In the 1948 The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, the adventure is built on the pursuit of all that glitters. Even before H. Rider Haggard's Allan Quatermain set off in search of King Solomon's mines, tales were told of men who sought riches and the follies their greed brought upon them. Though these types of stories have endured for centuries, Sierra Madre remains the genre's high water mark. This teaming of one of the decade's finest filmmakers (John Huston) with one of its biggest stars (Humphrey Bogart) brought fans a stirring glimpse at what men do when cold, hard cash is on the line. Though it's not without a certain hint of Hollywood sentimentality, Sierra Madre, also starring Tim Holt and Walter Huston (John's dad), is as compelling as journeys into the heart of darkness can get.

Humphrey Bogart

Things are tough all over in Tampico, a dirty hovel south of the border where desperation reaches a fever pitch. Fred C. Dobbs (Bogart) is just one of many who blew into town in hopes of striking it rich, only to encounter disappointment at every turn. But after he and fellow expatriate Curtin (Holt) are stiffed of some hard-earned wages, Dobbs looks to the desert to secure his financial future. Veins of untapped gold reserves are said to be found throughout the barren landscape, which the men venture into after pooling funds with seasoned prospector Howard (W. Huston). But bandits and a brutal climate turn out to be the least of their troubles, as Dobbs grows increasingly paranoid about their findings, his rage threatening to boil over and make sure no one claims a fortune. 

The jist of Sierra Madre is something pop culture has had its way with. It's like how more people can imitate James Cagney than have actually seen White Heat; you know the story even if you haven't watched the film. Thus, even newcomers can figure out where Sierra Madre will lead them: Bogie goes bananas, Holt makes a few idealistic blunders, and the elder Huston is always diffusing the powder keg he's landed in. But while the film's moral compass points in a familiar direction, the effective presentation is what's made it the classic it's long since become. Fate has quite the sense of humor here, often giving bad guys their just desserts while hosing the protagonists. Fortune often smiles upon the leads, though it's at a price that Dobbs in particular refuses to acknowledge. If the film feels long in the tooth (which it occasionally does), it's because Huston is set on completing a story for which a tidy resolution would be an insult.

Walter Huston

Think of Sierra Madre as a more robust companion piece to that great 1953 picture The Wages of Fear. It too features characters in similarly dire straits with an even bleaker outlook, though the emotion Huston brings will jibe better with viewers. The characters are at the heart of the story's excitement, and Huston - never once passing judgment - lets them run their own courses. Bogart almost seems to challenge those viewers used to him playing the detached anti-hero, blessing his performance with more passion than he's had with any part. Dobbs does some rotten things, but they're understandable, and you never do really hate him. Walter Huston is at his crotchety best in an engaging turn that earned him an Oscar, his character's humor and wisdom gleaned from decades of seeing men like Dobbs go through the very same motions. Holt is sort of along for the ride but does well, and Bruce Bennett plays a brief but pivotal role as a fellow fortune hunter.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is a rare bird, indeed. It's a film that captures the spirit of adventure while serving as a stern cautionary tale; follow your dreams, but be aware of what sacrifices await you. Countless TV airings and "stinking badges" references later, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre remains a parable that's as fascinating to ponder as it is to just watch.

Director: John Huston

Writer: John Huston; B. Traven - novel

Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston, Tim Holt, Bruce Bennett, Alfonso Bedoya

Rating: No MPAA Rating (some violence)

Classic Movie Guide Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Run Time: 126 minutes

Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

Format: Black-and-white, fullscreen

Photo credits: Warner Bros. Pictures