Sam Spade is a fictional private detective created by author Dashiell Hammett. He first appeared in the 1929 novel "The Maltese Falcon," which is considered a classic of the hard-boiled detective genre. Spade is known for his tough demeanor, sharp wit, and moral ambiguity, often navigating a world filled with deceit and betrayal. In "The Maltese Falcon," Spade becomes embroiled in a complex case involving a valuable statue, leading him to confront various characters, including the femme fatale Brigid O'Shaughnessy. The story has been adapted into several films, with the 1941 version starring Humphrey Bogart being the most famous.