Today’s quick review: The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. Out of work and out of money, Dobbs (Humphrey Bogart) and Curtin (Tim Holt), a pair of Americans living in Mexico, team up with Howard (Walter Huston), a down-on-his-luck prospector, to seek their fortune in the wilderness. After a long and harrowing journey, the men strike gold. But their newfound wealth soon drives a wedge between them, and paranoia takes root among the once-trusting trio.
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is a classic adventure drama that follows three men on a perilous quest for gold. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre features an impressive script and capable acting. Its plot hangs together nicely, with sensible pacing and engaging twists. The tone of the movie skews a little dark, but its tasteful presentation and nuanced characters make even its most dramatic moments feel justified.
Humphrey Bogart ties the film together as Dobbs, an ordinary man driven to desperate measures by the gold he finds. His motivations are laudable at first, hoping for just enough gold to keep him out of poverty. But as the dig goes on, his paranoia grows and his actions become irrational. Bogart captures both sides of the character with equal skill, portraying Dobbs as a flawed man even at his best and a sympathetic one even at his most unhinged.
Tim Holt and Walter Huston are nearly his equal. TIm Holt takes on the role of Curtin, a fellow American in just as dire straits as Dobbs. An acquaintance at first, he soon becomes Dobbs’ partner and voice of reason. Walter Huston rounds out the trio as Howard, a several-time prospector who understands the magnitude of the task before them. Though outwardly unstable, Howard proves to have a keen mind and a loyal heart.
The cracks between the three men come from their inability to trust one another. Dobbs gets the worst of it, but all three are pushed to the limit by the prospect of betrayal. The plot of the film plays into this dynamic masterfully. The challenges the men face are not just dangerous but uncertain. It’s never clear what the right course of action is, and the men’s differences in temperament make their choices all the more fraught with consequence.
Give The Treasure of the Sierra Madre a shot if you’re a fan of well-written drama. Its serious tone and classic sensibilities may not appeal to everyone, but those who give it a chance will appreciate it for its high all-around quality. Skip it if you’re looking for a more optimistic adventure. For a high-caliber movie with a similar story and a Western twist, check out The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
8.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for nuanced characters and excellent writing.