9 Iconic Movie Props With Seriously Strange Backstories

2. The Maltese Falcon from The Maltese Falcon

The elusive Maltese Falcon statuette, the object of intense obsession and betrayal in the classic 1941 film noir, had a surprisingly humble and weighty real-life beginning. The primary prop, designed to feel substantial, was cast from heavy lead, tipping the scales at a cumbersome 45 pounds. Its weight meant lighter resin versions had to be made for scenes where actors carried it extensively. Perhaps the most intriguing mystery surrounded the lead original: it was lost for decades after the film's release, only to resurface in the 1990s, fueling a frenzy among collectors. Its eventual sale for over $4 million underscored its cinematic value and its strange, real-world vanishing act and dramatic reappearance.