David Brooks recommends that young idealists toughen up a la Sam Spade.
Tag Archives: Maltese Falcon
Will GOP Base Play the Sap Yet Again?
Is the Republican establishment simply exploiting its base, like Tom (in “Mill on the Floss”) exploits Maggie and as Brigid O’Shaughnessy (in “The Maltese Falcon”) tries to exploit Sam Spade?
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged Dashiell Hammett, George Eliot, Mill on the Floss, Presidential politics, Tea Party Comments closed
U.K. Tabloid Voicemail Scandal as Film Noir
According to Jack Shafer of “Slate,” the U.K. tabloid phone hacking scandal has all the elements of a classic noir, especially “The Big Sleep” and “The Maltese Falcon.”
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged Big Sleep, eavesdropping, Journalism, phone hacking scandal, politics Comments closed
Sam Spade Takes on Sarah Palin
Something about Monday’s debate amongst Republicans vying for their party’s presidential nomination reminded me of Dashiell Hammett’s “The Maltese Falcon.” They are all chasing after a legendary black bird that seems to be priceless but all too often turns out to be a lead simulacrum.
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged Dashiell Hammett, Election, Mitt Romney, politics, Sarah Palin, Tim Pawlenty Comments closed
Osama, Obama, and Sam Spade
There’s something about celebrating the killing of someone, even a mass murderer, that leaves me queasy. Exploring the parallel I drew Monday between America and Sam Spade helps me get a better grip on the issue.
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged Dashiell Hammett, existentialism. Osama Bin Laden, Justice, Terrorism Comments closed
On the Logic of Having Babies
In a recent post on her website, my wonderful daughter-in-law reflects on whether she and Darien will have children. The reflection was occasioned by our Iowa Thanksgiving where she saw all of her husband’s cousins having children (and I mean all, the only exceptions being those who are in college or younger). So Betsy compiles […]
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged Children, Dashiell Hammett, Jane Austen, Marriage, Persuasion Comments closed
