The Big Sleep

Most fans are still busy online even until now, pondering over "The Big Sleep's" complicated and perplexing story aspects. It is a tribute to the enduring appeal of filmmaker Howard Hawks' 1946 movie, adapted from Raymond Chandler's hard-boiled detective book. Hawks was infamously so baffled by the narrative throughout the film production that he even phoned the author for assistance, but the author Chandler himself was just as baffled!

Phillip Marlowe, portrayed by Humphrey Bogart, is recruited to assist a young lady with her gambling debt. In noir, however, nothing is ever the same as how it appears, and he is quickly entangled in a web of criminal activity, from blackmail attempts to murder.

"The Big Sleep" is indeed a true intellectual test in which the spectator must do all the investigative work! Bogey's infamous quick-wittedness is part of what has made him a tough lead through the rapid revelation of names and locations as the mystery intensifies. Bogart's outstanding co-star is, obviously, Lauren Bacall, whom he wed only a few months after the production wrapped.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%

Year of Release: 1946

Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall