From the outset let me just be clear - this film is bafflingly confusing but wonderful at the same time. Plot explanations would be long winded and confused. In a nut shell: the film is based on a Raymond Chandler Philip Marlowe novel. Humphrey Bogart plays the cynical private eye Philip Marlowe and is hired by General Sternwood Marlowe to investigate a blackmail plot on his naive childlike daughter Carmen (Martha Vickers). Marlowe encounters Carmen’s protective sister Vivian (Lauren Bacall) and gets mixed up in various complications along the way including a murder of a dealer in pornography.
The plot is generally confusing owing to many editorial cuts when released to emphasise Bacall's part. this doesn't really overshadow what is a great film noir as the performances and chemistry from Bogart and Bacall are electric. I can't think we've seen anything like this since. The greatest strength is the dialogue performed with precision timing by the leads. It is snappy, hugely sexy and entertaining.
The confusion that reins at the end does not outweigh the fact that it is very enjoyable and a great showcase for 2 of Hollywoods finest. Modern day actors could learn alot about screen charisma from Bogart and Bacal. Brangelina ain't got nothing on these two!
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Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall made screen history together more than once, but they ... more
were never more popular than in this 1946 adaptation of Raymond Chandler's novel, directed by Howard Hawks (To Have and Have Not). Bogart plays private eye Philip M...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall made screen history together more than once, but they ... more
were never more popular than in this 1946 adaptation of Raymond Chandler's novel, directed by Howard Hawks (To Have and Have Not). Bogart plays private eye Philip M...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Such a lot of guns around town and so few brains... One of the most satisfying and ... more
sheerly entertaining movies ever to come out of Hollywood this marvellous 1946 classic adaptation of Raymond Chandler's hard-boiled novel is the perfect vehicle for t...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Advantages: Bogart and Bacall sizzle; the dialogue crackles; everything is nigh perfect Disadvantages: I could lie and tell you there are any, but i won't
No_name 22.11.2003 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of The Big Sleep (DVD)
Advantages: Bogart and Bacall sizzle; the dialogue crackles; everything is nigh perfect Disadvantages: I could lie and tell you there are any, but i won't
No_name 22.11.2003 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of The Big Sleep (DVD)
![The Big Sleep (Special Edition) [DVD] [1977]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78053188.jpg "The Big Sleep (Special Edition) [DVD] [1977]")
![The Big Sleep [1946] [DVD]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78550093.jpg "The Big Sleep [1946] [DVD]")
Oct 16th, 2009
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