The Maltese Falcon
Monday, September 30, 7:00 p.m.
In the Bentley Conference Room on 2nd Floor
The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett, 1894 - 1961: Dashiell Hammett and "hard-boiled" are practically synonymous -- he's been called the "father" of the rough gumshoe whose cases revolve around the unenlightened criminal element; there isn't a drawing room or criminal genius in sight in his works. As a former Pinkerton agent, Hammett knew of what he wrote, and his style, later so widely copied, is distinct -- a gritty, realistic, and none-too-favorable look at characters and settings, punctuated by vernacular dialogue. His detectives differ in personality, but all share one over-arching principle: crime shouldn't pay, and their job is to make sure it doesn't.
Sam Spade's partner is murdered while working on a case, and it is Spade's responsibility to find the killer. In his search, Spade runs mortal risks as he comes closer to the answer. - From Novelist, accessed 06 June 2013 through GALILEO