Reading the 20th Century discussion

Latest episode of Backlisted is an enjoyable discussion about...



The Maltese Falcon (1930)

and of course

Dashiell Hammett...


In this week’s episode, we are joined by the crime novelist Mark Billingham to discuss his favourite book, The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett. First serialised in Black Mask magazine in 1929 and published the following year in book form by Alfred A. Knopf, it is widely considered to have inaugurated the hard-boiled genre of detective fiction. It introduces the tough, abrasive and morally ambiguous private detective, Sam Spade, who sent Dorothy Parker ‘mooning about in a daze of love such as I had not known for any character in literature since I encountered Sir Lancelot.’

The labyrinthine plot turns around the eponymous falcon of the title – a statuette so valuable that three people are killed in the search to retrieve it. But, as the discussion reveals, it is not the plot that has made the book a classic. Hammett’s San Francisco, filled with sharp-tongued dames, wise-cracking gumshoes, cops on the take and thugs on the lam, spawned a whole genre of noir novels and movies – including John Huston’s classic adaptation starring Humphrey Bogart and Mary Astor in 1941. In 1995, the Mystery Writers of America voted The Maltese Falcon the third greatest crime novel of all time. In this episode, illuminated by Mark’s own long experience of writing in the genre, we try to find out why.


https://www.backlisted.fm/episodes/189



Books mentioned:

Dashiell Hammett - The Maltese Falcon; The Continental Op; The Thin Man; Red Harvest; The Glass Key; The Dain Curse
Mark Billingham - The Last Dance; Rabbit Hole; Sleepy Head; Cry Baby
Raymond Chandler - The Big Sleep & Other Novels; Farewell, My Lovely
James M. Cain - The Postman Always Rings Twice
Jim Thompson - The Killer Inside Me
Ross Macdonald - The Drowning Pool

Having thoroughly enjoyed the Backlisted discussion I am going to read The Maltese Falcon. I've not read it before.


If you're interested in a buddy please reply below with an indication of whether you have a preferred month.

I am ready to go anytime - the sooner the better

But happy to delay if you want to share the experience but cannot start for a while

Not this time, Nigeyb, as I have lots on but I'd like to try some Hammett at some point as I've never read him - I like the sound of The Thin Man. Did the podcast say anything interesting about it?

They did indeed


The Thin Man, whilst popular, was very much DH on the wane. This according to Mark Billingham who, in addition to his own writing, is a DH obsessive. According to him, DH had the misfortune to have huge success very early in his career with the gamechanging The Maltese Falcon (the first time such a book was written thus sparking a whole genre) that he lost motivation and over indulged in the fruits of his success.

The Maltese Falcon is widely considered to be his best book.

A communist, he also became embroiled in the anti-Communism mania of the 1950s including the House Un-American Activities Committee. This, in addition to tubercolois, he picked up having served in both World Wars accelerated his decine. It's a sad story.

I'm partial to Red Harvest. I haven't read The Thin Man either - I had the same impression that late Hamnet dropped off a bit.

Interesting, thanks. I just saw banter and martinis in the Thin Man blurb and thought 'yes!'.

Having only fairly recently 'got' Chandler via this group I didn't know DH was ahead of him. Looking forward to hearing what you make of Maltese Falcon but am not going to commit yet.

That’s all fine


I’ll report back when I’ve read it

I apparently haven't read it for a few years so I wouldn't mind re-reading. A couple of years ago I read a biography of Hammett - The Lost Detective: Becoming Dashiell Hammett by Nathan Ward.

Ward describes a visit he made to Hammett's apartment in San Francisco and it fits the description given of Spade's apartment. He was describing his own apartment!

Let me know whens good.

Nigeyb wrote: "They did indeed


The Thin Man, whilst popular, was very much DH on the wane. This according to Mark Billingham who, in addition to his own writing, is a DH obsessive. According to ..."

I imagine part of the problem at that stage was his excessive alcohol consumption - rather like Joseph Roth whose books also tailed off as his drinking increased. I don't know much about DH's life, know him more as someone who was in a relationship with the now-controversial Lillian Hellman. I've read and didn't dislike The Thin Man but it didn't wow me either, it's definitely an entertaining read in the moment. But I much prefer the film series with William Powell and Myrna Loy, I've never dared try The Maltese Falcon, again I'm a huge fan of Bogart's version and like the Thin Man films have seen the movie too many times to count. So look forward to seeing what you make of it Nigey.

I think that’s the thing about Hammett, the films are often better than the books. Certainly The Maltese Falcon, probably The Thin Man. Even Red Harvest (loosely, Kurosawa, Leone).

I wonder if he might have been better as a screenwriter? The Glass Key - particularly the later version with Alan Ladd - also based on his work is another great noir.

I haven’t seen or read The Glass Key, but according to wikipedia, it was the inspiration for Yojimbo (not Red Harvest). Have you read any of these, Alwynne?

Interestingly the Backlisted podcast concluded the book is superior to the film. A darker narrative. And, I think, their feeling was that Bogart was not well cast. I know the film so wil report back.

Jan, if you reread please use this thread to post your thoughts and ideas

More Maltese Falcon chat from A Good Read…..



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00...


The fashion designer Pam Hogg and crime writer Mark Billingham make their choices of a good read. Pam's is Geek Love by Katherine Dunn, Mark has chosen Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon while Harriett goes for Bookworm by Lucy Mangan.

David wrote: "I haven’t seen or read The Glass Key, but according to wikipedia, it was the inspiration for Yojimbo (not Red Harvest). Have you read any of these, Alwynne?"

No, just seen the films but I thought that the Alan Ladd film of 'The Glass Key' was the influence on Kurosawa because of a general interest in film noir:

https://akirakurosawa.info/forums/top...

The Glass Key also inspired Miller's Crossing apparently:

https://www.sensesofcinema.com/2002/c...

Great intel Alwynne


Thanks


I have got hold of a copy of The Maltese Falcon

Just got to finish my current book group choice and I'll be diving straight in

#exciting

Looking forward to hearing about it Nigey! Particularly the differences between the film and the book. But be warned I adore Bogart!

I'll have to locate my Hammet omnibus - all 5 books in one volume. I know I was re-reading Red Harvest recently.

Great news Jan


Alwynne, we all love Bogart. The law states all citizens must love Bogey, no ifs no buts no maybes

How could we not love Bogart?

I really enjoyed The Maltese Falcon, and hope you are too, Nigeyb. The over-the-top chauvinism is down right funny, and the depiction of San Francisco in that era is great. I'll be interested to see what you think of the writing style. I think reading it enhances the movie experience.

The Thin Man though, not so much. The films are a kick, but the book was awful. William Powell and Myrna Loy gave it life that was missing in the book. I'd say skip it, and watch the films again. :-)

Sagely words Kathleen


Thanks for the encouragement and the top tips

Might see if I can track it down have some spare time - laid up with a groin pull of all things. Think I overdid my last workout, feel like a jock in an American sports film. If anyone has any tips over than icing and initial rest let me know, never had one before! Can't take anti-inflammatories because I have a sensitive stomach.

Ouch. Get well soon

Oh no, Alwynne. I don't have any advice... other than to rest up with a pile of books?

Roman Clodia wrote: "Oh no, Alwynne. I don't have any advice... other than to rest up with a pile of books?"

Where are the sporting types when you need them? I would see my physio but typically she's on holiday! It's weird often long for a chance to sit and read but when it's enforced itch to get up and do things.

Mr RC says his rugby mates are always having groin strains (needless to say it's *far* more serious for them, apparently, than for a mere female...;) but it really is ice and rest. Sometime alternating ice with a hot water bottle can help but perhaps not in this weather?

I'm underway with....


The Maltese Falcon (1930)


....so far so predictably great

This was the book that launched the entire hardboiled genre and yet it still feels fresh

I've finished....



The Maltese Falcon (1930)


....and I loved it



https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


5/5

Nigeyb wrote: "I've finished....



The Maltese Falcon (1930)


....and I loved it



https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


5/5



"

Yay!

I love being able to enjoy Hammett vicariously through your reviews!

Happy to help 🤠

Nigeyb wrote: "I've finished....



The Maltese Falcon (1930)


....and I loved it



https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


5/5



"

I found my book yesterday. Print looks smaller than I remember.

Looking forward to your reaction Jan