The Big Read Picks "The Maltese Falcon"...
Read a good book lately? If not, now's your chance to read with friends and neighbors. For the third consecutive year, the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library has been chosen to participate in The Big Read, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The HMCPL invites the public to join them again as they engage minds and imaginations with discussions, lectures, and performances that examine all aspects of the classic detective novel The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett. Don't miss all the fun this Sunday, March 30, at Bridge Street Town Centre as The Big Read events gets kicked off. ‘A detective novel?’ you ask. Yes, it is a detective novel—one of the best ever written. It's also a brilliant literary work, as well as a thriller, a love story, and a dark, dry comedy. And it’s a book that is fun to read!
“We selected this book because it was a departure from our previous two Big Read selections,” said Annie Phillips, Head of Adult Services for the HMCPL and chair of The Big Read committee. “The Great Gatsby and To Kill a Mockingbird both offered us wonderful opportunities to explore characteristics of our society and ourselves, but The Maltese Falcon allows us to capture some humor and examine different tie-ins to the book such as cinematic influences, the CSI phenomenon, and the evolution of our modern-day, hard-boiled mystery.”
The Big Read will kickoff Sunday, March 30 from 2 – 4 p.m. at Bridge Street Town Centre with fun for the whole family:
Throughout the month of April 2008, the HMCPL will provide book discussions and supplemental programs to illuminate The Maltese Falcon, and the events and culture Hammett drew from to write the book. In addition to lectures and discussions, the HMCPL is organizing music concerts and movie screenings related to the book and its time period. The library will provide activities for teens, adults, seniors, and families throughout Madison County. The library will also have a special page on its website dedicated to The Big Read, so check out hpl.lib.al.us/bigread often!
A great book combines enlightenment with enchantment. It awakens our imagination and enlarges our humanity. It can even offer insights that console and comfort us. Whether you're a regular reader already or a nonreader making up for lost time, the library’s Big Read committee is confident that everyone will enjoy The Maltese Falcon and all of the programming the library has in store to compliment the book. The HMCPL looks forward to having the entire community join The Big Read 2008.
The Big Read Calendar of Events
(listed by type of event)
Big Read Lectures and Special Events
Sunday, March 30, FREE kick off event at Bridge Street Town Centre. “The Big Read Kick-Off” starts with live music by Jim Cavender & Friends, and The Huntsville Swing Dancers Society will demonstrate big-band style dance moves. The "Feathers in Focus" live bird show from the Camp McDowell Environmental Center will be near the carousel at 2:15 and 3:00pm. “Chet Gecko” of Bruce Hale’s children’s book, The Malted Falcon, will greet readers near Monaco Pictures. Free balloons, face painting and crafts for children. Register to win free gifts from Bridge Street merchants, and get a Big Read Trivia Challenge game board. Meet characters from Renaissance Theatre’s upcoming stage production of “The Maltese Falcon.” Monaco Pictures will screen the 1941 classic film “The Maltese Falcon” free of charge at 4:00pm, limited to 150 viewers. 2 – 4 p.m., free, 532-5950.
March 30 – April 26, Play The Big Read Trivia Challenge. Test your knowledge of Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon, the 1941 movie it inspired, and film noir. Answer the questions correctly, and you may win a cash prize of $250 or even $500! Visit http://hpl.lib.al.us/bigread for details. Sponsored by The Huntsville Times, Barnes & Noble, Burger King, and Steak Out.
Tuesday, April 1, Redstone Arsenal MWR Post Library Open House. Free copies of The Maltese Falcon (while supplies last), reader’s guides, bookmarks, and event brochures. Refreshments around the new fireplace. Open to everyone with access to the Arsenal. 11:00am-6:00pm, free, 876-4741.
“Chet Gecko” Parties. “Chet Gecko” is a sassy, wisecracking fourth-grade detective, who happens to be a gecko. His best friend is a canary named Natalie Attired, and his business is...danger. For 3rd and 4th graders, “Chet Gecko” parties include a discussion of Bruce Hale’s The Malted Falcon and other “Chet Gecko” mysteries. Activities include writing and drawing. Refreshments served.
5 April Madison Public Library. 130 Plaza Blvd., Madison, AL 35758, 2:00pm., free, 461-0046.
12 April Bailey Cove Branch Library. Sponsored by Friends of the Bailey Cove Library. 1409 Weatherly Plaza, Huntsville, AL 35802, 2 p.m., free, 881-0257.
15 April Main Library, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801, 4:00pm., free, 532-5949.
19 April Monrovia Public Library, 254 Allen Drake Road, Huntsville, AL, 2:00pm., free, 489-3392.
Tuesday, April 8, Keynote Speaker: Dr. Richard Layman. Why and how did The Maltese Falcon enter our cultural vocabulary? How has the movie changed our understanding of the book? Dashiell Hammett biographer and scholar Dr. Richard Layman discusses the book, the movie, and Hammett’s experiences and beliefs. Book signing and refreshments to follow. Main Library Auditorium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL, 7 pm., free, 532-5940.
Wednesday, April 9, Brown Bag Lunch: “Fast Cars and Fast Women?” Private investigator Charlie Edgar tells what it’s really like to be a detective. Drinks/dessert. Main Library Auditorium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL, Noon, free, 532-5940.
Sunday, April 13, “The Real Mystery of The Maltese Falcon”. Is Sam Spade a hero or a villain? Dr. Christopher Metress of Samford University examines Spade’s motives and actions, and explores possible reasons for Hammett’s depiction of this mysterious detective. Refreshments served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Bailey Cove Library. Bailey Cove Branch Library 1409 Weatherly Plaza, Huntsville, AL, 2 pm., free, 881-0257.
Sunday, April 13, Have a martini and try your best Bogey or Mary Astor imitation at this casual happy hour. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres. The Jazz Factory, 109 Northside Square, Huntsville, AL 35801, 6:00pm., free, 539-1919.
Tuesday, April 15, “The Thin Man and the Little Fox: The Complex Affair of Hammett and Hellman.” Edward Journey will look at the relationship between Dashiell Hammett and Lillian Hellman, and then lead a discussion with participants. This event is part of the Alabama A&M “Books & Coffee” discussion series. Alabama A&M University, Drake Learning Resources Center, Multipurpose Room, 1 p.m., 327-5398.
Sunday, April 20, Enjoy a four-course gourmet meal inspired by San Francisco and the works of Dashiell Hammett. The Jazz Factory, 109 Northside Square, Huntsville. 6:00pm., cost TBA, please call 539-1919 to RSVP.
Tuesday, April 22, “Now You Are Dangerous: The Femme Fatale in Film and Literature.” UAH lecturer Dr. Jennifer Garlen explores the “femme fatale” archetype in film noir and literature, particularly its relation to “The Maltese Falcon.” Main Library Auditorium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL, 7 pm., free, 532-5950.
Wednesday, April 30, Bonus Brown Bag Lunch: “Hard-boiled and High-Heeled.” Beth Wheeler Dean, Head of Main Library Youth Services, investigates crime fiction written by women and featuring female investigators. Drinks and dessert provided. Main Library Auditorium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL, Noon, free, 532-5950.
Saturday, May 3, The Big Read Final Event: “The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of”. Join us for a date with Bogey as UAB Film Studies Professor Lee Shackleford introduces this cinematic icon, with Q&A to follow. Includes a screening of “The Maltese Falcon” (1941). The winners of The Big Read Trivia Challenge will be announced, and soft drinks and hors d’oeuvres served. Co-hosted by Alabama Filmmakers Co-op. Main Library Atrium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801, 7 p.m., free, 532-5950.
Performances April 2 – 6, Enjoy Renaissance Theatre’s stage production of “The Maltese Falcon” by Martin Pope, directed by Jim Zielinski. Renaissance Theatre, 1216B Meridian Street, Huntsville, AL 35801, 7:30 p.m., (April 5 also at 2 p.m.), $14, 536-3117.
Thursday, April 3, Thursday Evening Concert featuring Painted Melodies, Main Library Atrium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801, 6 p.m., free, 532-5975.
Thursday, April 17, Thursday Evening Concert featuring the Rocket City Jazz Orchestra, Main Library Atrium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801, 6 p.m., free, 532-5975.
Thursday, May 1, Thursday Evening Concert featuring Moondust, Main Library Atrium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801, 6 p.m., free, 532-5975.
Book Discussions
Tuesday, April 1, Eleanor Murphy Book Club discusses Joanne Fluke’s “Hannah Swensen” mysteries. Eleanor Murphy Branch Library, 7910 Charlotte Drive, Huntsville, AL, 11:30 a.m., free, 881-5620.
Tuesday, April 1, Barnes & Noble Book Club discusses The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett. Barnes & Noble Jones Valley Bend, 7 p.m., free, 855-0501.
Thursday, April 3, Bailey Cove Sci-Fi Book Club discusses Storm Front (Book 1 of the “Dresden Files”) by Jim Butcher. Bailey Cove Branch Library 1409 Weatherly Plaza, Huntsville, AL 35803, 6 p.m., free, 881-0257.
Friday, April 4, Discussion of The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett led by Dr. Jennifer Garlen. Sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, Union Grove Gallery, UAH, free.
Saturday, April 5, Chinese –language discussion of The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett. Sponsored by the Huntsville Chinese Association, Main Library Auditorium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801, 3 p.m., free, 532-5940.
Monday, April 7, the Gurley Girls Book Club discusses The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett, continuing each Monday in April. Gurley Public Library, 225 Walker Street, Gurley, AL, 9:30 a.m., free, 776-2102.
Tuesday, April 8, Bailey Cove Morning Book Club discusses The Maltese Falcon by DAshiell Hammett. Bailey Cove Branch Library 1409 Weatherly Plaza, Huntsville, AL 35803, 10 a.m., free, 881-0257.
Thursday, April 10, CSI: Madison Book Club discusses The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett. Madison Public Library, 130 Plaza Blvd., Madison, AL 35758, 7 p.m., free, 461-0046.
Tuesday, April 15, Urban Circle Book Club discusses Casanegra by Blair Underwood. Oscar Mason Branch Library, 149 Mason Court, Huntsville, AL 12:30 p.m., free, 535-2249.
Tuesday, April 15, Tillman Hill Adult Book Club discusses The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett. 131 Knowledge Drive, Hazel Green, AL, 7 p.m., free, 828-9529.
Wednesday, April 16, Lunchtime discussion of The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett. Bessie K. Russell Branch Library, 3011-C Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL, 12:30 p.m., free, bring a lunch, drinks and desserts provided, 859-9050.
Wednesday, April 16, Knit 1, Read Too discusses The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett. Madison Public Library, 130 Plaza Blvd., Madison, AL 35758, 12:30 p.m., free, 461-0046.
Thursday, April 17, Multi-lingual discussion of The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett, led by Natalie Lewter. ESL Class, Union Grove Gallery, UAH, 5 p.m., free.
Wednesday, April 23, The Friends of the Eleanor Murphy Branch Library host a book discussion of The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett, led by Dr. Eleanor Murphy Branch Library, 7910 Charlotte Drive, Huntsville, AL, 12:30 p.m., free, 881-5620.
Wednesday, April 23, Cupid’s Café Book Club discusses Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly. Main Library Auditorium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801, noon, free, $3 for pizza, 532-5982.
Movies
Tuesday, March 18, Watch “The Thin Man” (1934), a comedy-mystery featuring Nick and Nora Charles: a former detective and his rich, playful wife. They solve a murder case mostly for the fun of it. Main Library Auditorium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801, 6:30 p.m., free, 532-5940.
Thursday, March 20, Watch “Double Indemnity” (1944). Based on the novel by James M. Cain, this Billy Wilder film noir delves into crime fiction with a murder/insurance fraud scheme. Stars Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck. Main Library Auditorium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801, 6:30 p.m., free, 532-5940.
Tuesday, March 25, Watch “Out of the Past” (1947). Jeff Bailey (Robert Mitchum) was a private eye hired by Whit Sterling (Kirk Douglas) to find his mistress Kathie (Jane Greer) who shot Whit and absconded with $40,000. Bailey traces her to Acapulco where the delectable Kathie makes him forget all about Sterling. Main Library Auditorium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801, 6:30 p.m., free, 532-5940.
Thursday, March 27, Watch “Chinatown” (1974). A private detective investigating an adultery case stumbles on to a scheme of murder that has something to do with water. Main Library Auditorium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801, 6:30 p.m., free, 532-5940.
Sunday, March 30, Monaco Pictures will screen the 1941 classic film “The Maltese Falcon” free of charge. Tickets available beginning at 2 p.m. outside of Monaco Theater, limited to 150 tickets. Show begins at 4 p.m., 370 Bridge Street Town Centre, Huntsville, AL. 327-8340.
Tuesday, April 1, Watch “The Big Sleep” (1946) Humphrey Bogart stars as the jaded private detective Philip Marlowe. Based on Raymond Chandler’s novel, the screen play was penned by William Faulkner. Main Library Auditorium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801, 6:30 p.m., free, 532-5940.
Monday, April 7, Watch “Murder, My Sweet” (1944) Based on Raymond Chandler’s novel Farewell, My Lovely, private eye Philip Marlowe is hired by Moose Malloy to look for his former girlfriend, Velma, who has not been seen for the last six years. Madison Public Library, 130 Plaza Blvd., Madison, AL 35758, 6 p.m., free, 461-0046.
Monday, April 7, Watch “The Maltese Falcon” (1941) Humphrey Bogart stars as Sam Spade in the legendary film adaptation of Dashiell Hammett’s “hard boiled detective” novel. Bailey Cove Branch Library, 1409 Weatherly Plaza, Huntsville, AL 35803, 6 p.m., free, 881-0257.
Wednesday, April 9, Watch “The Maltese Falcon” (1941) Humphrey Bogart stars as Sam Spade in the legendary film adaptation of Dashiell Hammett’s “hard boiled detective” novel. Monrovia Branch Library, 254 Allen Drake Road, Huntsville, AL 35806, 6 p.m., free, 489-3392.
Friday, April 11, Watch “The Lady from Shanghai” (1947) Fascinated by gorgeous Mrs. Bannister, seaman Michael O’Hara joins a bizarre yachting cruise, and ends up mired in a complex murder plot. Main Library Auditorium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801, noon, free, 532-5940.
Friday, April 11, The New Noir: “Blood Simple” (1984) and “The Man Who Wasn’t There” (2001) as Descendents of “The Maltese Falcon”. The first of a two-part film series/discussion featuring University of Alabama scholars Dr. Brett Riley and Dr. Kalene Westmoreland. Watch “Blood Simple.” Main Library Auditorium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801, 7 p.m., free, 532-5940.
Saturday, April 12, The New Noir: “Blood Simple” (1984) and “The Man Who Wasn’t There” (2001) as Descendents of “The Maltese Falcon”. The second of a two-part film series/discussion featuring University of Alabama scholars Dr. Brett Riley and Dr. Kalene Westmoreland. Watch “The Man Who Wasn’t There.” Main Library Auditorium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801, 1 p.m., free, 532-5940.
Monday, April 14, Watch “Fallen Angel” (1945). Eric Stanton, a penniless drifter, falls in love with waitress Stella. She refuses to marry poor Eric. Desperate for money, Eric marries a wealthy local spinster, who he plans to divorce. His plans go awry when someone ends up dead and he is the prime suspect. Madison Public Library, 130 Plaza Blvd., Madison, AL 35758, 6 p.m., free, 461-0046.
Monday, April 14, Watch “The Big Sleep” (1946). Humphrey Bogart stars as the jaded private detective Philip Marlowe. Based on Raymond Chandler’s novel, the screen play was penned by William Faulkner. Bailey Cove Branch Library, 1409 Weatherly Plaza, Huntsville, AL 35803, 6 p.m., free, 881-0257.
Tuesday, April 15, Watch “The Maltese Falcon” (1941) Humphrey Bogart stars as Sam Spade in the legendary film adaptation of Dashiell Hammett’s “hard boiled detective” novel. Oscar Mason Branch Library, 149 Mason Court, Huntsville, AL 6:30 p.m., free, 535-2249.
Sunday, April 20, Watch “The Lady from Sockholm,” a satirical feature-length film noir puppet movie. Can a clean sock find justice in a dirty town? Flying Monkey Arts, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville, AL 35805, 2 p.m., free, 489-7000.
Monday, April 21, Watch “The Maltese Falcon” (1941) Humphrey Bogart stars as Sam Spade in the legendary film adaptation of Dashiell Hammett’s “hard boiled detective” novel. Madison Public Library, 130 Plaza Blvd., Madison, AL 35758, 6 p.m., free, 461-0046.
Monday, April 21, Watch “Double Indemnity” (1944). Based on the novel by James M. Cain, this Billy Wilder film noir delves into crime fiction with a murder/insurance fraud scheme. Stars Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck. Bailey Cove Branch Library, 1409 Weatherly Plaza, Huntsville, AL 35803, 6 p.m., free, 881-0257.
Wednesday, April 23, Watch “The Maltese Falcon” (1941) Humphrey Bogart stars as Sam Spade in the legendary film adaptation of Dashiell Hammett’s “hard boiled detective” novel. Eleanor Murphy Branch Library, 7910 Charlotte Drive, Huntsville, AL, 12:30 p.m., free, 881-5620.
Friday, April 25, Watch “Key Largo” (1948). A man visits his old friend’s hotel and finds a gangster running things. As a hurricane approaches, the two end up confronting each other. Main Library Auditorium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801, noon, free, 532-5940.
Monday, April 28, Watch “Devil in a Blue Dress” (1995). Starring Denzel Washington as private detective Easy Rawlins, this film adaptation of Walter Mosley’s novel is an example of contemporary “hard-boiled detective” fiction. In this first Easy Rawlins story, Easy has been caught on the wrong side of the most dangerous secret in town. Bailey Cove Branch Library 1409 Weatherly Plaza, Huntsville, AL 35803, 6 p.m., free, 881-0257.
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