The Big Sleep

The Big Sleep

Director: Howard Hawks Cast: Humphrey Bogart
Humphrey Bogart
, Lauren Bacall
Lauren Bacall
, Martha Vickers
Martha Vickers
, Dorothy Malone
Dorothy Malone
Howard Hawks
The Big Sleep

The Big Sleep

Director: Howard Hawks Cast: Humphrey Bogart
Humphrey Bogart
, Lauren Bacall
Lauren Bacall
, Martha Vickers
Martha Vickers
, Dorothy Malone
Dorothy Malone
Howard Hawks

DVD (Full Frame)

$19.99 
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Overview

The definitive Humphrey Bogart/Lauren Bacall vehicle, The Big Sleep casts Bogart as Raymond Chandler's cynical private eye Philip Marlowe. Summoned to the home of the fabulously wealthy General Sternwood (Charles Waldron), Marlowe is hired to deal with a blackmailer shaking down the General's sensuous, thumb-sucking daughter Carmen (Martha Vickers). This earns Marlowe the displeasure of Carmen's sloe-eyed, seemingly straight-laced older sister Vivian (Bacall), who is fiercely protective of her somewhat addled sibling. As he pursues the case at hand, Marlowe gets mixed up in the murder of Arthur Geiger (Theodore von Eltz), a dealer in pornography. He also runs afoul of gambling-house proprietor Eddie Mars (John Ridgely), who seems to have some sort of hold over the enigmatic Vivian. Any further attempts to outline the plot would be futile: the storyline becomes so complicated and convoluted that even screenwriters William Faulkner, Leigh Brackett, and Jules Furthmann were forced to consult Raymond Chandler for advice (he was as confused by the plot as the screenwriters). When originally prepared for release in 1945, The Big Sleep featured a long exposition scene featuring police detective Bernie Ohls (Regis Toomey) explaining the more obscure plot details. This expository scene was ultimately sacrificed, along with several others, in favor of building up Bacall's part; for instance, a climactic sequence was reshot to emphasize sexual electricity between Bogart and Bacall, obliging Warners to replace a supporting player who'd gone on to another project. The end result was one of the most famously baffling film noirs but also one of the most successful in sheer star power.

Product Details

Release Date: 07/25/2006
UPC: 0012569676817
Original Release: 1946
Rating: NR
Source: STUDIO DISTRIBUTION SERVS LLC
Region Code: 1
Presentation: [B&W]
Sound: [Dolby Digital Mono]
Language: English
Time: 3:50:00
Sales rank: 1,910

Special Features

Closed Caption;Documentary The Big Sleep Comparisons 1945/1946, with UCLA archivist Robert Gitt analyzing differences between versions; Theatrical trailer; Subtitles: English & Français (feature films only)

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
Humphrey Bogart Philip Marlowe
Lauren Bacall Vivian
Martha Vickers Carmen
Dorothy Malone Girl in Bookshop
John Ridgely Eddie Mars
Louis Jean Heydt Joe Brody
Elisha Cook Jr. Jones
Regis Toomey Bernie Ohls
Sonia Darrin Agnes
Bob Steele Canino
Tom Rafferty Carol Lundgren
Charles Waldron Gen. Sternwood
Charles D. Brown Norris
Tom Fadden Sidney
Ben Welden Pete
Trevor Bardette Art Huck
James Flavin Cronjager
Joy Barlowe Cab Driver
Thomas Jackson Wilde,District Attorney Wilde
Peggy Knudsen Mona Mars
Theodore von Eltz Geiger
Carole Douglas Librarian
Dan Wallace Owen Taylor
Tanis Chandler Waitress
Deannie Best Waitress
Lorraine Miller Hat Check Girl
Shelby Payne Cigarette Girl
Forbes Murray Furtive Man
Joseph Crehan Medical Examiner
Emmett Vogan Ed (Deputy Sheriff)
Sidney Hickox Actor
Howard Hawks Actor
Max Steiner Actor,Composer
Jack L. Warner Actor
Max Barwyn Max
Paul Weber Mars' Thug
Jack Perry Mars' Thug
Jack Chefe Croupier
Elisha Cook Actor
James Conaty Nightclub Patron
Jack Deery Nightclub Patron
Jay Eaton Casino Patron
Bess Flowers Woman with Bumped Man
Joe Gilbert Nightclub Patron
Shep Houghton Casino Patron

Technical Credits
Howard Hawks Director,Producer
Roy Davidson Special Effects
William Faulkner Screenwriter
Leigh Brackett Screenwriter
Jules Furthman Screenwriter
Raymond Chandler Screenwriter
Jack L. Warner Executive Producer
Paul Detlefsen Special Effects
Robert B. Lee Sound Effects,Sound/Sound Designer
Warren Lynch Special Effects
Robert Burks Special Effects
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