John’s Grill in San Francisco. Sam Spade lunched here often in Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon. I thought I might run into him as I went in search of the Ladies Room, walking to the back of the restaurant, and up an old wooden staircase to the lowly lit upstairs dining rooms not in use this day; it is there that you will find a replica of said Maltese Falcon. Old San Francisco at its best.
Lunch with Sam Spade
This entry was posted in Travel and tagged Dashiell Hammett, John's Grill, mystery novels, photography, Sam Spade, San Francisco, The Maltese Falcon. Bookmark the permalink.
AngelineM's Blog 
San Francisco has such a rich history in literature and film. It’s hard to walk around and not be reminded of a bit of Americana. This is a wonderful shot an I’m glad you did a little processing on the image. This is one capture where Kodachome wouldn’t work. 😉
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Thanks, John. I just never get enough of San Francisco and all its richness of place and history. Glad you like the processing I did on the image.
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I like your post-processing on this photo Angeline.
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Thanks, CG. I tried to really give it the old San Francisco look.
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How wonderful to visit an environment first encountered in literary adventures. Would have enjoyed a picture from inside…
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It was really a thrill to eat there. In retrospect, I should have taken some photos inside, but here is a link to the restaurant’s website that has some lovely photos and history that I think you’ll enjoy http://www.johnsgrill.com/
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Perfect in Sepia, Angeline. How is it inside – a bit decrepit and creaky, or swanked up?
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Thanks, M. It’s swanked up just a little bit; it still has the old San Francisco feel with dark wood paneling on the walls and wood floors. The stairs up to the upper level were on the creaky side, which just added to the character. It does not feel new, which is good! I’m inviting you and Jo Bryant to lunch here if you can get together to come visit. I’ll leave it to you two to work it out 🙂
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I love the Maltese Falcon…and I adore Humphrey Bogart…that story and he were made for each other.
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It’s been awhile since I’ve watched this movie; it’s on my agenda for tomorrow! You would love this restaurant!
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You know Angeline I think I would. That is just the best movie…I love it, actually I love ALL HB movies. He was and is my No.1 idol of all time. Especially after I read Lauren Bacall’s book.
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He is also one of my favorite actors. I’ll have to look for Lauren Bacall’s book, haven’t read that.
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You should Angeline. It is a great read. Their love story is something else. What I loved most though was how he was not afraid of love. He never played games. He was brave enough to put it out there.
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I love how you effected the shot.
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Thanks, Professor; that’s how I see old-time San Francisco in my mind’s eye (and in some old photos I’ve seen).
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