Dashiell Hammett. Detective. Writer.

“A fascinating look at a man whose career is both an inspiration and a cautionary tale.” –Robert J. McNamara

A documentary about the life and work of the author of “The Maltese Falcon” and “The Thin Man”. Hammett is considered one of America’s most influential writers and the dean of the hard-boiled detective novel. The film uses interviews, clips from films based on his books, and cinematic techniques (film within a film) to explore his writings.

An Alternate Current Production in association with WNET
Written, Directed & Edited by: Joshua Waletzky
Producer: Margaret Smilow
co-Producer: Lori Cheatle
Director of Photography: Kramer Morganthau

With David Strathairn, Kathleen Turner, Josephine Hammett Marshall, Diane Johnson, Rick Layman, and Ring Lardner, Jr.

Official PBS Site:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/database/hammett_d.html