A Reel Retro Review: THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE (1948)

Reel Speak’s Retro Reviews will randomly review a classic film from the TCM library every week, with the intention of introducing some overlooked and perhaps forgotten screen gems from the past to those of us who may be unfamiliar or unawares of their existence. 

As blogged about here on Reel Speak (HERE), this month marks the 40^th anniversary of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas’ iconic adventure film, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. The film that introduced the world to the swashbuckling archeologist Indiana Jones took inspiration from many places, one of which being the 1948 adventure film, TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE. 

 

In 1925 Mexico, two American drifters; Dobbs (Humphrey Bogart), and Curtin (Tim Holt), encounter an old man and ex-miner named Howard (Walter Huston), who convinces them that there is a fortune to be made in hidden gold in the hills. 

 

Helmed by famed director John Huston and based on the book of the same name by B. Traven, TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE is less of an adventure film and more of a story of constant betrayal. The early goings see Dobbs and Curtin as homeless men in Mexico, desperate for work. When they are suckered into a construction job by a con man who stiffs them on their pay, it creates an instant theme of distrust that is constant through the film. As the trio head into the mountains to dig for gold, they are all looking over their shoulders at each other; distrust that eventually turns bloody. 

 

As one of the first Hollywood productions to be shot outside of the United States, director John Huston makes excellent use of the landscape. The isolation of the desert and its harshness can be felt through the gorgeous black-and-white film, and every frame is a masterpiece in composition. Pacing is an issue, as the film feels like it gets bogged down once too often with characters thinking their thoughts out loud. 

 

Acting is very good. Humphrey Bogart is more gruff and mean than anything we’re used to seeing him in, and is painted as one of the first anti-heroes; almost to the point of unlikeable. The film belongs to Walter Huston, John Huston’s father, who plays the role of mentor in a world-weary character. 

 

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK only took a few cues from SIERRA MADRE; Bogart’s hat, a trek through the wilderness on donkeys, and a bar fight leap out right away. The film doesn’t have a ton of action; almost to the point that it’s a minor fib to call it an adventure movie. But as a matter of film history it’s worth a look as a RAIDERS precursor. 

 

BOTTOM LINE: See it 

 

Reel Facts: John Huston and Humphrey Bogart collaborated together on notable films such as THE MALTESE FALCON (1941), and THE AFRICAN QUEEN (1951). TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE would win three Oscars; Best Supporting Actor for Walter Huston, and Best Director and Screenplay for John Huston. The film is also the origin of the famous quote “I don’t have to show you any stinkin’ badges”.