Lighting the Cigarette

Am I to say this may have spoilers?

Any way, I love the part where Marlowe lights his cigarette on the buttocks of the statue. The dialogue is so fast, but it was funny. I liked the characters but disliked the thug...was it Moose? And maybe I was concentrating on other things, but why was he looking for Velma, anyway? Never got this while caught up in the other dialogue, characters, etc. Was he just in love with her or did she supposedly have the necklace? Did not recognize Claire Trevor until I remembered "Key Largo"'s discarded moll character.....and then I remembered, since I love that drink scene as well.