The Big Sleep

The Big Sleep (1946), directed by Howard Hawks, is the first film version of Raymond Chandler's novel of the same name (1939). It stars Humphrey Bogart as detective Philip Marlowe and Lauren Bacall as the femme fatale. The Big Sleep is a prime example of the film noir genre. William Faulkner, Leigh Brackett, and Jules Furthman co-wrote the screenplay. In 1997, the U.S. Library of Congress deemed this film "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" and preserved to the National Film Registry. Private detective Philip Marlowe (Humphrey Bogart) calls on new client General Sternwood (Charles Waldron) at his mansion. As he waits in the foyer, the General's younger daughter, Carmen (Martha Vickers), flirts seductively with Marlowe. Marlowe is indifferent towards her flirtatious comments, leaving Carmen intrigued. He is then led by the General's servant into the sun room where he is introduced to the ailing but wealthy general, who wants to resolve gambling debts owed by... full article at wikipedia