Today’s quick review: The Big Sleep. Private detective Philip Marlowe (Humphrey Bogart) gets embroiled in another difficult case when General Sternwood (Charles Waldron) hires him to take care of some blackmail regarding his hard-partying daughter Carmen (Martha Vickers). But the case turns deadly when Marlowe finds Carmen drugged in a room with a dead man. To get her out of trouble, Marlowe will need the help of her older sister Vivian (Lauren Bacall).
The Big Sleep is a classic noir adapted from the novel by Raymond Chandler. The story revolves around the indiscretions of Vivian and Carmen, a pair of wealthy sisters whose reckless behavior has landed them in trouble. What begins as a blackmail scheme soon turns into a murder investigation as Marlowe digs into the Sternwoods’ secrets. Strong performances and an intricate plot make The Big Sleep a worthwhile pick for any fan of the noir genre.
The lynchpin of the movie is Marlowe himself. Humphrey Bogart is in fine form as the unflappable detective, and his sharp deductions and dogged pursuit of the truth are what carry the story. No matter how convoluted the plot gets, Marlowe is always there to cut through the tangle and get to the truth. The film’s other major strength is Marlowe’s complicated relationship with Vivian, a battle of wits that could tip in either one’s favor.
The Big Sleep also manages to take a complicated plot and make sure all of its pieces fit together. There are many layers to the mystery, resulting from the interactions of half a dozen or more different parties, but the movie manages to keep track of them all. Even when the focus of the investigation changes, there’s always a hook to keep the viewer’s interest, and watching Marlowe put the pieces together is one of the film’s greatest rewards.
The Big Sleep is a solidly constructed mystery that earns its place as a classic, thanks to two strong leads and a plot that doesn’t let up. Not everyone will enjoy its sprawling style of mystery, which requires close attention to keep track of, but those willing to make the effort will be rewarded. For another classic noir starring Humphrey Bogart, try The Maltese Falcon. For another Raymond Chandler adaptation, try Murder, My Sweet.
7.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for an engaging plot and a sharp protagonist.