Starting out, I must advise that my review here is for the 1945 pre-release version of "The Big Sleep", which had quite a few scenes redone prior to it's release to general audiences in October 1946. With filming already completed by Spring of 1945, there were two main reasons for the year and a half delay; first, with World War II underway, Warner Brothers felt compelled to get it's war related films into theaters while they were still timely. Secondly, Producer/Director Howard Hawks was convinced he had to re-shoot some scenes involving Lauren Bacall, who was critically panned in her latest film, "Confidential Agent" with Charles Boyer. In the original print, Bacall is presented in a few scenes wearing a distracting veil, and it's her more glamorous side that the studio needed to capitalize on.

Much has been made of the complexity of the "The Big Sleep", and deservedly so. On my latest viewing, I took pen in hand to keep track of the characters and situations. That only helped so much. For example, Humprey Bogart's character, private detective Philip Marlowe is tailing rare book dealer Arthur Gwynne Geiger for his client General Sternwood; Geiger allegedly holds gambling debts involving a few thousand dollars on Sternwood's daughter Carmen (Martha Vickers). Following Geiger's auto to his residence, Marlowe studies his surroundings, and then hears a woman's scream and gunshots, followed immediately by two cars careening out of the driveway. Entering the house, he discovers the lifeless body of Geiger, and a spaced out Carmen Sternwood. Out of this scenario are offered two, maybe three possibilities. First, General Sternwood's chauffeur Owen Taylor is implicated, as he had fallen in love with Carmen and wanted to defend her from blackmail. Secondly, a shady Geiger accomplice Joe Brody may have done it, OR may have chased the guilty Taylor from the crime scene either to retrieve some incriminating blackmail film or to remove him as a potential witness. OR, the spaced out Carmen could have killed Geiger herself, and although this wasn't offered as a possibility in the film, she WAS present, and may have been entirely coherent when the murder was committed.

And this is how the story proceeds. Even more characters are introduced to spin off the original plot, and Marlowe is off investigating the proprietor of a gambling house named Eddie Mars, Brody's accomplice Agnes Lozier, the salesgirl at the rare bookstore, and Harry Jones (Elisha Cook Jr.),a tail on Marlowe who gets rubbed out after setting up a meeting with Agnes that might provide more information to go on.

All of the intrigue aside, it's the chemistry once again between Bogey and by now, Mrs. Bogey, Lauren Bacall that propels this movie forward. Whether just sizing each other up at the beginning of the film, or as unwilling accomplices and possible lovers by film's end, it's the snappy banter and smoldering tension between the two that put the sizzle into this edgy noir thriller.

As if to prove how great an actor Bogart was, this film offers us a glimpse at his incredible range. Of course I'm referring to the bookstore scene in which Bogey portrays a nerdy client seeking information on a non existent rare book. With a mere upturn of his hat's brim and a cleverly positioned pair of glasses, Bogart completely transforms into an almost unrecognizable comic character who befuddles and infuriates the store's proprietress. He follows that up with a walk across the street, and a double entendre filled conversation with a disarmingly seductive Dorothy Malone in a scene that could have lingered into X-rated territory if not for the task at hand.

One could go on and on about "The Big Sleep", and others have, but to appreciate the film's mystery, darkness and noir complexity you'll have to view it. But don't try to solve the case, you won't want to hurt yourself.

This is an odd case of the film's style and acting being so good that it made up for huge plot holes in the film. Even those who love this film like I do will usually honestly admit that the murder mystery is muddled and made little sense. However, this doesn't really seem to matter that much since the mood, acting and dialog are so exceptional, this seems to be a film that can even overcome plot problems.

The best part about this film, by far, is Humphrey Bogart. His Phillip Marlowe is terrific--sarcastic, tough and blunt. Hearing him spit out great one-liners is something you just have to see to believe and even some of the minor scenes (such as the one in the book shop) come off wonderfully due to his characterization. It sure helped that he was ably assisted by a great supporting staff (especially Lauren Bacall),but even without them this would have been a first-rate film due to Bogey.

The direction also deserves a lot of credit. Howard Hawkes sure did a good job of setting the Film Noir atmosphere. Exceptional camera work, music, lighting and pacing all made this a sit on the edge of your seat type of film.

As for the story, Marlowe is called in to help a rich old man find a missing friend. However, what happens next and all the twists and turns just don't add up to a lot--especially when you find out who did the crime and why. But don't worry--you can actually look past this!!

By the way, although I loved Bogart, I also really loved Robert Montgomery's version of this character in THE LADY IN THE LAKE. While not necessarily better or worse than Bogey's version of the character, he was nastier and more sarcastic (while Bogart was a little more self-confident and tough). In fact, I am shocked this other movie isn't just as famous as THE BIG SLEEP--it definitely deserves to be and would make a great double-feature.

I thoroughly enjoy The Big Sleep. It isn't completely perfect, but it is that close. This film is timeless and deserves its status as a classic. It is superbly directed by Howard Hawks, the story is always interesting if notoriously confusing, the film never lags in pace and the script is wonderful with memorable and thoughtful lines. The film looks beautiful too, while Max Steiner's score compliments The Big Sleep beautifully. The acting is great too, Humphrey Bogart is wonderful and has some of his best acting moments in this movie, while Lauren Bacall is deliciously beautiful. The chemistry between Bogart and Bacall sizzles with sexual tension. There are many other delights too especially Martha Vicker's very sexy Carmen. All in all, it is really timeless. 9/10 Bethany Cox