There are several adaptations related to "The Maltese Falcon." The most notable are the 1931 version, which is a pre-Code film, and the classic 1941 version directed by John Huston, starring Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade. The 1941 film is the most famous and is often regarded as a film noir classic. Additionally, there are earlier adaptations, including a silent film from 1926. Overall, there are a few adaptations, but the 1941 film is the definitive and most recognized version.

"The Maltese Falcon" is not based on a true story; it is a fictional narrative adapted from Dashiell Hammett's 1929 novel of the same name. The story revolves around private detective Sam Spade and his involvement in a complex plot surrounding a valuable statuette. While the characters and events are fictional, the novel and subsequent film are seminal works in the hard-boiled detective genre, influencing many works in literature and film. The 1941 film, directed by John Huston, is particularly acclaimed and is a classic of American cinema.

The famous line from "The Maltese Falcon," spoken by the character Sam Spade, is: "The stuff that dreams are made of." This line encapsulates the film's themes of ambition, desire, and the elusive nature of dreams, reflecting the characters' obsessions with wealth and power surrounding the titular falcon. The film, directed by John Huston and released in 1941, is a classic of the film noir genre and features Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade, a private detective entangled in a complex plot involving the mysterious falcon statue.

In "The Maltese Falcon," the role of Sam Spade was originally offered to several actors before ultimately being played by Humphrey Bogart. Notably, George Raft turned down the role, believing the film would not be successful. His decision allowed Bogart to take on the iconic character, which significantly contributed to his career and the film's lasting legacy. "The Maltese Falcon," released in 1941, is now considered a classic and a key film in the film noir genre.