The Maltese Falcon (1941)

Humphrey Bogart is Sam Spade, the prototypical hard-boiled detective -- unfazed by anyone including beautiful women in distress and slimy shake-down men. Everyone's after the titular statuette and they're all sure Spade can help.

Though there are better stories out there, as one of the first and most-referenced noirs, it is a must-see. Doesn't hurt that it's also entertaining with some fantastic performances.

B+