Spoilers · the ending
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre: the ending, explained
John Huston · 1948
This page gives the ending away. Not seen the film yet? Its spoiler-free guide is here.
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Spoilers · the ending
John Huston · 1948
This page gives the ending away. Not seen the film yet? Its spoiler-free guide is here.
What happens
Dobbs shoots Curtin and takes all the gold, then is killed by bandits who, not knowing what the sacks hold, empty the dust and let the wind scatter it. Howard and Curtin find the empty bags and laugh.
The last image
Howard and Curtin part ways, Howard heading back to the village and Curtin setting off for Texas, with the gold gone.
What it says
The ending says gold is only worth what men will destroy for it. The wind and the bandits' ignorance make greed look absurd, and Howard's laugh turns tragedy into dark comedy. The mountain never cared about their plans.