The Big Sleep
The Big Sleep

The Big Sleep

1946Movie114 minEnglish

Private Investigator Philip Marlowe is hired by wealthy General Sternwood regarding a matter involving his youngest daughter Carmen. Before the complex case is over, Marlowe sees murder, blackmail, deception, and what might be love.

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Insights

IMDb7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes99%
Google Users93%
Director: Howard HawksGenres: Film-Noir, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

Private detective Philip Marlowe is hired by the ailing General Sternwood to handle a blackmailing case involving his wild daughter, Carmen. As Marlowe delves deeper, he uncovers a complex web of murder, deceit, and corruption involving pornography rings, kidnappings, and a dangerous femme fatale. The investigation leads him through the underbelly of Los Angeles, testing his wits and survival instincts.

Critical Reception

Considered a masterpiece of film noir, 'The Big Sleep' was a critical and commercial success upon its release and has since become a cornerstone of the genre. Praised for its complex plot, sharp dialogue, and iconic performances, it is often cited as one of the greatest detective films ever made.

What Reviewers Say

  • Atmospheric and endlessly rewatchable, with Bogart and Bacall in top form.
  • A quintessential film noir, featuring a labyrinthine plot and sharp, witty dialogue.
  • The convoluted mystery is secondary to the electric chemistry between the leads and the film's pervasive sense of moral ambiguity.

Google audience: Audiences consistently praise the film's captivating mystery, the iconic performances of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, and its stylish, noir atmosphere. Many viewers appreciate the complex plot and sharp dialogue, though some find it a bit confusing on first viewing.

Awards & Accolades

None notable beyond its enduring critical acclaim and status as a classic.

Fun Fact

The plot is notoriously convoluted, even confusing to the cast and crew. Raymond Chandler, the author of the novel, himself admitted he lost track of the plot details and had to consult with Hawks and the writers to clarify who killed whom.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

4 reviews
Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**A film that would be truly memorable if the script wasn't so poorly written.** In general, I really like noir films, it's a style that I like. However, despite the great reputation, I didn't particularly like this film. It's good, and ...
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

"General Sternwood" (Charles Waldron) has two daughters and poor old private detective "Philip Marlowe" (Humphrey Bogart) might be forgiven for ever getting involved with a case that sees him employed to investigate a case of blackmail agai...
talisencrw

talisencrw

This continues the incredible run of films Bogie made with now-wife Lauren Bacall. Crackling script ran to perfection by Howard Hawks. Essential, especially for fans of detective thrillers or simply well-made movies.
Andres Gomez

Andres Gomez

Oh, man, what a movie! Perfect on every sense. Great cast, with terrific Bogart and Bacall. Complex and interesting plot and smart dialogues. Only "funny" thing, if we want to say something, is the "perception" of the women roles in the ...