Maltese Falcon, The (PG) (1941)

Director: John Huston

Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor

Hustons first film was shot entirely in dark moody interiors. A ruthless cast of characters inhabit a corrupt, cynical world searching for the bejewelled bird, using and betraying all around, including our hero. Theres not an ethic in sight except for our hero but even he does the right thing not from any obvious strong conviction, more because he simply cant help it. (99Mins)

Big Sleep, The (PG) (1946)

Director: Howard Hawks

Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Dorothy Malone, Charles Waldron

Private eye Philip Marlowe is hired to investigate an extortion mystery, affecting wealthy General Sternwood and his two daughters. Brilliant essential 40s Noir: an unmissable chance to wallow in the Bogie - Bacall magic, the electric (Raymond Chandler and William Faulkner!) dialogue, fizzing sexual chemistry, labyrinthine plot and marvellous direction. Hawkss greatest film. (110Mins)

Casablanca (U) (1942)

Director: Michael Curtiz

Starring: Sydney Greenstreet, Paul Henreid, Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman,

THE original cult classic movie. The dialogue, characters and Ricks Caf? Americain setting have passed into revered Hollywood history and the English language. Over 60 years on all the cinematic elements that make this an unbeatable classic are just as seductive and entertaining as they always were (98Mins)

Key Largo (PG) (1948)

Director: John Huston

Starring: Edward G. Robinson, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall

Hustons classic reworking of the Maxwell Anderson play about a gangster threatened with deportation who escapes with his henchmen to a hideout at a semi-derelict hotel on the island of Key West off Florida. A tense thriller given distinction by the excellent cast and skilful direction. (97Mins)

Usual Suspects, The (18) (1995)

Director: Bryan Singer

Starring: Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne

A ship explodes at a dockside quay. Five criminals languish in a cell, but only one knows the whole story. One of the most accomplished thrillers of the 1990s. (102Mins)