The Big Sleep Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A detective gets hired to deal with blackmail, but mostly just deals with women trying to climb all over him, all while a plot happens somewhere in the background.

🍿 The Big Sleep: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Sternwood Family and Blackmail

Private investigator Philip Marlowe is summoned to the Sternwood mansion by the wealthy and ailing General Sternwood. The General is concerned about his younger daughter, Carmen, who is being blackmailed over gambling debts by rare-book dealer Arthur Gwynn Geiger. Marlowe is tasked with resolving the situation, but quickly discovers that the Sternwood family is enmeshed in a web of secrets and hidden desires.

Murder and Intrigue at Geiger’s Bookstore

Marlowe’s investigation leads him to Geiger’s bookstore, where he encounters Agnes, a woman who seems to obstruct his inquiries. Following Geiger, Marlowe finds himself at Geiger’s house, where he discovers Geiger dead and Carmen in a dazed state. This discovery marks the beginning of a series of murders and double-crosses that Marlowe must navigate to uncover the truth.

The Mystery of Sean Regan

As Marlowe delves deeper, he learns about Sean Regan, a former associate of General Sternwood who disappeared mysteriously. Vivian Sternwood, the General’s elder daughter, believes Marlowe was hired to find Regan, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation. Marlowe suspects there is a connection between Regan’s disappearance and the current blackmail case, pushing him to uncover the truth behind both mysteries.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Philip Marlowe (Humphrey Bogart): A sharp and cynical private investigator hired to untangle a web of blackmail, murder, and deceit.
• Vivian Rutledge (Lauren Bacall): The intelligent and alluring elder daughter of General Sternwood who becomes entangled with Marlowe in the complex case.
• Carmen Sternwood (Martha Vickers): The younger, wild and troubled daughter of General Sternwood whose gambling debts and scandalous behavior trigger the initial investigation.
• Eddie Mars (John Ridgely): A ruthless casino owner and gangster involved in blackmail and murder, who serves as a primary antagonist.
• General Sternwood (Charles Waldron): The wealthy and ailing patriarch who hires Marlowe to protect his family from scandal and blackmail.
• Harry Jones (Elisha Cook Jr.): A small-time informant who tries to sell information to Marlowe and pays the ultimate price.
• Lash Canino (Bob Steele): Eddie Mars’s deadly and menacing henchman who carries out his dirty work.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Philip Marlowe: “She tried to sit on my lap while I was standing up.” – Marlowe dryly recounts Carmen’s forward behavior to General Sternwood, highlighting her provocative nature.
• Philip Marlowe: “I don’t like your methods, I don’t like your friends, and I don’t like you.” – Marlowe confronts Eddie Mars, expressing his disdain for Mars’ criminal activities and associates.
• Vivian Rutledge: “My, my, my… Such a lot of guns around town and so few brains!” – Vivian sarcastically comments on the prevalence of violence and lack of intelligence among the criminals involved.
• Philip Marlowe: “Dead men are heavier than broken hearts.” – Marlowe offers a cynical observation, highlighting the grim realities of his profession.
• Carmen Sternwood: “You’re cute.” – Carmen says this frequently, often in a seductive or unsettling manner, emphasizing her immature and impulsive nature.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $250,000
• Domestic Gross: $25,556
• Worldwide Gross: $51,050

💥 The Big Sleep Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, ‘The Big Sleep’ is CONFUSING. I’m not going to lie. But honestly, I didn’t even care! Bogart and Bacall just ooze charisma, and every line is pure gold. The bookstore scene? Hysterical! And that horse racing dialogue? Whoa. It’s stylish, sexy, and just plain fun. Even if I don’t fully get it, I’m already planning a rewatch! It’s a cinematic experience.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic film noir”
  • “Lovers of detective stories”
  • “Those interested in Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall’s on-screen chemistry”
  • “Viewers who appreciate witty dialogue and complex plots”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Gun violence”
  • “Drug Use”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A superb example of the hard-boiled detective genre. Bogart is perfect as Marlowe, and the dialogue crackles with wit and innuendo. The plot is complex, perhaps too complex, but the atmosphere and performances are unforgettable.
• Variety: “Howard Hawks directs with a sure hand, bringing Raymond Chandler’s novel to life with style and suspense. Bogart and Bacall are electric together. Even if the plot becomes a bit convoluted, the overall effect is a classic noir experience.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “A quintessential film noir, ‘The Big Sleep’ boasts a twisty plot, sharp dialogue, and the sizzling chemistry of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. It may be confusing, but it’s undeniably entertaining and influential.

Audience Reactions

The witty banter between Bogart and Bacall is absolutely legendary and makes the movie endlessly rewatchable.: Viewers consistently praise the snappy dialogue, the Bogart-Bacall chemistry, and the overall film noir atmosphere.

Martha Vickers steals every scene as Carmen Sternwood; her character is both alluring and unsettling.: The performances from all of the main actors add immense value to the movie.

Overall Consensus: ‘The Big Sleep’ is celebrated as a classic film noir, primarily for its iconic performances and stylized atmosphere, even though its convoluted plot often leaves viewers perplexed.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is known for its complex and convoluted plot, so much so that even director Howard Hawks and Humphrey Bogart reportedly called Raymond Chandler, the author of the novel, to ask who committed one of the murders, and Chandler himself didn’t know.”
• “Due to the on-screen chemistry between Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, several scenes were reshot or added after initial filming to capitalize on their relationship.”
• “William Faulkner was one of the screenwriters, contributing to the film’s distinctive dialogue and atmosphere.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Big Sleep?

The Big Sleep is a classic film noir available for streaming or purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules on classic movie channels. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are widely available for purchase online and in stores, offering the best quality viewing experience. Keep an eye out for special editions with bonus features like commentary and documentaries for a deeper dive into the movie’s production.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Big Sleep, you might like these similar films:

• The Maltese Falcon (1941): Another classic film noir starring Humphrey Bogart as a private detective, with a similarly complex plot and a focus on moral ambiguity.
• Chinatown (1974): A neo-noir that captures the dark atmosphere and intricate plotting of The Big Sleep, set in a corrupt Los Angeles.
• L.A. Confidential (1997): A modern neo-noir crime drama set in 1950s Los Angeles, exploring similar themes of corruption and moral compromise within the police force and city government.
• Kiss Me Deadly (1955): Another classic film noir featuring a hard-boiled detective caught up in a dangerous and mysterious case, with a dark and cynical tone.

🛒 The Big Sleep Related Products

• The Big Sleep (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A pristine Blu-ray transfer of the film, packaged with insightful essays and documentaries that delve into the making of the movie and its cultural impact, making it a must-own for cinephiles.
• The Complete Philip Marlowe Novels: A collection of all Raymond Chandler’s Philip Marlowe novels, including “The Big Sleep,” in a convenient e-book format. Explore the world of Marlowe beyond the film.
• Humphrey Bogart: The Essential Collection (DVD): A DVD box set featuring several of Humphrey Bogart’s most iconic films, including ‘The Big Sleep,’ ‘Casablanca,’ and ‘The Maltese Falcon’, this collection highlights Bogart’s range and enduring appeal.
• Vintage Movie Poster – The Big Sleep: A high-quality print of the original movie poster, perfect for decorating a home theater or adding a touch of classic Hollywood to any room. A conversation starter for film buffs.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Big Sleep features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine” – performed by Lauren Bacall and The Williams Brothers
• “The Big Sleep (Original Score Selections)” – performed by Max Steiner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How Humphrey Bogart Became A Legend

Ever wondered how Humphrey Bogart became one of the most iconic actors of all time? This video breaks down his remarkable journey and the key factors that contributed to his legendary status.

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