The Big Sleep is the story of Phillip Marlowe's attempts to uncover several unusual events and a blackmailing plot focused on General Sternwood, an old gentleman with two wild daughters. As Marlowe investigates the blackmail plots, he discovers that both of the General's daughters, Carmen and Vivian, are caught up in schemes with the underground mob who are blackmailing the General.

Marlowe's investigation helps save Carmen from being charged with murder. In the meantime, Marlowe and Vivian experience a love/hate relationship that quickly becomes a loving relationship. When the film finally comes to a close, Marlowe has won his girl and kept her father and family out of the negative spotlight.

Howard Hawks has created some of the greatest of the classic movies, but he was little appreciated during his own time. Having only been nominated for one Oscar and never having won, he was largely overlooked...