The Big Sleep (VHS, 2000, Theatrical Release Version)

Unquestionably among the finest films noir, this 1946 "Theatrical Release" is the VHS version that is collectible when in mint condition. It includes so many "firsts."

Humphrey Bogart was 46yo & Lauren Bacall was 25 yo when they starred together for the 1st time in "The Big Sleep." They fell in love & married, had 2 children & remained in films together electrifying the silver screen with their charismatic romantic but spicey chemistry. They remained married until Bogart's death in 1957. Bacall married Jason Robards & their marriage resulted in giving us a fine actor, their son, Sam Robards. Bacall is now 84yo & still playing leading roles in film! She was just presented the Honorary Bette Davis Award in October 2008.

Now to the film's interesting particulars. Bogie plays private detective Philip Marlowe for the 1st time. Hired by Bacall's elderly ailing father, a wealthy retired general, he's supposed to keep the family's name out of public scandals. Originally, Bacall's younger sister is to be watched because she's in constant trouble.

Bacall is Bacall is Bacall! Stately, sensuous, a fun gal, involved with a group of gamblers, she gives Bogie the cool brush off quite effectively while luring him into her ever-tempting web. No couple created the aura of noir film like Bogie & Bacall did.

Problem is, murders keep cropping up with trails leading back to both
daughters. Bogie's got both hands full with this pair of the general's wayward wild ones, not just the younger spoiled brat with too few brains.

This story has a convoluted plot that even the novice novelist, Raymond Chandler (another 1st, his 1st novel!) could not explain to director Howard Hawks. One of the murders still remains an unsolved mystery.

"The Big Sleep" is a legendary classic because the film set a very high standard for the crime, detective, mystery, suspense & noir genres. Quite frankly, even though the plot is absolutely fascinating, the cinematography is dark & shadowy, the acting is par excellance, all of those spectacular film qualities seem moot compared to every scene of Bogart & Bacall on screen. This film is the couple's greatest by far. I prefer it to "Casablanca," because Bacall's character is so bold & brassy. When this version was made, the filmmakers nailed her part. That makes a huge difference in how the entire film plays out.

In fact, that's why there are two versions (1945 & 1946--the DVD includes both versions). This "Theatrical Release" was edited so that it includes Bacall being much more feisty & tough towards Bogart. This version includes more scenes of this legendary pair, too.

Compared to screenplay dialogue today, this lines delivered in "The Big Sleep" pale any modern ones by far. It's a tight script that Bogie was directed to deliver fast paced & Bacall was directed to come right back with sharp responses that cut to the chase. I'd say the signature quality of the script is the very short one-liners delivered at rapid fire speed. There's no dull moment of film footage. The detective mystery leaves viewers wanting more, more, more & we do get what we want, as history reveals.

Remember, the VHS releases are the collectible films; not the DVDs these films were transfered onto. When found with the VHS sleeves in mint condition & never previously rented, keep them since they're about to go out of style & out of print on VHS~