Greed

Greed is a primary theme in The Maltese Falcon. All the action in the film centers around the greed that Gutman and the others have concerning the falcon. Gutman has stolen and had people killed just to get his hands on the treasure. Now the action has moved to where Sam lives, and he is involved as well.

Over the centuries, hundreds of lives have been lost in the search for the falcon. The jewels on it alone are priceless, much less the gold bird itself and its history. Brigid comes to Sam for help when she realizes that she's in over her head; she still has a few tricks up her sleeve, though. She is trying to steal the bird from Gutman, but he finds out and has her followed.

Finally, the falcon arrives in Gutman's room after Sam's secretary picks it up. They decide to pin...