bogart raises this one to 4 starts.I would say this is a keeper.

Recommended for:film noir fans, Humphrey Bogart fans, Lizabeth Scott fans and mystery fans.Not for young children

Good Start & Finish But Uninvolving Overall
The bulk of this film, the middle of it, was just too slow for me, hence the so-so and somewhat-generous 3-stars rating. The beginning and endings were very good, especially several scenes in the final half hour. There were several twists concerning Lizabeth Scott's character that kept you guessing.

There were other things going for this film, such as Humphrey Bogart's narration. He had a lot of good lines in here, either narrating or talking to others. He and Scott were the stars but some of the supporting players also were great, such as Morris Carnovsky as the tough-guy aide, "Martinelli. " Also, they may not be big names but Charles Cane, William Prince, Marin Miller, Wallace Ford and James Bell all added nice performance here.

Yet, with all this going for it, I didn't find the film as involving as it should have been. It too flat in the middle of the film. Perhaps another look someone will change my mind. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

"Beat The Devil" screenplay by Truman Capote
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RX3PDGQ3OLBSG John Huston's 1953 film "Beat the Devil", starring Humphrey Bogart, Jennifer Jones, Gina Lollobrigida and Peter Lorre. Based on the story by Truman Capote.

Available sheet music hit songs and arrangements from motion pictures:
43 Great Golden Standards
In My Arms (See Here, Private Hargrove)
Shakedown ("Beverly Hills Cop II")
A Friend of Yours(The Great John L.)
Cuanto Le Gusta (From A Date With Judy)
In Love in Vain (Centennial Summer)
Mahogany (Theme From Mohogany)
Sing me a "Song of the Islands"
One Day when we were young, The Great Waltz
The More I See You]

Poor Quality DVD
This particular DVD is of poor quality. Westlake Entertainment has offered up one of the worse copies that I have seen.
This is a must have Bogie film but not from this studio.....

weak performance by Bogart
Bogart seems tired and ill in this film.Black and white shooting is very poor also, looks as if the director and crew just wanted a vacation in Italy and decided to make a film to accomplish it.But, Jennifer Jones gives an acceptable rookie performance and it is a required addition to any "Bogy" collection. ... Read more

Product Description
Bold Venture is a 1951-1952 syndicated radio series starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Morton Fine and David Friedkin scripted the taped series for Bogart's Santana Productions.Salty seadog Slate Shannon (Bogart) owns a Cuban hotel sheltering an assortment of treasure hunters, revolutionaries and other shady characters. With his sidekick and ward, the sultry Sailor Duval (Bacall), tagging along, he encounters modern-day pirates and other tough situations while navigating the waters around Havana. Aboard his boat, the Bold Venture, Slate and Sailor experience "adventure, intrigue, mystery and romance in the sultry settings of tropical Havana and the mysterious islands of the Caribbean." ... Read more