If you like your detectives hard-boiled then Sam Spade was your man.

Originally created by the legendary Dashiell Hammett, Sam Spade's move from pulp-book thriller to airwave legend seemed an easy journey.

Sam Spade, played by Howard Duff, was a sharp-talking L. A. based private detective who's first question usually revolved about how much moola, how much cash, you were carrying. If it was a phone call this was usually accompanied by a desk drawer opening and a liquor bottle being summoned for duty.

The owner of License number 137596, had a way of not telling the police all the news. His humor was tongue in cheek and the plots could put a corkscrew to shame. The characters who came into contact with Sam Spade, Detective were either very glad they had or rather wished they hadn't.

If you wanted results in the tightest of corners you had one choice; Sam Spade, Detective. Let's see what he's up to.

We like to think we always have choices. Sometimes we only need one.

Let's get back and into action with Sam Spade's next adventure.