The Big Sleep

In the 1946 theatrical version of The Big Sleep, Humphrey Bogart plays private detective Philip Marlowe, hired by the Sternwood family to investigate the disappearance of a family friend, and other strange occurances. The further Marlowe digs into the case, the more confusing it gets. Based on a novel by Raymond Chandler, The Big Sleep's screenplay was written by William Faulkner, Leigh Brackett and Jules Furthman. It was directed by Howard Hawks.

Vivian, the elder Sternwood daughter, played by Lauren Bacall, is not too fond of Detective Marlowe in the beginning. She is, herself, a complex mystery of a woman, but eventually, Marlowe befriends her. In fact, the more he learns about her, the more the two develop feelings for one another. The younger Sternwood, Carmen, is also a puzzling character. She is the wilder of the two Sternwoods; she drinks and flirts, and makes a habit of coyly chewing on her thumb, a habit Marlowe tries to rid her of.

By the end of the movie, the plot has twisted and turned in so many directions it is hard to keep up with the story line. It is definitely a plot-driven movie, with romance added in where ever it can fit. Marlowe befriend a book store worker, and a cab driver before eventually falling for Lauren Bacall's character.

It is an excellent example of a film noir, revolving around a private detective, two femmes fatales, and a murder mystery. It was interesting, although at times, hard to keep up with.