"A story as EXPLOSIVE as his BLAZING automatics!"
Director: John Huston
Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Gladys George, Peter Lorre, Barton MacLane
The Maltese Falcon — Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
The stuff that dreams are made of.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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