> I've read complaints about Mary Astor in other
forums, so I know I'm in
> a minority on this point, but I kind of like her in
THE MALTESE FALCON.
I like her as well. Her portrayal is enough for me. As a
character in the film, she is female, and that seemed to be
Spade and Archer's only requirement in a woman. She seemed
vulnerable to them, and that made her a perfect target. The
hesitation in her voice, the obviousness of her story, does
not disturb them, as they only need to believe her money.
Later, as Spade is drawn to her, we have our doubts as we
should. Is he kissing her because he really is drawn to her,
or because he needs her confession? By professing romance, he
keeps her near him till the end. If she were a stunning
beauty, would he really have sent her over? Astor managed to
include all the dilemmas of her character while playing a
split personality, cheat, liar and sex pot. Pretty good job
in my book.
Best, GWN Gary Warren Niebuhr P. I. E. S. (Private
Investigator Entertainment Service) P. O. Box 341218
Milwaukee, WI 53234
piesbook@execpc.com http://www.execpc.com/~piesbook/piescatalog.html
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