I was contemplating that moment in a film when an actor wows me, when I realize I need to see all of his/her work and possibly start decorating my rooms in fan posters à la a kid with a Teen Beat subscription. And the first actor to come to mind was Humphrey Bogart.
Bogart in The Maltese Falcon
I was unmoved initially by Casablanca, arguably Bogart’s most famous film. A friend and I had decided we needed to acquire some culture and had learned in When Harry Met Sally that this was a love story for the ages. We were confused as we watched. What was all of this stuff about war? Where the hell was Casablanca? Why waste time with all of these confusing minor characters, especially that weird dude (Peter Lorre), when we could be watching Wings or Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman? Was I seriously supposed to think this Rick guy was attractive? He looked nothing like my high school crushes, Alec Baldwin and Kevin Bacon.
My teenage heartthrobs
Due to this uninspiring beginning, it was years before I watched another Bogie flick, this time The Maltese Falcon, the mystery about a private detective, Sam Spade (Bogart), investigating the murder of his partner. I was enthralled. The script was breathtaking: “My guess might be excellent or it might be crummy, but Mrs. Spade didn’t raise any children dippy enough to make guesses in front of a district attorney, an assistant district attorney, and a stenographer.”
Spade, his partner, and the mysterious client
My favorite moment (the moment) occurs shortly after Spade meets Kasper Gutman (Sydney Greenstreet), the ringleader behind the crimes in the film. Spade has found him by confronting his gunsel (Elisha Cook Jr.), the lackey who has been trailing him. Spade asks about the “black bird” that has caused a killing spree, with his partner among the victims. “You know what it is,” he tells Gutman. “I know where it is, that’s why I’m here.”
Gutman assessing Spade
Gutman’s wordy style contrasts with Spade’s brevity. Right away, the former admits he’s a chatterbox: “I’m a man who likes talking to a man who likes to talk.” He stalls when Spade tries to make a deal for the bird, causing Spade to hurl the cigar and glass he’s holding and shout at Gutman: “What are you wasting my time for? I can get along without you. And another thing. Keep that gunsel out of my way while you’re making up your mind. I’ll kill ’im if you don’t, I’ll kill ’im.”
Spade throwing his cigar
Spade’s passion shocks the viewer. Since he’s remained so calm the entire film, the burst of violence alerts the audience to a fact that should have been obvious all along: the hero is fully as dangerous as his foes. I have always been in awe of the kind of efficiency of movement Bogart displays in this scene, something I admire in the dancing of Fred Astaire and brutal fights of Daniel Craig as 007 and Matt Damon as Jason Bourne.
But as the camera follows Spade charging out of the room, yelling about a 5:00 deadline, we witness his anger swiftly transform into an engaging grin.
Spade’s trick
That’s what did it for me—that quick, convincing rage, followed by a satisfied smile that reveals his action to be a ploy. In a moment, Bogart had excited me, fooled me, made me laugh. He had drawn me in with that seductive confidence, and thus sold me on his role as a leading man and sex symbol. I soon gobbled up The Big Sleep and so many of his other brilliant films. (Casablanca on a second viewing appeared to be a masterpiece.)
Bogart’s skill with The Maltese Falcon’s dialogue also steered me toward the beautifully written detective fiction of the 1930s-50s, to Dashiell Hammett’s dialogue, Raymond Chandler’s metaphors, and Ross Macdonald’s character development. And, of course, it led me to the amazing world of film noir.
So many thrilling performances. So much good writing. So much wonderful viewing. And all thanks to that 15-second shot of Humphrey Bogart’s grin.
I’m planning to do a The Moment I Fell for…blog once a month, with Thelma Ritter up next. I’d love to hear some of yours…..
For me, it’s Grace Kelly in “Rear Window” when she starts to believe Jimmy Stewart that his neighbor murdered his wife. She goes to the window and she’s breathless and frightened but also a bit aroused by the situation. She’s in a new place and you can feel that transformation in her.
By the way, I really like this column idea. The other one I can think of Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday when he carries Audrey Hepburn back to his apartment and he’s gentle and sardonic with her. He’s amazed, turned-on, and utterly gentlemanly towards her. I’d want my son to be Gregory Peck in that moment.
Mike, you’re right. She’s amazing in that scene, and mesmerizing in the film altogether. So different than in Dial M for Murder. That’s funny. I thought of Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday too, though I’d have to watch it again to decide the exact moment for me. Thanks! Leah
I fell for Claudette Colbert in the movie Tomorrow Is Forever, just incredible heart felt dialogue in that film.
As for Bogey, I love him, seen roughly 60 plus films of his now. He is best playing a bit of a crazy. His performance in The Desperate Hours stands out to me and is my favorite Bogart movie along with To Have and Have Not. He also made some gems with EG Robinson, I think you might enjoy Kid Galahad (boxing).
I would also recommend Swing Your Lady, the movie is so bad that it is good. Fun stuff in there, though Bogey would never admit he made the movie 🙂 .
Thanks! All sound like good recs, and I love To Have and Have Not. I’m always intrigued by the films that stars disavow:).
Why, hello. I was glad to see that others appreciate this classic movie moment. Narry Borman (that’s me) watched this filmed for the 4th time recently. Bogey’s quivering hand and cheeky grin as he leaves the wreckage after his outburst makes a really strong impact; perhaps because it’s a very human reaction from a man who is superhumanly cool for the rest of the film.
Thanks for writing, Narry. It’s true. That grin could either mean his act was deliberate, or that he is laughing at himself for his unexpectedly violent reaction. Or both:) It’s such a stunning moment. Just writing about it makes me want to watch a Bogey film right now:)