I first saw this movie in the mid '70's and I just howled at it. Being familiar with "The Maltese Falcon" makes it even funnier. In fact for maximum impact,I recommend watching TMF first and then "The Black Bird". The writers skewered every scene in the original. "What good is torture without the threat of death behind it?. It's fun!" This film also includes one of my favorite character actors, Lionel Stander, who does a great job as the tough guy. Add former Playmate Connie Kreske, three big Hawaiians and priceless dialogue and sight gags and you got 5 stars. I thought the ending was in perfect keeping with Sam Jr's luck. All together a classic movie that slipped through the cracks. Anxiously awaiting the DVD.
Viewer Reviews I'm with Point Dexter--this should be a double feature with The Maltese Falcon. (I just watched it that way.) I saw it when it first came out, remembered it ever since, and recently bought a copy of the VHS tape through Amazon. It IS hilarious. Not 100%? So what--it's good fun. As a general thing I ask God to spare us sequels--but this is a fine *parody,* which is a bird of a different color, if I may mix my metaphors.
