Noirvember Fatale Attractions: Mary Astor in The Maltese Falcon (1941) 💋

 

Some femme fatales pull the trigger. Others just hand you the gun and watch you do it yourself. In The Maltese Falcon (1941), Mary Astor gives us one of the earliest and most quietly devastating femmes fatales, Brigid O’Shaughnessy, a woman who lies the way most people breathe.

Private detective Sam Spade (Humphrey Bogart) gets pulled into a web of murder, betrayal, and double-crosses after Brigid hires him to help find a priceless black statuette known as the Maltese Falcon. The deeper Spade digs, the more the truth slips through his fingers because every clue leads back to Brigid and her ever-shifting stories. By the time the real hunt begins, it’s clear the falcon isn’t the most dangerous thing in the room. She is.

 

Directed by John Huston in his knockout debut and based on Dashiell Hammett’s classic novel, the film follows private detective Sam Spade (Humphrey Bogart) as he’s hired to track down a missing statuette, the legendary Maltese Falcon. But it’s Brigid, not the bird, who’s the real mystery. Every time she opens her mouth, the truth shifts. Every time she cries, you believe her — until you realize you shouldn’t.

“I’ve been bad — worse than you could know.”

That line captures everything about Brigid. She’s not loud or seductive in the usual way. She’s soft-spoken, delicate, and disarming. Her power lies in how easily she makes men underestimate her. Astor plays her with an elegant restraint, a woman whose tears are tools, whose sweetness hides a razor edge.

 

Unlike later femmes fatales like Barbara Stanwyck’s Phyllis or Gloria Grahame’s Vicki, Brigid isn’t ruled by greed or lust; she’s ruled by fear. She’s dangerous because she’s desperate, and desperation makes people unpredictable. That’s what makes her so believable, and so deadly.

Bogart and Astor’s chemistry is electric, all mistrust and attraction, circling each other like smoke and flame. By the end, when Spade sends her to prison, it’s not triumph, it’s heartbreak. He knows she’d kill him if she could. He also knows he’d let her try.

The Maltese Falcon was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and Mary Astor’s performance redefined the modern femme fatale before the term even caught on. She gave the archetype its subtlety, danger disguised as tenderness.

Brigid doesn’t seduce with fire. She does it with faith; she makes you believe she’s good, right up until she ruins you.

She’s not the storm..she's the calm that comes before it.

Fade to black… until the next Fatale Attraction. 🖤

Gloria Grahame in Human Desire (1954) 

 

🌟Classic Off-Screen Quotes: Humphrey Bogart

"Physically, I’m not tough. I may think tough. I would say I’m kinda tough and calloused inside. I could use a foot more in height and fifty more pounds and fifteen years off my age and then God help all you bastards."-- Humphrey Bogart

🎥 Review: Three on A Match (1932)

 “I suppose I should be the happiest woman in the world. Beautiful home, a successful husband, and a nice youngster, but . . . somehow, the things that make other people happy leave me cold. I guess something must have been left out of my makeup.”

 

Today marks the 90th anniversary of the enforcement of the Production Code on this day in film history. The Hayes Code, or Hays Code as some like to call it, was established in 1930 but didn't start cracking down on those filmmakers until 1934. Its main goal was to keep films squeaky clean and avoid government interference. But before mid-1934, some movies were rebels who didn't care about those guidelines. This era gave us some raw and unfiltered cinema that truly captured the essence of the time. I'm low-key obsessed with pre-code flicks, there's just something so refreshingly honest about them. 

I recently introduced the pre-code classic Three on a Match from 1932, to my boyfriend, who had never seen it before. It was so fun to watch his 'what in the world?' reactions. The production code for this film is full of 'DON'Ts' - sexuality, adultery, drug addiction, criminal underworld, and lingerie! It blends timely issues and societal taboos into a fast-paced 61-minute runtime. Watching it with someone new brought a fresh perspective and made me fall in love with it all over again.

I remember being completely captivated by the grittiness of the material, the authenticity of the characters, and the reckless abandon of the scenes. I'd even go as far as to say that it's a fantastic movie to start with if you're curious about Pre-Code Films.

 

 

The title "Three on a Match" comes from a superstition that lighting three cigarettes from the same match would bring bad luck to the third person. This belief was said to have originated during World War I when people feared that extended match lighting would make them a target for enemy gunfire. However, it was later revealed that a match company had invented this superstition to boost sales by discouraging match sharing. 

 

A single match struck at lunch to catch up triggers a chain of events for one of the three women. It becomes evident that the three childhood friends who all graduated together from New York’s P.S. 62 have taken different paths since their school days, leading to quite distinct lives as they grew older.

 

Rebellious girl to reformed actress Mary (Joan Blondell), sweet class valedictorian to stenographer Ruth (Bette Davis), while the snobbish most popular girl in school Vivian (Ann Dvorak) is unhappily married to the wealthy lawyer Robert Kirkwood (Warren William) and has a young son (Buster Phelps). During the lunch, Vivian confides about her unhappiness. In a twist of fate, Vivian, who once looked down upon Mary's unrefined behavior, now finds herself filled with envy towards the two of them. She can't help but feel that her life has become tiresome and pointless.

 

Junior played by Buster Phelps

Warren William as Kirkwood

He suggests that Vivian should go on a solo trip to Europe to lift her spirits, bringing Robert Jr. along with her. During the trip, she meets a small-time criminal and charming gambler named Mike Loftus (Lyle Talbot). She's found her passion in him and they both disappear with her son. Vivian initially finds the excitement of her new life and forbidden romance thrilling, but excessive partying, cocaine, drinking, and smoking are taking a toll on her. 

 

Lyle Talbot as the swarmy gambler & hood Loftus

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Mary finds Ruth neglecting her dirty and hungry son. She persuades Ruth to allow her to take care of him. Unable to decide, Ruth discloses the child's whereabouts to Kirkland. Kirkland then rescues his son and marries Mary. Ruth becomes the child's caregiver.

 

Warren William lights two, not three cigarettes

Mary comforts Robert

Junior has a new caretaker in Ruth & stepmother in Mary.

 

Loftus manages to get into debt with mobster Harve (Humphrey Bogart's first role as a gangster, borrowed from Columbia) and his boss Ace (Edward Arnold). In a desperate move, he tries to blackmail Kirkwood by threatening to expose to the media that his new wife Mary had a criminal record for grand theft. When this plan fails, he kidnaps Edward Jr. 

Never blackmail the King of Pre-code Warren William!

Humphrey Bogart

The race is on to find the child and take down Harve, Ace, and their nasty henchmen Allen Jenkins and Jack La Rue. What will Vivian do?

 

I adore how LeRoy expertly nails the close-up shots and action-packed scenes in this film. In comparison to many modern movies that stick to static camera setups and medium shots, this one stands out. And let's talk about those newspaper headlines! Montages everywhere! 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           

 

These montages not only mark the passage of time (from 1919 to 1931) but also capture the distinct attitudes of that era.

 

 

Publicity Stills of Blondell & Davis.

 

Joan Blondell, in my humble opinion, is the ultimate Pre-Code queen. She effortlessly embodies her sassy and reliable self, delivering wisecracks and authenticity that are simply unmatched. (See what I did there? Lol!) In the role of the reserved and bookish secretary, Bette Davis gave a performance that left Director LeRoy less than impressed. Rumor has it, that she spent much of the filming period butting heads with him over her acting. 

 

“There was Three on a Match. They gave me three unknown girls in that one – Joan Blondell, Bette Davis, and Ann Dvorak. I made a mistake when the picture was finished. I told an interviewer that Joan Blondell was going to be a big star, that Ann Dvorak had definite possibilities, but that I didn’t think Bette Davis would make it. She’s been cool to me ever since.”-- (Le Roy 1974)

 

 

However, this is Ann Dvorak's film. Dvorak's compelling performance effectively portrays the impact of her drug addiction on her descent into poverty, as evidenced by her mental and physical deterioration. Blondell, William, and Davis share some lighthearted moments in the film, but overall, it is tough and direct.

 

Ann Dvorak as Vivian

 

The last eight minutes of the movie are unbelievably intense and I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it yet. It's one of the reasons why I love pre-code films so much, they know how to keep you on the edge of your seat! 

 

                                            Fun Facts

 

The role of the student character Vivian, portrayed by the young, brunette Anne Shirley, is credited under her original stage name, Dawn O'Day.

Virginia Davis, who was once recognized as the live-action Alice for Walt Disney in the 1920s plays a young Joan Blondell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Betty Carse is a young Bette Davis.

 

🛣️ Road Trip: Bogie & Bacall Slept Here

Nestled in the charming hills of Pleasant Valley Road in Lucas, Ohio, you'll find Malabar Farm - a lovely estate built in 1938 by Louis Bromfield. Born in Mansfield, Ohio in 1896, he was a farmer, conservationist and published 33 books of fiction and nonfiction including a Pulitzer Prize, 18 best-selling novels, and 14 major motion pictures. This picturesque farm holds a special place in Hollywood history, serving as a peaceful escape for celebrities seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of the big cities in the 1940s. 

One of the most memorable events to take place in the great entrance hall of the big house between the open staircases was the wedding of iconic actors Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall on this day in film history May 21, 1945.  I had the incredible opportunity to visit this historic farm and follow in the footsteps of the the classic stars who stayed here and the legendary couple's marriage ceremony.

Let's go back to the beginning - the farm's name was inspired by the Malabar coast of India, which played a significant role in Bromfield's novel, The Rains Came. Bromfield also wrote plays, short stories, and scripts for Hollywood movies while under contract with Samuel Goldwyn at MGM. His screenwriting credits include: Bringham Young, It All Came True, Johnny Come Lately, The Rains Came, and Mrs. Parkington.

 

In 1939, he embarked on a mission to restore the land through soil and water conservation efforts. The beautiful house blends Western Reserve architectural styles designed by Bromfield and Louis Lamoreux and has thirty-two rooms with seven bedrooms and five baths. It became a beloved retreat for film stars, artists, politicians, writers, and conservationists.

 

Upstairs in the big house, you'll find an awesome hallway lined with photos of some of the celebrity visitors. Back in the 1940s, the Farm was a popular spot for Hollywood stars like Tyrone Power, James Cagney, Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Alice Faye, Kay Francis, Burns & Allen, Errol Flynn, William Powell, Mary Astor, Ruth Chatterton, Dorothy Lamour, and many others. 

 

They loved getting back to nature and enjoying some peace. Guests were "expected & encouraged" to work on the farm in some facet. Each guest found a list of farm chores next to their plate in the morning. So you may have found Cagney selling farm produce at the near the main road that still operates in season. They could reserve a room at a hotel nearby if they preferred not to participate, like Kay Francis. Humphrey Bogart enjoyed also manning the fruit/veg stand where some locals would comment that he looked like Humphrey Bogart to which he would reply "I get that a lot..." as he bagged their produce.

 

Humphrey Bogart, friends with various authors, established a close relationship with Louis Bromfield when they met at a bar following a play. When Bogart decided to marry actress Lauren Bacall, he sought a modest, serene wedding. In addition to requesting the Farm as the venue for the ceremony, Bogart invited Bromfield to serve as his best man. During their brief two-day preparation window in Ohio, the couple's plans for a quiet wedding were disrupted when they originally intended to have their ceremony on the terrace. However, due to the local telephone operator overhearing their plans and spreading the news throughout the valley, approximately a thousand uninvited guests gathered outside their houses. As a result, the couple had to relocate the nuptials indoors.

One of the bedrooms was used by Bacall to prepare for the ceremony and served as their honeymoon suite. It features two double beds (the only beds in the house with wheels) which were pushed together according to Bacall.  It is adorned with pictures, newspaper articles, and wedding clippings.

  

 

 

The best part for me was standing at the top of the double staircase and walking down, following her exact footsteps just like Bacall did when she met her prince. In her own words, she recalled how she felt incredibly nervous, so much so that the "huge and stunning white orchids I was holding seemed to be shaking themselves apart." 

She shared that she noticed tears streaming down Bogart’s face. After it all ended, he moved in to kiss her on the lips, but she bashfully turned her cheek. Bogart greeted her with a warm, “Hello, Baby,” and she responded by embracing him in a hug.

 

 

 

The media went wild. Cameras were everywhere, inside and outside the farm.

 

The three-tiered cake had a bride and groom under a beautiful arbor, located in my favorite spot in the sunlit dining room of the house. I was lucky enough to stand right where they cut their wedding cake. And to make it even better, there was even a mini version of their cake along with more press clippings. 

 

 

 

 

 

What makes it even more incredible is that the 32-room sprawling farmhouse has been meticulously preserved just as it was when he passed away in 1956. It's like stepping back in time-filled with his personal belongings, books, photographs, original artwork, antique furniture, old magazines scattered around, stacks of paperwork on Bromfield's desk, and a wall filled with photos of famous faces who have crossed paths here.

 

 

In Bromfield's library/office, the main attraction is a massive semi-circular desk made of beautiful local walnut and personally designed by the Bromfield. The desk features bookcases integrated into the front face and is all built in one piece. It's so big that it had to be brought in during the house's construction.

 

After discovering more incredible rooms, I decided to step outside and admire the stunning farmland surrounding the property. It also includes a 914-acre working farm with animals and crops. 

In 1976, the farm was transformed into a state park. In 2012, the children of Bogart and Tyrone Power (Bromfield produced the movie "The Rains Came" starring his father) took a trip to the peaceful countryside hideaway to raise funds for the property. It was a true honor to travel back in time to a significant moment in Classic Hollywood history. I highly recommend visiting when you get the chance. You can explore the home on tours throughout the year at an affordable price. Additionally, the farm offers a variety of fun activities such as hay rides, bird walks, plays, barn dances, and more, all year round.

 

In Bromfield's library/office, the main attraction is a massive semi-circular desk made of beautiful local walnut and personally designed by the boss. The desk features bookcases integrated into the front face and is all built in one piece. It's so big that it had to be brought in during the house's construction! Cool, right? 📚🪑