At the risk of offending Bogart Fans, his worst scene in his worst movie

I have enjoyed Bogart movies for many years and watch them whenever they show up on cable. To me they are pure entertainment. I could watch Casablanca, They Drive by Night, Key Largo, The African Queen etc etc over and over.

However, last night while watching The Maltese Falcon, I became bothered by the lack of interest Bogart was imparting to his role. Now I know everyone thinks this was classic Sam Spade and that Bogie did a wonderful job with the character, but I just can't see it. And don't give me the "its film noir" arguement either. If this is film noir, it is not even very good at that genre. ( and anyhow, after reading all the posts in defence of Bogie in this movie that claim film noir, I think that is just a rationalization to explain away the bad acting.

Anyway, getting back to Bogie, the scene that did it in for me was when Iva was waiting in his office and he came in. After the kiss, he goes to the desk turns around and does this thing with his mouth that I assume was supposed to be a smile, but looked more like the Cheshire Cat grin. It was such a bad job of acting that nothing explains it. In addition the dialog was stupid.

And another scene that was almost as bad was the one with Astor when he kisses her.

The story itself is wonderful, the scenes are a joy to behold as the old classic actors deliver their lines. It just seems to me that based on all the Bogie movies I have seen, that this movie contains his worst acting scene.

"We're going to need a bigger boat..."