gregorygalloway
The Maltese Falcon premiered in New York City on 3 October 1941.
It was the directorial debut of 35-year-old John Huston (who also wrote the adapted screenplay) in the 3rd film version of Dashiell Hammett’s 1929 novel. George Raft was reportedly the first choice for Sam Spade, but turned down the project because he didn’t want to work with a first-time director. Bogart’s performance made him a star, and provided the definitive depiction of a film noir detective.
The Maltese Falcon earned 3 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture (given to How Green Was My Valley), Best Supporting Actor (Sydney Greenstreet lost to Donald Crisp in How Green Was My Valley), and John Huston for Best Adapted Screenplay (awarded to Here Comes Mr. Jordan).
