Wissenswertes

Is generally credited with setting the format for the hard-boiled detective genre. of writing.

Lillian Hellman and Hammett lived together on and off for decades but were never married.

While not credited, his novel "Red Harvest" was the inspiration for the film Yojimbo - Der Leibwächter (1961), later remade as Für eine Handvoll Dollar (1964), Odins Raben (1984), and Last Man Standing (1996). .

Director George Lucas tipped his hat to Hammett by naming one of his companies "Black Falcon" after the black bird in "The Maltese Falcon" (also the "Star Wars" space ship "The Millenium Falcon"). The code name for Star Wars: Episode VI - Die Rückkehr der Jedi-Ritter (1983) was "Blue Harvest", a reference to Hammett's "Red Harvest".

For much of his life he had a heavy-drinking, hectic lifestyle; it was famously said of him that "he had no interest whatever in still being alive after about next Tuesday". However, he gave up drinking entirely several years before his death, simply because he had given his doctor his word that he would.

Played by Jason Robards in Julia (1977), Frederic Forrest in both Hammett (1982) and Citizen Cohn, Sam Shepard in Dash and Lilly (1999). Robards won a Best Actor in a Supporting Role Oscar for his portrayal.

Buried in Arlington Cemetery, VA, as Samuel D. Hammett.

Was a writing tutor to his partner Lillian Hellman, who described his teaching methods as harsh and demanding. However, it paid off successfully, leading to Hellman becoming a respected playwright.

Despite "The Maltese Falcon" being his most famous novel, many of his fans regard "Red Harvest" as his greatest work.

Is the namesake of one of the pre-cogs in Minority Report (2002).

Had great respect for fellow detective writer Raymond Chandler.

In the early 1930s he moved to Hollywood where he was employed as a scriptwriter, and was paid as much as $2000 a week.

For the last several years of his life, he was living the life of a recluse.

Wrote "The Maltese Falcon" in San Francisco during a period of self-isolation. Hammett was suffering badly from Tuberculosis at the time.

At his death in 1961, he was financially broke.

His political leanings as a socialist came to the attention of Joseph McCarthy.

Began writing detective stories for a magazine called "Black Mask" in 1923.

Left school at the age of 13, having numerous jobs before joining the Pinkerton Detective Agency.

In the early 1950s after having stopped drinking alcohol, he attempted to return to writing fiction. However, the results were fruitless, generally attributed to his lack of creativity.

Joined the Pinkerton Detective Agency in 1915. After several years as a private detective, Hammett left his job on the grounds of ill health.

Was a disabled veteran of World War One, having contracted tuberculosis.

During the early 1950s, radio shows "The Adventures of Sam Spade" and "The Adventures of the Thin Man" were canceled, due to Hammett having served a jail sentence.

Amongst the actors to have played Sam Spade, are Humphrey Bogart, Ricardo Cortez and Peter Falk.

While living in New York, he found it increasingly difficult to focus on his writing, as he spent a good deal of time drinking and partying.

Was played by Frederic Forrest in the film, "Hammett" (1982).

Dash Mihok was named after him.

Regarding fame, the writer was uncomfortable at being recognized in public.

At one point, Hammett was one of the highest paid writers in America - with an annual income of $100,000.

Began his novel "The Glass Key" in San Francisco, and finished it in New York after a long drinking binge.

In his final years, even Hammett's friends were declined in their requests to see him.

When his final novel "The Thin Man" was published in 1933, fans complained about the change of setting and of tone. They expected another hard-boiled, gritty story.

Left school aged 14 in order to help the family's failing business.

Contracted tuberculosis during active service in World War I.