Another point in the Cortez Falcon's favor is that it
reflects the period in which the novel itself was set. Most
of us tend to see the novel as a Forties piece because of the
fame -- certainly justified -- of the Huston movie. My guess
is the lounge lizard sleaziness of Cortez may even have been
closer to Hammett's idea of Spade than Bogart's more rugged
interpretation. I always had a problem with Bogart playing
around with his partner's wife, but with Cortez, you kinda
expect it. The leering is probably a reflection of the movie
period that was not exactly known for its subtlety. Cortez
could be a fairly reliable actor, by the way, as he
demonstrated in John Ford's The Last Hurrah. Does anybody
know of any comment Hammett may have made about any of the
Falcon films? Maybe in the letters?
Dick Lochte
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