10 Remakes That Totally Outshone The Original
2. The Maltese Falcon (1941)
Original serialized in the pulp magazine Black Mask, The Maltese Falcon is arguably author Dashiell Hammett's best known work. It is centered on a private detective who finds himself caught up in a dangerous search for a highly valuable statue.
The first film adaptation was released in 1931 and later became unavailable to the public for three decades because it featured content deemed 'lewd'. A comedic version starring Bette Davis came out five years later under the title Satan Met a Lady.
It wasn't until 1941 that most well-regarded version came out. Featuring a revered performance by Humphrey Bogart, the film received Oscar nominations for its screenplay, Sydney Greenstreet's turn as the villain and for Best Picture. It also has the distinction of featuring one of the most quoted movie lines ever near its conclusion.
If you've ever wondered what the 'stuff' is that dreams are supposedly made of, 1941's The Maltese Falcon in the movie for you.