The Murder Case’s Shifting Theories

The Maltese Falcon

Investigators move among romantic jealousy, gambler retaliation, and the falcon conspiracy as successive deaths expose the limits of each theory.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Jealousy Theory The Jealousy Theory from "The Maltese Falcon". The Jealousy Theory Domestic suspicion Dundy raises the possibility that Spade killed Miles Archer because of his affair with Iva Archer and his interest in…

The Jealousy Theory from "The Maltese Falcon". The Jealousy Theory Domestic suspicion Dundy raises the possibility that Spade killed Miles Archer because of his affair with Iva Archer and his interest in…

The Jealousy Theory Domestic suspicion Dundy raises the possibility that Spade killed Miles Archer because of his affair with Iva Archer and his interest in replacing Archer as her partner. A plausible distraction The affair gives the police a personal motive to test, but does not explain the whole pattern of deaths or the competing search for the falcon.

Thursby’s Criminal Past Thursby’s Criminal Past from "The Maltese Falcon". Thursby’s Criminal Past A wider network Tom Polhaus tells Spade that Thursby was a gunman associated with Dixie Monahan and Chicago gambling circles.

Thursby’s Criminal Past from "The Maltese Falcon". Thursby’s Criminal Past A wider network Tom Polhaus tells Spade that Thursby was a gunman associated with Dixie Monahan and Chicago gambling circles.

Thursby’s Criminal Past A wider network Tom Polhaus tells Spade that Thursby was a gunman associated with Dixie Monahan and Chicago gambling circles. The case expands The history makes the murder look like a possible act of retaliation or a move against Monahan. Spade questions the account without pretending he already knows the answer.

Bryan’s Three Explanations Bryan’s Three Explanations from "The Maltese Falcon". Bryan’s Three Explanations A prosecutor’s framework District Attorney Bryan proposes that Thursby was killed by gamblers, by Monahan’s friends, or by people he…

Bryan’s Three Explanations from "The Maltese Falcon". Bryan’s Three Explanations A prosecutor’s framework District Attorney Bryan proposes that Thursby was killed by gamblers, by Monahan’s friends, or by people he…

Bryan’s Three Explanations A prosecutor’s framework District Attorney Bryan proposes that Thursby was killed by gamblers, by Monahan’s friends, or by people he had betrayed. Categories challenged Spade jokes that Thursby could have died of old age, refusing to treat the prosecutor’s alternatives as established facts. The exchange shows how official confidence can outrun evidence.

The Falcon Explains the Violence

The Falcon Explains the Violence A hidden motive surfaces Gutman explains that his group sought the falcon and killed or pursued people who could obstruct its recovery. Earlier theories weakened The account links several events to the object rather than to jealousy or a gamblers’ feud. Spade still tests the story against what he has observed.

The Case Made Actionable The Case Made Actionable from "The Maltese Falcon". The Case Made Actionable Names and weapons supplied After the bird proves fake, Spade calls the police with the identities of Wilmer Cook and the men connected…

The Case Made Actionable from "The Maltese Falcon". The Case Made Actionable Names and weapons supplied After the bird proves fake, Spade calls the police with the identities of Wilmer Cook and the men connected…

The Case Made Actionable Names and weapons supplied After the bird proves fake, Spade calls the police with the identities of Wilmer Cook and the men connected to him, along with the guns. An official conclusion begins The shifting theories give way to a concrete arrest lead. The surviving questions belong to the legal process rather than Spade’s private reconstruction.

After the first police interviews

Saturday lunchtime

Saturday afternoon

The final night, after the gang gathers

The final morning