In 1927, novelist, B. Traven published a book titled, “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.” Set in the 1920s, two down-on-their luck Americans recruit an old prospector to search for gold somewhere in Mexico. As the story progresses, tensions rise between the two friends becoming hostile succumbing to greed. Eight Years Later, John Huston read the book. He became interested in adapting it into a film. Following the success of “The Maltese Falcon,” John was given the chance to adapt. Plans were scrapped when served in the United States Army during World War II. Approximately four years spanning from 1942-1945. After coming home from the war, he reunited with Humphrey Bogart in two films, “Key Largo” and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.
Released in 1948, (same year an LP record was invented) the latter earned huge praise from cricks and movie goers alike. Plus, it was a financial success. John Huston ultimately won two Academy Awards including “Best Adapted Screenplay” & “Best Director.” His father, Walter won “Best Supporting Actor.” Anyway, I have one good reason why I wanna review this classic adventure flick. Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated fantasy adventure epic, “The Odyssey” will be released in July 17, 2026. Which is my birth month. What do Chris Nolan & Sierra Madre both have in common? Mr. Nolan mentioned the aforementioned classic influenced one of my all-time favorite films, “Interstellar.”
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving you fellas a chance to see this gem.
Rich & Poor Qualities
Rich: Humphrey Bogart, Tim Holt & Walter Huston all did an excellent job for their respective performances.
John Huston did a great job directing. He also wrote the script. John himself makes a cameo appearance as an American tourist wearing a white businessman suit.
Max Steiner (King Kong, Casablanca, The Searchers) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Cinematography’s shot in stable condition lacking technical issues.
Pacing felt normal. Wasn’t slow or fast.
Chemistry between Dobbs, Curtin & Howard serves as the main highlight.
Primary Themes are Corruption & Greed. Both of ‘em were handled maturely.
Fun Facts
- Several famous people such as Sam Raimi, Vince Gilligan, Paul Thomas Anderson, Spike Lee, Oliver Stone, Robert Redford & Stanley Kubrick mentioned The Treasure of the Sierra Madre as one of their favorite films.
- In 1990, the film was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry.
- Fallout New Vegas’ DLC story, “Dead Money” takes cues from the film. This time, the gold is locked inside a casino vault.
- Daniel Day-Lewis confirmed Humphrey Bogart’s villainous performance as Dodd influenced his performance as Daniel Plainview in “There Will Be Blood.”
- The infamous line, “Badges? We ain’t got no badges! We don’t need no badges! I don’t have to show you any stinking badges!” American Film Institute or AFI for short ranked it as one of AFI’s “100 Years… 100 Movie Quotes.”
Random Thought: I’m giving my idol, Christopher Nolan for introducing me to this classic flick. John Huston’s work influenced Mr. Nolan. He’s got good taste.
Poor: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the cast and crew an Extra Point for making a flawless film as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
From my point of view, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is perhaps my favorite film of 1948. It really holds up. If you’re a Christopher Nolan fan like me or into classic Hollywood movies, check this one out. Definitely worth your spare time. Which John Huston film should I review next? Please leave comment
Nickthemoviecritic.com 