Corruption in the Maltese Falcon
Almost every character in The Maltese Falcon was corrupt in one way or another. ... He wants to obtain financial gain from the falcon just as much as anybody. ... They want to get rich off the falcon as well, even though they are the two wealthiest persons in the film. They are willing to sacrifice anything for the wealth that the falcon has to offer. ... Perhaps the only exceptions to the theme or corruption in this movie are the police officers and the captain who brings the faux falcon to Spade. The underlying theme in The Maltese Falcon is corruption. ... In the end Spade says something to the effect that the Falcon is what dreams are made of.