BRUNSWICK

Curtis Memorial Library will host the first of its fourpart film series, “Film Noir for Dark Nights,” at 7:30 p.m. today with a screening of “The Maltese Falcon.”

Based on a 1929 novel by Dashiell Hammett, the 1941 film stars Humphrey Bogart as private detective Sam Spade and Mary Astor as his duplicitous client. Directed by John Huston, “The Maltese Falcon” also features Sidney Greenstreet as a criminal mastermind on a 17- yearquest to acquire a priceless statue dating to the time of the Knights Templar, and Peter Lorrie as his sidekick, whose attempts to be sinister add a dash of humor.

“‘ The Maltese Falcon’ is one of the most popular and best classic detective mysteries ever made, and many film historians consider it the first in the dark film noir genre in Hollywood,” according to the AMC Networks’ website, www.filmsite.org. “It leaves the audience with a distinctly down-beat conclusion and bitter taste. The low-budget film reflects the remarkable directorial debut of John Huston (previously a screenwriter) who efficiently and skillfully composed and filmed this American classic for Warner Bros. studios, with great dialogue, deceitful characters and menacing scenes.”

The film was nominated in three Academy Award categories, but failed to win any. It was selected for inclusion in the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry in 1989.

Admission is free. Appropriate refreshments will be offered. Those who attend are invited to dress in “film noir” attire. Enter through the library’s main entrance on Middle Street.

Other films in the series are “Double Indemnity,” (Jan. 13) “ Brick” ( Jan. 20) and “Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang” (Jan. 27). All screenings will take place at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call 725-5242.

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