Catching up...

[Carvill John]

>>Shared mis-en-scene, similar dialog quirks. As pure Lit, about the same 
>>level of quality (remarkably high). Humphrey Bogart.  >>

>Yes, obviously.  However ...

So you reckon they're *so* divergent, talent-wise, that despite all of the 
above, there's no earthly reason to mention them in the same breath?

Personally I've always been puzzled why so many people seem to regard 
Hammett as superior. I assume it's the same instinct that leads some to 
believe that the Beatles were overrated and teh Stones were far superior, 
grittier, and somehow more 'authentic' or 'street'.