This classic Hollywood "film noir" is a 1946 adaptation of Raymond Chandler's detective novel. Private detective Philip Marlowe (Humphrey Bogart) is hired by a wealthy socialite General Sternwood (Charles Waldron) to resolve a blackmailing case and protect his rebellious young daughter, Carmen (Martha Vickers), who might get into deeper trouble, putting the whole Sternwoods family in danger. But soon, Marlowe finds himself in love with her older sister, Vivian (Lauren Bacall), a very attractive young woman, who takes a suspiciously avid interest in Marlowe's activities, trying to pin down out exactly what he was hired to do. As the story develops, one murder follows another, leaving for the detective more false clues than answers, which lead to murderers, pornographers, nightclub rogues, the spoiled rich and more. It seems one, or both of the daughters may be involved in the killings, and it becomes increasingly difficult for Marlowe to help them. As complicated as it can possibly be, the film is nonetheless very entertaining and atmospheric.