Maltese Falcon comparison.

[Mrs Vindecco]

After the recent discussion regarding the similarities between the first 1931 version of The Maltese Falcon and the more famous 1941 classic, i thought I would post these passages I found. they are from the now out of print book, The Films of Peter Lorre


"Roy Del Ruth directed the early talkie version in a manner downplaying action; every killing takes place off camera. John Huston not only recorded the cold blooded murder of Miles Archer, but also allowed Wilmer to kick an unconscious Sam Spade full in the face. It was Huston’s first shot as a director, after years of writing for the screeb and he was determined to make the most of it. This is not to say that Del Ruth’s version lacked menace. Wilmer as portrayed by Dwight Frye exudes violence merely with his eyes, Otto Matieson’s Cairo contains coldness that belies his boyish, ineffectual boss and the Gutmann enacted by Dudley Digges bursts into incessant laughter over situations that aren’t humerous., revealing a mind no less aberrant than those of his cronies.

When Spade and Brigid enter his apartment for the final scenes of the Huston film, the camera catches Wilmer , hiding behind the door, indicating that the rest of the felons are nearby. Del Ruth shot this scene with only the flickering fireplace visible in the darkness until Spade snaps on the lights, revealing in a stunning manner a frightening tableau, composed of Wilmer, Cairo, and Gutman. But the Del Ruth falters when taking liberties with Hammett. Huston, on the other hand, was aware of the novel’s cinematic potential and virtually used it as his screenplay. "

[Luna]

Thanks for sharing these excerpts Carrie. They are well written and I think that they capture the difference between Del Ruth's and Huston's respective versions. It's interesting to note that Del Ruth didn't play up the violence angle, considering that his version was pre code. Del Ruth's version was more sexual in my opinion though, as Cortez's Spade seemed far more sleazy than Bogart's. I loved the quote about Dwight exuding violence using only his eyes. His eyes were always so expressive, they could convey such powerful emotion even when he had brief scenes and very little dialogue to work with. He would still draw your attention like a magnet, and I think that this quote really signified that fact.

[Mrs Vindecco]

The Del Ruth is definately more sexual. I'm never convinced by Mary Astor's casting, personally I think she is the weak link of an otherwise excellent cast. I just wanted to share this excerpt because Dwight is given praise despite the fact his Wilmer is given very little screen time. In the book, Cortez is mentioned in passing but his performance is not discussed probably because it just doesn't stand out like Dwight's. Cortez is definately sleazy and much more cocky, where as Bogart is more world weary, mature with a dash of excellent sarcasm.

[Luna]

Bogart's portrayal was indeed excellent, as he gave Spade a new and different dimension. I agree that Mary Astor was a bit weak in the film. I'm not surprised that Dwight's performance was praised here, as I said he always stands out and draws you to him like a magnet in spite of how brief his appearance in a film may be.