The Big Sleep [DVD] [1946]

Private detective Humphrey Bogart (Marlowe) is called by Charles Waldron (General Sternwood) to put an end to a case of blackmail involving his family. He has 2 daughters - Lauren Bacall (Vivian) and Martha Vickers (Carmen) - and it transpires that they are both drawn to the thrill of danger. Bogart solves one case but is then hooked into sticking around and poking his nose into other situations which seem to have been lurking around for a while. He is not welcome.This film is nicely shot, for instance, the depth in the greenhouse-type room where Bogart meets with Waldron draws you into the house. The dialogue is snappy and funny (both Bacall and Vickers tell Bogart that he is short) and sustains a consistency throughout the whole story. However, the film is slightly too long and I can understand those who think the film a little over-complicated. I was able to follow about 90%but I had to concentrate for the full 1 hour and 54 minutes, and this is quite a demand on the viewer. The story just seems to keep going, so just run with it.The cast are all effective and Lauren Bacall sings a really cool song after 1 hour when we see her in the nightclub and we realize, for the first time, that she is also a problem girl. Up to that point, Vickers is the bad girl who is always getting into trouble. You wonder what will happen in the final confrontations and I am pleased to say that the ending wasn't the cliche that I was expecting given the title of the film. I have no idea what the title means.Overall, it's a bit complicated but make an effort with it and it's not bad. Like Humphrey Bogart, I even felt sorry for Elisha Cooke Jnr (Jones) in his role as a messenger.

Director Howard Hawks' wonderful sense of playfulness makes The Big Sleep (1946) a timeless masterpiece that no other movie or TV version can hope to match. It's clear to see that Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall are deeply in love <3 from their scenes together, they trade sly sarcasm and sharp wit. Co screenwriter Leigh Brackett displays her dialouge mastery for the ensemble actors to relish. The music is a joy, highlighting danger, intruige and romance. Some of the tougher, hard boiled elements from Raymond Chandler's novel are softened here, adhering to the Hayes Code, but there's still a hard boiled, witty style on screen. No one knows who did in fact kill the chauffeur, but I think it was Eddie Mars' psychotic enforcer, Canino. Director Hawks loved women, giving any onscreen actress he directed a glowing loving playful intelligence and glamour.

I would not venture to throw more light on the superlatives hurled at this production beyond pointing out that the musical motif that haunts the entire film owes a good deal to Sibelius, and to the finale of Symphony No. 3 in particular.However, it is worth considering that were a child in its infancy (and before being divested of its innocence) to be presented with this film as an example of what grown-ups get up to . . . !?Death at the end of a barrel!

A bargain, It came on time and like always (over 70 times easily) watching this disc took me to satisfaction-land. The seller is obviously a movie appreciation person, my kind of dealer. Came on time, no, it was even early. Product was just as described. Kudos all around.

It's one of Humphrey Bogart's classics with well written dialogue that is both smart and witty. The opening scenes in particular demonstrate Chandler's brilliant writing combining a sharp exchange between the General and Bogart in the claustrophobic, overheated conservatory in which the former resides. The relationship between Bogart and Lauren Bacall is explosive as ever and sets the pace which which is followed throughout. My only criticism of this particular recording is the poor quality of the supporting music soundtrack, which is both distorted and far too loud, at times distracting what is being said by the excellent cast. The Big Sleep [1946] [DVD ]

To fully understand the plot of the story, you need to see the pre- released version and the special effects section which explains the edits and scene reshoots which go into the cinema released version. Vital pieces of the plot are deleted which make explains the cinema version. All in all a great movie.

Difficult to follow the convoluted plot but I think it was quite famous for that.I had sen this film a very long time ago and had forgotten that in among the wisecracks are some very funny lines.Bogart was made for the Marlowesque type roles and excels. How his character keeps a handle on Bacall's 'one minute innocent next minute an accessory to everything' and cropping up in the most unexpected scenes, I don't know but they hit off each other so well.Great fun.

My first feeling on watching this film was that it was decades ahead of its time. While the cast is of course stellar, I was deeply impressed by the handling and complexity of the tale – too complex and subtle to follow completely in a single viewing. What better compliment can be paid to a film than to feel that, as soon as it's finished, you know you want to watch it again? This edition has English subtitles for the hard of hearing.