Overview
A detective dives into a treacherous world of deception and danger to save a family from ruin.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Labyrinthine
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- sardonic
- moody
- classic cinema night
- detective movie marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a classic noir elevated by its witty dialogue, magnetic Bogart-Bacall chemistry, atmospheric direction, and entertaining performances despite its notoriously convoluted plot.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Marlowe's investigation is shaped by rapid, slangy exchanges and flirtatious verbal duels with Vivian and criminal suspects.
The blackmail case expands into interlocking mysteries involving gambling debts, murder, missing people, and organized crime.
Marlowe moves through blackmail and criminal networks while maintaining his own code and loyalty to the Sternwood family.
The investigation unfolds through dim offices, mansions, bookstores, clubs, and other spaces associated with classic noir concealment.
Films like The Big Sleep, and why
Out of the Past
Shared film noir atmosphere, hard-boiled private investigator, blackmail, organized crime, and sharp romantic banter.
The Maltese Falcon
Shared hard-boiled detective storytelling, morally compromised criminals, femme fatales, and shadowy urban intrigue.
Laura
Shared classic noir mood, cynical investigation, sexual tension, and a labyrinthine crime plot.
Farewell, My Lovely
Shared Raymond Chandler-style private-eye narrative, noir fatalism, and charismatic detective dialogue.
Movie Details
- Director
- Howard Hawks
- Release Date
- 1946-08-22
- Runtime
- 114 min
- Rating
- 7.6 / 10 (1204)
Cast
- Humphrey Bogart
- Lauren Bacall
- John Ridgely
- Martha Vickers
- Louis Jean Heydt
- Charles Waldron
- Regis Toomey
- Sonia Darrin
- Elisha Cook Jr.
- Bob Steele
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Big Sleep about?
- A sharp-tongued private investigator enters a wealthy family's blackmail crisis and discovers a maze of murder, gambling, and criminal deception.
- What is The Big Sleep like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Big Sleep as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as labyrinthine.
- Is The Big Sleep violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Big Sleep as mild.
- What did critics think of The Big Sleep?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a classic noir elevated by its witty dialogue, magnetic Bogart-Bacall chemistry, atmospheric direction, and entertaining performances despite its notoriously convoluted plot.
- Which films are like The Big Sleep?
- Films with a similar feel include Out of the Past, The Maltese Falcon, Laura, and Farewell, My Lovely.
- How long is The Big Sleep?
- The Big Sleep runs 114 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Big Sleep?
- In United States, The Big Sleep is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
