The Big Sleep Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A detective in England solves a case about blackmail and murder, but mostly just has confusing encounters with rich people and their scandalous daughters.

🍿 The Big Sleep: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Sternwood’s Blackmail

Philip Marlowe, an American private detective operating in 1970s England, is summoned to the Sternwood estate. General Sternwood, a wealthy and ailing patriarch, hires Marlowe to investigate a blackmail attempt against his younger daughter, Camilla. The general suspects that compromising photographs are involved and seeks Marlowe’s discreet assistance. Marlowe’s initial investigation uncovers a web of deceit and hidden agendas within the Sternwood family.

Murders and Mysteries Unfold

As Marlowe delves deeper, the case takes a dark turn with the murder of Arthur Geiger, a bookstore owner linked to the blackmail. The investigation expands to encompass Geiger’s associates, including Agnes Lozelle and Joe Brody. The disappearance of Rusty Regan, the husband of the General’s older daughter Charlotte, adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate plot. Marlowe navigates a treacherous landscape filled with gangsters, blackmailers, and femme fatales, piecing together clues amidst a series of violent encounters.

The Truth Revealed

Marlowe’s investigation culminates in the discovery that Camilla Sternwood is responsible for Rusty Regan’s death, driven by her disturbed affections. Charlotte, protecting her sister, covered up the crime with the assistance of Eddie Mars, a local gangster. Marlowe confronts Charlotte with the truth, urging her to seek psychiatric help for Camilla. He departs from the Sternwood estate, leaving the family’s dark secrets concealed from the ailing General.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Philip Marlowe (Robert Mitchum): A world-weary American private detective in 1970s England, hired to investigate a blackmail case that unveils a complex web of crime.
• General Sternwood (James Stewart): The elderly and ailing General, an American expatriate, hires Marlowe to deal with a blackmail attempt against his family, masking deeper concerns.
• Charlotte Sternwood (Sarah Miles): The elder Sternwood daughter, a gambling addict, entangled in secrets and potentially linked to the disappearance of her husband.
• Camilla Sternwood (Candy Clark): The younger, wild and unstable Sternwood daughter, whose nude photos trigger the blackmail plot and conceal a dark secret.
• Eddie Mars (Oliver Reed): A ruthless gangster and casino owner with connections to the Sternwood family and a hidden agenda of his own.
• Lash Canino (Richard Boone): Eddie Mars’s club-footed and sadistic hitman, who uses poison.
• Agnes Lozelle (Joan Collins): An employee of Geiger who is willing to sell information.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Charlotte Sternwood: “You don’t want money?” – Charlotte expresses her disbelief when Marlowe declines to blackmail her, showing her understanding that money is an excellent motivator.
• Philip Marlowe: “Oh sure. All I itch for is money.” – Marlowe sarcastically explains to Charlotte that it is more than just the money, that he is also trying to protect what pride the sick and broken old man has in his family.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £3,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Big Sleep Reviews

Personal Review

As a fan of film noir, I was interested to see this take on The Big Sleep, especially with Mitchum as Marlowe. While it doesn’t capture the same magic as the original, I found it interesting how the story was updated for a different era. The cast is good, but the story and characters were a mess. I especially enjoyed James Stewart, who had a cameo in the film. I recommend watching it to see what you think but just don’t compare it to the Bogart film.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic detective stories”
  • “Those interested in film noir and crime dramas”
  • “Robert Mitchum enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers who enjoy complex plots and mysteries”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Pornography references”
  • “Drug use”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “This remake is more faithful to Chandler’s original story, despite moving the setting to 1970s London. The story is easier to follow, but less expansive, and the characters take a backseat. Still an entertaining thriller.
• IMDB: “Mitchum seems like the best replacement for Bogart. The plot is complex enough, but easier to follow than the 1946 film. The film doesn’t live up to the atmosphere of the original, but it is a fine homage to the classic.
• IMDB: “Updating the film to the 1970s in London makes the original source material feel diluted. Mitchum is a very fine actor, but it just doesn’t work! The scandal from which Marlowe shields the old man was so much more significant in the period in which the book was set

Audience Reactions

Robert Mitchum as Marlowe is a smooth criminal.: Mitchum’s portrayal of Philip Marlowe is considered world-weary and fitting for the role.

A fantastic cast.: Many viewers praised the cast, with special mentions for Richard Boone, Joan Collins and Robert Mitchum.

Overall Consensus: The 1978 remake of ‘The Big Sleep’ with Robert Mitchum has mixed reviews, with some praising Mitchum’s performance and its fidelity to the novel, while others criticize its lack of atmosphere and a messy plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This version updates the setting to 1970s London, a departure from the original’s Los Angeles backdrop.”
• “Robert Mitchum had previously played Philip Marlowe in ‘Farewell, My Lovely’ (1975), making him a familiar face in the role.”
• “The film features a notable ensemble cast including James Stewart, Sarah Miles, Oliver Reed, and Joan Collins.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Big Sleep?

As of October 2024, ‘The Big Sleep’ (1978) is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability and pricing. Physical copies (DVD and Blu-ray) can also be purchased through online retailers like Amazon and major brick-and-mortar stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Farewell, My Lovely (1975): Robert Mitchum plays Philip Marlowe in another adaptation of a Raymond Chandler novel, offering a similar noir experience.
• The Long Goodbye (1973): Another Philip Marlowe adaptation that reimagines the character in a more modern and cynical setting.
• Murder on the Orient Express (1974): A classic whodunit with a star-studded cast, offering a complex mystery in a distinct setting.
• Knives Out (2019): A modern whodunit with a twisty plot and a focus on family secrets and betrayals, appealing to fans of intricate mysteries.

🛒 The Big Sleep Related Products

• The Big Sleep (1946) [Blu-ray]: Experience the classic film noir starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Digitally restored with enhanced image and sound quality, this Blu-ray edition brings the timeless story to life.
• Raymond Chandler: The Big Sleep (Philip Marlowe): Dive into the original novel by Raymond Chandler that inspired both films. Follow Philip Marlowe through the intricate plot and immerse yourself in Chandler’s unique writing style.
• Farewell, My Lovely (1975) [DVD]: Robert Mitchum’s first portrayal of Philip Marlowe. This DVD edition captures Mitchum’s world-weary detective in a neo-noir setting.
• The Big Sleep: The Complete Philip Marlowe Radio Broadcasts [Audio CD]: Experience Raymond Chandler’s Philip Marlowe stories as they were originally presented on the radio. These full-cast audio dramas bring the classic characters and plots to life with authentic period details.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Won’t Somebody Dance With Me” – performed by Lynsey de Paul
• “Theme From The Big Sleep” – performed by Jerry Fielding

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Defining Film Noir

Ever wondered what Film Noir actually *is*? This video breaks it down, and guess what? “The Big Sleep” is right in there as a prime example! I found it super helpful in understanding the movie’s atmosphere, you should check it out!

CLASSIC MOVIE REVIEW: Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall in THE BIG SLEEP from STEVE HAYES

Thinking about watching “The Big Sleep”? This review gives a great overview of the Bogart/Bacall version, highlighting why it’s considered a classic. I think it’s a good way to see if you like the movie before you actually watch it.

This “THE BIG SLEEP” star has a DISGUSTING & SHOCKING daily habit she swears by!

Ever wonder about the strange quirks of classic movie stars? This video dishes on an actress from “The Big Sleep” (the ’70s version) and her…interesting…daily habit. Whether it is true or not, it’s entertaining!

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