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The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
USA 1948
produced by Henry Blanke, Jack L. Warner (executive) for Warner Brothers
directed by John Huston
starring Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston, Tim Holt, Bruce Bennett, Barton MacLane, Alfonso Bedoya, Arturo Soto Rangel, Manuel Dondé, José Torvay, Margarito Luna, Robert Blake, Pat Flaherty, John Huston
screenplay by John Huston, based on the novel by B. Traven, music by Max Steiner
review by Mike Haberfelner
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Dobbs (Humphrey Bogart) and Curtin (Tim Holt) are down on their luck in
Mexico when they hear the tall tales of prospector Howard (Walter Huston)
that has them dreaming, so as soon as they come into a little money, they
persuade Howard to become a partner in their prospecting expedition - also
since he's the only one with any experience. Howard leads them right into
the middle of the Sierra Madre, where scarcely any humans stop by, and
where they indeed find gold, and quite a bit of it. But with the gold
problems arise, because especially Dobbs is overcome by greed and soon
starts distrusting his friends whom he's pretty much dependent of. It goes
so far that he suspects the others of trying to steal his share which he
has hidden oput of sight. One day, Curtin goes to town for provisions,
where he meets a stranter, Cody (Bruce Bennett), who is quick to realize
Curtin's not a hunter as he claims to be but a prospector. So he follows
Curtin back to camp and asks for a share in return for staying mum about
it to everyone else. The three men though decide to kill Cody instead -
when a gang of bandits led by Gold Hat (Alfonso Bedoya) attack, wanting to
relieve our heroes of their mules and weapons. But our heroes and Cody
fight valiantly, with Cody even losing his life in the process, and
ultimately a troup of Federales chase the bandits away. After weeks and
weeks, Dobbs, Curtin and Howard come to the conclusion they have ammassed
enough gold to last them a lifetime and travel back to town. On the way, a
group of Mexicans ask for Howard's help, as they need somebody with some
experience to save the life of a boy who almost drowned. Traveling onwards
without Howard, Dobbs suggests to Curtin to drop Howard from the whole
thing, now they've got his gold, but Curtin opposes this strongly.
Strongly enough that Dobbs shoots him - but while he thinks he has killed
him, Curtin survives and somehow makes it to Howard. Dobbs though thinks
he has finally achieved everything he has ever fought for - when he runs
into Gold Hat and his bandits ... A well-deserved classic, a
film that turns its simple adventure premise into a multi-layered
character study, and yet features all the action you'd expect from a film
like this. And director John Huston sure is at the top of his game here,
using everything at disposal to full effect, from the breathtaking scenery
to a first rate score, and is rather excellent in infusing the movie with
as much atmosphere as possible. And on top of that, the film is of course
graced with a top notch cast, all showing the best they've got. A
must-see for sure!
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