24K views · 2.1K reactions | According to his NYT obit, Elisha Cook Jr. portrayed so many lowlife characters with such conviction that "Elisha Cook-like" became a catch phrase among casting directors and critics. His portrayal of Wilmer in THE MALTESE FALCON ('41) made him a cult figure. #TCMEssentials | Turner Classic Movies: TCM | Facebook

One of the least subtle MacGuffins, THE MALTESE FALCON ('41) provides motive for intrigue and serves as the film's title. In some ways, the Maltese Falcon is quite literally "the stuff that dreams are made of," as the audience pursues the idea of the object with the characters. | Turner Classic Movies: TCM