"A story as EXPLOSIVE as his BLAZING automatics!"
The Maltese Falcon - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
The stuff that dreams are made of.
— Sam Spade
Context:
Spoken by Spade at the very end of the film when the police ask him what the heavy lead statue is.
Meaning:
This line encapsulates the film's central message: the object of their deadly obsession was an illusion all along. It references Shakespeare's The Tempest, elevating the noir story to a tragedy of human folly.
When you're slapped, you'll take it and like it.
— Sam Spade
Context:
Spade says this to Joel Cairo after disarming him and slapping him in the office.
Meaning:
Shows Spade's dominance and refusal to be intimidated by the criminal element. It establishes the hard-boiled detective's toughness and contempt for cheap crooks.
I don't mind a reasonable amount of trouble.
— Sam Spade
Context:
Spade talking to Brigid, negotiating his involvement in her messy situation.
Meaning:
Highlight's Spade's cool, professional detachment and his acceptance of danger as part of the job, provided he is paid or it serves his interest.
You know, darling, for that amount of money, I'd let you tell me a lie every day.
— Sam Spade
Context:
Spade to Brigid after she gives him money while spinning another one of her fabricated stories.
Meaning:
This cynical quip illustrates the transactional nature of Spade's relationships and his awareness of Brigid's deceitfulness.