The Treasure of Sierra Madre (1948)
Don't be fooled by the rather uninspiring title. This the legendary John Houston directed film that showcases how wealth brings out the demon in Man. It was shot exclusively in Mexico, set in turbulent times of the 20s after the Mexican Revolution when bandits were scouting the periphery and American gold diggers were on the prowl.
Don't be fooled by the rather uninspiring title. This the legendary John Houston directed film that showcases how wealth brings out the demon in Man. It was shot exclusively in Mexico, set in turbulent times of the 20s after the Mexican Revolution when bandits were scouting the periphery and American gold diggers were on the prowl.
Dobbs is a financially challenged American seen wondering in the streets of Tampico.
Set in this background starts our story. After being cheated of his rightful wage, Dobbs (Humphrey Bogart) pairs up with a fellow worker, Curtin, and decides to go on a gold excavating expedition after overhearing an old timer, Walter, talking about his gold finding escapades. Walter warns on the danger of acquiring great wealth but the duo thought that a little wealth would not hurt, considering the dire straits they were in.
The expedition (with Dobbs, Curtin and Walter) starts in high spirits on a cordial note with Dobbs contributing wholly his lottery winnings. After a tedious search, they strike gold. At one juncture, Walter saves Dobbs from a cave-in. When the gold discovery gets handsome, suspicion set in amongst them, each watching suspiciously at the other, hiding their loot in a safe place and ever willing to draw their guns at slight agitation!
Whilst picking some supplies from a local grocer, a fourth American, Cody, follows their trail and demand to be included in their hunt for gold. The trio decide to gun him down just to be interrupted by a band of bandits. A duel ensues. The four fought gallantly but Cody succumbs to injuries. Rummaging through his pocket, they discover a touching letter from this decent man's loving wife and son.
They unanimously decided to offer a quarter of their findings to his widow.
Walter, who is pally with the locals, gets called to help to save a nearly drowned child. Having successfully saving the child, he is honoured by the locals. Leaving the remaining duo with his gold, he follows the Mexicans.
Tension builds up again between the ever-suspicious duo after they took a wrong trail. It is amazing to see how this two drinking buddies who had survived poverty and travelled through thick and thin could transcend to be at each other's neck all because of gold. Just like Walter had said earlier, "Gold has that effect on men".
Dobbs shoots Curtin. Thinking that Curtin is dead, Dobbs continues his tortuous journey. Meanwhile, Curtin crawls to the safe arms of a group of locals and is united with Walter.
Dobbs eventually reach a stream to quench his thirst but is attacked and hacked to death by outlaws. The bandits tried to sell Dobbs' donkeys and animal hides but is recognised by the buyer's assistant. The federal police is informed and swift justice is served - they dig their graves and the cops shoot them! Walter and Curtin arrived at scene to hear that the robbers had dropped their pouch of gold dust near the robbery site as they thought that it was just sand increasing the load of donkeys. The duo rush to the scene but a storm had hit the place and their merchandise had been blown all over the place! The disappointed duo go separate ways...
This movie would not excite the masses. There is no scenes of glamorous dances, pretty dresses or in fact there was no love interest except for gold! It is pure power of story that manage to put out in the open the demonic qualities of man. No other Hollywood movies with desert and sand could be more exciting!
Set in this background starts our story. After being cheated of his rightful wage, Dobbs (Humphrey Bogart) pairs up with a fellow worker, Curtin, and decides to go on a gold excavating expedition after overhearing an old timer, Walter, talking about his gold finding escapades. Walter warns on the danger of acquiring great wealth but the duo thought that a little wealth would not hurt, considering the dire straits they were in.
The expedition (with Dobbs, Curtin and Walter) starts in high spirits on a cordial note with Dobbs contributing wholly his lottery winnings. After a tedious search, they strike gold. At one juncture, Walter saves Dobbs from a cave-in. When the gold discovery gets handsome, suspicion set in amongst them, each watching suspiciously at the other, hiding their loot in a safe place and ever willing to draw their guns at slight agitation!
Whilst picking some supplies from a local grocer, a fourth American, Cody, follows their trail and demand to be included in their hunt for gold. The trio decide to gun him down just to be interrupted by a band of bandits. A duel ensues. The four fought gallantly but Cody succumbs to injuries. Rummaging through his pocket, they discover a touching letter from this decent man's loving wife and son.
They unanimously decided to offer a quarter of their findings to his widow.
Walter, who is pally with the locals, gets called to help to save a nearly drowned child. Having successfully saving the child, he is honoured by the locals. Leaving the remaining duo with his gold, he follows the Mexicans.
Tension builds up again between the ever-suspicious duo after they took a wrong trail. It is amazing to see how this two drinking buddies who had survived poverty and travelled through thick and thin could transcend to be at each other's neck all because of gold. Just like Walter had said earlier, "Gold has that effect on men".
Dobbs shoots Curtin. Thinking that Curtin is dead, Dobbs continues his tortuous journey. Meanwhile, Curtin crawls to the safe arms of a group of locals and is united with Walter.
Dobbs eventually reach a stream to quench his thirst but is attacked and hacked to death by outlaws. The bandits tried to sell Dobbs' donkeys and animal hides but is recognised by the buyer's assistant. The federal police is informed and swift justice is served - they dig their graves and the cops shoot them! Walter and Curtin arrived at scene to hear that the robbers had dropped their pouch of gold dust near the robbery site as they thought that it was just sand increasing the load of donkeys. The duo rush to the scene but a storm had hit the place and their merchandise had been blown all over the place! The disappointed duo go separate ways...
This movie would not excite the masses. There is no scenes of glamorous dances, pretty dresses or in fact there was no love interest except for gold! It is pure power of story that manage to put out in the open the demonic qualities of man. No other Hollywood movies with desert and sand could be more exciting!
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