The Treasure of the Sierra Madre

Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston, Tim Holt, Bruce Bennett
Directed by: John Huston
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Adventure, Drama
1948

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Three gold prospectors (Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston, Tim Holt) set off to find fame and fortune through gold in the hills of the Sierra Madre. However, upon the discovery, greed begins to break down their relationships and threatens to destroy them all.

Review:

Tim: "I don't have to show you no stinkin' badges!" It's funny that this is the most famous line to come out of this movie. The scene is great, however- watch for it.

This is an incredible treasure hunt movie. Even better than focusing just on the story is director John Huston's depiction of what happens after the characters strike it rich. Gold does funny things to people, as we see in dramatic fashion here.

Humphrey Bogart is very good. This isn't his most glamorous or likeable role, but could anyone play it better? His descent into greed stands sharply in our vision because of Bogart's effort put forth into the role. He really throws himself into the part, and that shows up on screen.

Walter Huston is the star of the show, however. Director John Huston's father comes in and nails the performance of an old prospector. He won the Best Supporting Actor Academy Award, and definitely deserved it. One of the highlights of the film is the little jig of joy he does when they discover the gold.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre has a little bit of everything- gold mining, the dangers surrounding it- including cave-ins, Mexican banditos, jungle Indians, and other prospective gold seekers. However, all these external forces aren't what keeps us locked intently to the screen. The power of greed slowly working over our three heroes serves as the most intense aspect of the film.

This is a classic film that is somewhat of a morality tale, but definitely a study of what greed can do to good men.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon, City Slickers II: The Legend of Curley's Gold