Sam Spade

John Wayne's first significant trip to the big leagues since The Big Trail in 1930. He held his own quite well. As good as any John Ford production. It gets better every time I watch it.

Great performances by by Matthau, Jackson, Waterston, and Beatty. Witty story keeps your attention, throughout. Fabulous score. Nobody sings Largo Al Factotum like Matthau...thank God!

The Hollywoodized story entertains well with a great cast and musical score.

You probably have to be a baseball fan to give this movie five stars. I am, so I did. I am an A's fan; and, remember the accolades heaped upon manager Art Howe for turning the teams fortunes around. This film gives the credit where it is due, to General Manager Billy Beane, for going against the system, and Peter brand for giving him the effective tools to successfully do so. There no dull moments. Fan or not, it holds your interest.

The worst of the three filmed versions.