“In 1539, the Knights Templar of Malta paid tribute to Charles V of...” – Titlecard, The Maltese Falcon ... Movie Quotes Database

Titlecard

In 1539, the Knights Templar of Malta paid tribute to Charles V of Spain by sending him a Golden Falcon encrusted from beak to claw with rarest jewels- - - - - but pirates seized the galley carrying this priceless token and the fate of the Maltese Falcon remains a mystery to this day.

More from The Maltese Falcon

Effie Perine Do the police really think you shot this 'what's-his-name'? Do they? Look at me, Sam. You worry me. You always think you know what you're doing but you're too slick for your own good. Kasper Gutman By gad, Sir. You are a chap worth knowing, an amazing character... Kasper Gutman Well, Wilmer, I'm sorry indeed to lose you, but I want you to know I couldn't be fonder of you if you were my own son. Well, if you lose a son, it's possible to get another. There's only one Maltese falcon. When you're young, you simply don't understand these things.