The Contest for Control

The Maltese Falcon

The struggle over the falcon shifts from competing claims to an armed negotiation in which Spade uses possession and leverage to shape the outcome.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Cairo’s First Offer Cairo’s First Offer from "The Maltese Falcon". Cairo’s First Offer A price named Joel Cairo offers five thousand dollars for the bird, saying that he acts on behalf of its owner and will ask no questions.

Cairo’s First Offer from "The Maltese Falcon". Cairo’s First Offer A price named Joel Cairo offers five thousand dollars for the bird, saying that he acts on behalf of its owner and will ask no questions.

Cairo’s First Offer A price named Joel Cairo offers five thousand dollars for the bird, saying that he acts on behalf of its owner and will ask no questions. The offer is tested Spade doubts Cairo’s authority and demands an advance. The negotiation exposes how little either man can establish about ownership.

A Gun in the Office A Gun in the Office from "The Maltese Falcon". A Gun in the Office The business turns violent Cairo pulls a pistol and orders Spade to let him search the office.

A Gun in the Office from "The Maltese Falcon". A Gun in the Office The business turns violent Cairo pulls a pistol and orders Spade to let him search the office.

A Gun in the Office The business turns violent Cairo pulls a pistol and orders Spade to let him search the office. Spade appears to comply while watching for an opening. Control changes hands Spade disarms and knocks Cairo unconscious, then searches his possessions. A negotiation founded on money has become a contest over physical control and information.

Gutman’s Larger Bid Gutman’s Larger Bid from "The Maltese Falcon". Gutman’s Larger Bid A new scale of value Casper Gutman describes the supposed history of the falcon and offers Spade either a substantial immediate sum or a…

Gutman’s Larger Bid from "The Maltese Falcon". Gutman’s Larger Bid A new scale of value Casper Gutman describes the supposed history of the falcon and offers Spade either a substantial immediate sum or a…

Gutman’s Larger Bid A new scale of value Casper Gutman describes the supposed history of the falcon and offers Spade either a substantial immediate sum or a share of future profits. An ultimatum follows Spade insists that Gutman tell him what he knows and gives him a deadline. The detective turns Gutman’s appetite for the object into pressure against the man pursuing it.

The Ten-Thousand-Dollar Deal The Ten-Thousand-Dollar Deal from "The Maltese Falcon". The Ten-Thousand-Dollar Deal Cash exchanged Gutman pays ten thousand dollars and argues that circumstances have changed since the larger offer was discussed.

The Ten-Thousand-Dollar Deal from "The Maltese Falcon". The Ten-Thousand-Dollar Deal Cash exchanged Gutman pays ten thousand dollars and argues that circumstances have changed since the larger offer was discussed.

The Ten-Thousand-Dollar Deal Cash exchanged Gutman pays ten thousand dollars and argues that circumstances have changed since the larger offer was discussed. A second demand Spade refuses to treat payment as the entire bargain. He insists the police must receive a culprit and makes the falcon conditional on a fall guy.

Bargain After the Fake Bargain After the Fake from "The Maltese Falcon". Bargain After the Fake Payment reclaimed After Gutman discovers that the bird is lead, he demands his money back at gunpoint.

Bargain After the Fake from "The Maltese Falcon". Bargain After the Fake Payment reclaimed After Gutman discovers that the bird is lead, he demands his money back at gunpoint.

Bargain After the Fake Payment reclaimed After Gutman discovers that the bird is lead, he demands his money back at gunpoint. Spade returns most of it but keeps one thousand dollars for his time. A failed transaction The bargain cannot restore the promised treasure. Both men leave with diminished prospects, while the payment reflects Spade’s insistence that wasted work still has a price.

The afternoon after Spade learns of Archer’s death

Minutes after the first offer

Saturday afternoon

The final night at Spade’s apartment

Near the ending