The Maltese Falcon

MK writes on thegoldenera.net "It seems that the history of this falcon is almost as mysterious and sorted as the movie itself."

My question is, why is this? Are there any known whereabouts of the original falcon used in the movie? I am wondering this because I came across a person or persons or contend that they own the original falcon (names will remain private to protect the innocent). The source could possibly be legitamate as the certain party is already a well-known movie prop collector. Could they be possibly telling the truth?

Not likely. As stated there were two lead falcons. They weigh 43 pounds each. They were in the Warner Brothers prop department for years. There are stories of them being used by set painters for weights to balance things and all kinds of utilitarian tasks.

The only bird seen is the lead bird with a bent tail feather (somebody dropped it). This one is owned by renowned collector, Dr. Milan. His is own loan to the Warner Brothers Museum. This is the one I made arrangements is see.

The other lead bird came to be in the possession of actor William Conrad.

Bogart is rumored to complaining of that the lead birds were to heavy and that a plaster one was made. No one has ever seen a plaster version that was accurate though.

So....unless your friend has a lead dingus from William Conrad....or stole it from the Warner museum.....he is mistaken.

That is common though with props. They were told by the person they got it from "oh yeah. This is the real deal"

The bird.

So after all these years, the quest for the Falcon continues...

I saw one go on auction a few years ago, and it was in all the local newspapers. Seems I recollect it went for a whopping price.

Originally posted by MK


So....unless your friend has a lead dingus from William Conrad....or stole it from the Warner museum.....he is mistaken.

That is common though with props. They were told by the person they got it from "oh yeah. This is the real deal"

Click to expand...

Yeah, that's pretty much what I figured. This man's collection is so extensive, however, I was inclined to believe him.