Which of these films debuted first?

Respectively, the films "Casablanca", "The Lost Weekend", and "The Best Years of Their Lives" were publicly released at the box office in November 1942, November 1945, and November 1946. The film "The Maltese Falcon" made its official movie debut in New York City on October 3, 1941, before any of the films previously mentioned. Following an early viewing in September 1941, "Variety" said it is "one of the best and truly clever examples of an action filled and suspenseful melodramatic story ever told in cinematic form."

"The Maltese Falcon" is an American film noir written and directed by John Huston in his directorial debut. It was based on the 1930 novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett and indebted to the 1931 movie of the same name. It stars Humphrey Bogart as private investigator Sam Spade and Mary Astor as his femme fatale client. Gladys George, Peter Lorre and Sydney Greenstreet co-star, with the last appearing in his film debut.

The film's storyline follows a San Francisco private detective and his dealings with three unscrupulous adventurers, all of whom are competing to obtain a jewel-encrusted falcon statuette.

The film was a big success. According to Warner Bros.' records, "The Maltese Falcon" earned $1.8 million against a budget of $375,000. Additionally, the film received three nominations at the 14th Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Sydney Greenstreet), and Best Adapted Screenplay (John Huston).