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Dialogue, dialogue, dialogue. Then, the greatest hotties' sensual chemistry. Bogie & Bacall is what "Big Sleep," was up to. Last lines first: Vivian (Bacall): You've forgotten one thing - me. Philip Marlowe (Bogart): What's wrong with you? Vivian (Bacall): Nothing you can't fix. (Do tell! That's the slow burn fired all the way up at the show stopping end. Suave dialogue leaves my chin hanging open, knowing Bacall & Bogie get busy with that fix in real life--married. This film made their romance. Marlow (Bogart) set a standard for future P.I.s since a generation of guys mimicked his gestures, dangling a cig over their lower lip, lifting crooked eyebrows with a real toothy grimace. Oh & grabbing at his ear while he's thinking. Dir. Howard Hawks had a hand in making the late bloomer (Bogie didn't start acting until 35yo to pay off his dad's debts) a matinee idol. An ordinary enough street-smart private investigator was transformed by 1 film into a fresh brand of movie icon, by the women, & a role model for the men. "The Big Sleep's" strength is its dialogue & delivery. Especially exchanges between Bogie & Bacall in the 1946 version. This is their major film for becoming recognized as the most sensuous real life lovers among screen actors: Lauren Bacall (Vivian Sternwood Rutledge) & Humphrey Bogart (Philip Marlow). When Raymond Chandler wrote the novel, then William Faulkner co-adapted it, their combustible chemistry was projected through the real emotions of Bacall & Bogart. Whatever happened to men being cunning & suave rather than bullying brutes? Or being funny when dead-pan serious instead of being a lunatic for a laugh? The noire script is finessed in conversation, for instance: General Sternwood--Vivian's aged father (Charles Waldron): How do you like your brandy, sir? Marlowe (Bogart): In a glass. Notice how sparse in number the words are that deliver the punch? The dramatic murder mystery is a cut to the quick comedy because of great writing & great delivery of it, too. Again: Marlowe (Bogart): "Such a lot of guns around town & so few brains." (What a slam uttered in a mere 4 seconds!). Even better in 20 words in 11 seconds: Agnes Lowzier (Sonia Darrin--a saleswoman): Is Harry there? Philip Marlowe (Bogart): Yeah, yeah, he's here. Lowzier: Put him on, will you? Marlowe: He can't talk to you. Lowzier: Why? Marlowe: Because he's dead. That's why so many critics have called this movie too complex. It's ultra compact. If a whole scene can be done in 11 seconds & the DVD director's cut's 116 minutes, imagine counting the number of slams, seductions, crack-ups & romance moments that are packed within almost 2 hours? Howard Hawks directed the essential 1946 version & edited scenes that made Bacall's fire flame. Hawks, then Warner, didn't want Bacall being soft & cutesy. Almost forgot to tell you the plot. Private investigator, Philip Marlowe's hired to follow General Sternwood's younger daughter, Carmen. Seems she's into rough company & dear old Dad fears she's about to harm herself & his family's reputation in the near future. Marlowe's falling in love with the elder daughter, Vivian, who instantly develops a deep-seeded dislike of him. The plot twists & turns when 1 murder follows another murder. It's up to Marlowe to put the pieces together & figure out how to woo Vivian (on & off screen). If he does both he'll reap Vivian & Bacall as rewards. The famous couple's best!Read full review
I love this movie, glad to have a personal copy now. The copy of the old movie was just clips of reviews, not the copy of the old original version of the whole movie!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This edition is excellent since it includes both the 1945 release and the improved 1946 release!! Unfortunately nothing can fill the holes in Raymond Chandler's script. I still fail to understand how Dorothy Malone's character was sexy or even appealing.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
When I saw this bundle of Bogart available for such an excellent price, I could not resist buying it. Besides, I knew that ebay stood behind their items. I hadn't seen these films for such a long time so I sat down and watched them all one after another. I was not disappointed; all three movies were great to see after all this time.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great flick! I love Bogie and Bacall together. Great story, full of twists and turns with style. Love the costumes, attitude and ambiance, from the Noir to Bacall singing. Glad I bought it.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned