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Post by Mighty Jack on May 21, 2010 1:59:11 GMT -5
Attempting to come up with a list of my 25 favorite Alfred Hitchcock films proved a daunting task - as even his lesser efforts reveal something to praise: Under Capricorn, for example, is pretty dry, but it has that brilliant tracking shot, Mrs. And Mrs. Smith, while uneven, offers up several scenes with the funniest screwball comedy you’ll ever find. Over and over again I’d think I’d found my 25 and then lament the loss of one I was fond of -like the flawed, but entertaining “Torn Curtain”, his first sound film “Blackmail” or the often panned but thoroughly enjoyable (I felt) “Jamaica Inn”. After much deliberation I came up with a list I could live with. So let the carnage begin… Honorable mention: #26 Secret Agent (1936) After three British agents are assigned to assassinate a mysterious German spy during World War I, two of them become ambivalent when their duty to the mission conflicts with their consciences. (IMDB) Cast:John Gielgud - Richard Ashenden Peter Lorre - The General Madeleine Carroll - Elsa Carrington Robert Young - Robert Marvin Percy Marmont - Caypor Florence Kahn - Mrs. Caypor Charles Carson - 'R' Lilli Palmer - Lilli From his British era comes this odd and challenging film. It starts off like a screwball comedy, with quick witty banter between Robert Young and Madeline Carroll (Elsa). Then there's Peter Lorre, who plays a whacked out Mexican (who's not Mexican) who likes to be addressed as the General (though he's not really a General). This silliness is married to a very serious and often darkly tragic morality tale. The thrust being that killing someone is still murder even when it's done as a duty to ones country. Elsa coming to the realization that this is isn't some fun adventure, but a serious matter of life and (wrongful) death is haunting. Aside from the usual directorial flair, Hitchcock also experiments with sound as a means to color his film. A dog's mournful howl as his master dies. The sound of rolling coins during Elsa’s breakdown... the audio is as important as the visual aspects. Secret Agent isn't an easy film to pin down and its odd mix of bright comedy and dark tragedy makes for strange, uneasy viewing. One that not everyone enjoys. But I found it compelling, suspenseful and sad. Lorre is over the top but his eccentricities had flavor that I enjoyed and even though John Gielgud is miscast as the dashing lead (A role better filled by Cary Grant), the performances are honest and ring true. It's not a perfect film, but it is a very good one. Better than most give it credit for. Memorable scenes: The death of the German on the mountain Memorable Quote: The General: [introducing himself] General Pompellio Montezuma De La Vilia De Conde De La Rue Robert Marvin: Ah, do you mind if I call you Charlie? The General: Yes, I mind! Hitchcock Cameo: There wasn’t one.
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Post by Mighty Jack on May 21, 2010 1:59:31 GMT -5
#25 The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927) An odd man takes residence in a house and soon, people begin to suspect that he is the Jack the Ripper style killer, known as "The Avenger" Cast:Marie Ault - The Landlady (Mrs. Bunting) Arthur Chesney - Her Husband (Mr. Bunting) June - Daisy Bunting, a Mannequin (In our vernacular, we’d call her a model) Malcolm Keen - Joe Chandler Ivor Novello - Jonathan Drew (The Lodger) I’d be remiss if I didn’t include this silent feature, because while it might be considered a little rough by today's standards (and Novello's acting is overdone), it established the tone for the director’s future films. Hitch considered it, "the first picture influenced by my period in Germany. In truth, you might almost say The Lodger was my first picture." Writer Mark Duguid made note of the German influences - "…stylised, angular sets, high contrast light and shadow to convey disturbed psychological states", all of these were to become staples of Hitch's art. Alfred also felt that because of his work with the silents, he learned to provide narrative information through visual terms, which he transferred into his talkies and became an identifiable strength in his storytelling. Memorable scenes: The use of a glass ceiling to show the Lodger pacing on the floor above the family was inventive. The ending has the handcuffed man running from a mob and getting his cuffs caught on a fence. He hangs helpless as revenge minded folk crowd around him... this tension filled moment is pure Hitchcock. Hitchcock Cameo: About 3 minutes in - Sitting at a newroom desk with his back to the camera. Of note: The Lodger was nearly shelved, fortunately it was released and was a critical and financial success. The movie is supposedly one of nine silent films from the director that are being restored for release in 2012.
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Post by Mighty Jack on May 21, 2010 23:38:41 GMT -5
#24 The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) A man and his wife receive a clue to an imminent assassination attempt, only to learn that their daughter has been kidnapped to keep them quiet. (IMDB) Cast:Leslie Banks as Lawrence Edna Best as Jill Peter Lorre as Abbott Frank Vosper as Ramon Hugh Wakefield as Clive Nova Pilbeam as Betty Lawrence Pierre Fresnay as Louis Cicely Oates as Nurse Agnes B. A. Clarke Smith as Binstead George Curzon as Gibson Hitch hits his stride with this effort. I don’t think it packs the emotional wallop of the remake, Stewart really sells the desperation in that version - plus the scene here, where fearsome baddies engage in a chair fight with the protagonist was just plain goofy – but this is overall well made, fast and funny and Peter Lorre is a great villain. Nova Pilbeam plays the kidnapped little girl. She will later show up as a young adult for “Young and Innocent”. Memorable scenes: Leslie Banks and the Dentist. Memorable Quote: Abbott: You know, to a man with a heart as soft as mine, there's nothing sweeter than a touching scene. Bob Lawrence: Such as? Abbott: Such as a father saying goodbye to his child. Yeah, goodbye for the last time. What could be more touching than that? Hitchcock Cameo: 26 minutes into the film. He can be seen crossing the street in a black trench coat just before Lawrence and his pal enter the Chapel.
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Post by Mighty Jack on May 22, 2010 12:33:42 GMT -5
#23 Stage Fright (1950) A struggling actress tries to help a friend prove his innocence when he's accused of murdering the husband of a high society entertainer Cast:Jane Wyman as Eva Gill (aka Doris Tinsdale) Marlene Dietrich as Charlotte Inwood Michael Wilding as Wildfred O. “Ordinary” Smith Richard Todd as Jonathan Cooper Alistair Sim as Commodore Gill Sybil Thorndike as Mrs. Gill Patricia Hitchcock as Chubby Bannister A funny, charming mystery. It's about a murder set within the acting community. What part of the tale is truth, and what is performance? That's all part of fun --- One problem with this flick is that Hitchcock did nothing but complain about it. He didn’t like his actors, he didn’t like parts of the story – and if the Master says it's so, who is to argue? Subsequently Stage Fright is automatically panned before it's given half a chance. I think Hitch was too critical of his work. For one, I like the acting. I think Alistair Sim (who Hitch didn’t want for the part) steals every scene he’s in. The interaction between he and his wife are hilarious. I’m also a big fan of Jane Wyman (she and Hitch didn’t get along and often fought through the production). Wyman usually did drama, but she's a kick here, wide-eyed and plucky as she tries to unearth evidence that’ll prove her friends innocence. This is not one of Hitchcock's suspense filled juggernauts. It's a featherweight who-dun-it, which often had me laughing out loud. I liked the characters and I liked the... SPOILER ALERT... Twist ending. Which Hitch felt broke some rule about flashbacks never telling a lie. Bosch! That lie is part of the films fun - that you can't be sure if any of these actors are telling you the truth. Besides, Kurosawa filmed a classic entirely based on ambiguous flashbacks (Rashomon).Memorable scenes: The boy with the bloody baby doll. Memorable Quote: “He was an abominable man. Why do women marry abominable men?” - Charlotte Hitchcock Cameo: 39 minutes into the film, he’s the gentleman who looks back at Jane Wyman as he passes her on the street Of note: This marked Hitch’s return to his homeland, as the film was produced in, and featured mostly British actors,
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Post by Mighty Jack on May 23, 2010 9:54:01 GMT -5
#22 To Catch A Thief (1955) When a reformed jewel thief is suspected of returning to his former occupation, he must ferret out the real thief in order to prove his innocence. (IMDB) Cast:Cary Grant - John Robie (The Cat) Grace Kelly - Frances Stevens Jessie Royce Landis - Jessie Stevens John Williams - H. H. Hughson Charles Vanel - Bertani Brigitte Auber - Danielle Foussard Jean Martinelli - Foussard Georgette Anys - Germaine Hitchcock's most commercial film - Bright, colorful Vista Vision filmed on the beautiful French coast. Thief was a light, fun, breezy romantic caper which starred Hitch's quintessential leading man, Cary Grant and his favorite cool blond, Grace Kelly --- All the classic Hitchcockian elements are present: The humor, suspense, the "mother" and a man who might or might not be innocent. Grace Kelly was never more beautiful or engaging in a film, IMO. Her smile is simply captivating. And Grant, well hell, he's always aces. But lets not forget John Williams, Jessie Royce Landis or Brigitte Auber, all of whom added much to the film. This might not be Hitches most serious work. But a tasty piece of candy is nice every once in a while. Memorable scenes: The grand finale on the roof – The seduction scene in the hotel, with fireworks exploding in the background Memorable Quote: H. Hughson: "The pastries are light as air." - John Robie: "Germaine has very sensitive hands and an exceedingly light touch. She strangled a German general - without a sound."Hitchcock Cameo: 10 minutes into the film, he’s sitting on the bus next to Cary, Cary turns to look at him. Of note: This won a Best Cinematography oscar for Robert Burks (It was also nominated but lost for costume design and art direction)
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Post by Mighty Jack on May 24, 2010 23:12:41 GMT -5
#21 Lifeboat (1944) Several survivors of a torpedoed ship find themselves in the same boat with one of the men who sunk it. (IMDB) Cast:Tallulah Bankhead as Constance "Connie" Porter William Bendix as Gus Smith Walter Slezak as Willi Mary Anderson as Alice MacKenzie John Hodiak as John Kovac Henry Hull as Charles D. "Ritt" Rittenhouse Heather Angel as Mrs. Higley Hume Cronyn as Stanley "Sparks" Garrett Canada Lee as George "Joe" Spencer William Yetter Jr. as German sailor Lifeboat held the potential to be static. It's story of people stranded on a tiny boat (which includes a German who torpedoed their ship) and it wouldn't seem to lend itself to any of Hitches usual flourishes. And yet, he pulls it off and holds our interest from beginning to end. Modern audiences sometimes see this story as propaganda, while a few critics of the day felt Hitchs portrayal of the Nazi as Superman hurt the war effort. The stories author, John Steinbeck had his name removed from the film for the changes in the characters. What Hitch was trying to do was use his characters as 'types' - Walter Slezak represents Nazi Germany - the others on the boat represent various nations and how they were fooled, or allowed themselves to be fooled into believing that the Nazi party was something helpful and trustworthy However one reads the characters, I still found the story interesting and suspenseful. The acting was stellar and I consider it one of Hitchcock's better efforts. Memorable scenes: Connie in furs, casually smoking a cig in the lifeboat, her apathy comes to full bloom when another survivor swims up to join her and all she does is pull out a camera to film his struggles. Memorable Quote: “Dying together's even more personal than living together.” - Connie Hitchcock Cameo: 24 minutes into the film you can spot Alfred in a weight loss add for “Reduco” on the newspaper Gus is reading Of note: Hitchcock pre-planned the camera angles for the film using a miniature lifeboat and figurines
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Post by Mighty Jack on May 25, 2010 23:28:16 GMT -5
#20 Rope (1948) Two young men strangle their "inferior" classmate, hide his body in their apartment, and invite his friends and family to a dinner party as a means to challenge the "perfection" of their crime. (IMDB) Cast:John Dall as Brandon Shaw, co-murderer and host at the party Farley Granger as Phillip Morgan, co-murderer James Stewart as Rupert Cadell, prep-school housemaster and publisher Douglas Dick as Kenneth Lawrence Joan Chandler as Janet Walker, columnist and David's fiancee Sir Cedric Hardwicke as Mr. Henry Kentley, David's father Constance Collier as Mrs. Anita Atwater, David's aunt Edith Evanson as Mrs. Wilson, housekeeper Dick Hogan as David Kentley, victim Hitchcock liked a challenge. While he revisited and tried to perfect certain story and character themes, he was always looking for a new way to tell the story, to break a rule and experiment. The challenges he faced in making Rope were huge. He limits the entire movie to one set and he wanted to film it like a play. No cuts or edits, almost live action. The problem was that a reel of film only had about 10 minutes on it. And the color cameras at the time were gigantic and difficult to maneuver (Hitch had the walls on rollers, so he could move them as the camera passed through) and this would be the first time he would make a color film. Hitch choreographs the action brilliantly, this kind of thing plays to his strengths as a director: -Though the zoom and pans off a persons back for reel changes becomes distracting - It was a successful experiment and there's never been anything like it. Story wise, it's based on the real life, Leopold and Loeb case (Which has been explored many times: See the recent, Murder by Numbers for example) which delves into subject matter also plumbed by Dostoevsky in "Crime and Punishment", involves the idea of the superior "Superman" and though not overt, puts homosexual characters in its lead. Jimmy Stewart is always great, but I'm not sure about the casting. Cary Grant might have been a better choice, but he said no (Not wanting to be involved with anything that suggested homosexuality) and James Mason would have fit the role to a T. The original story had it as a kind of triangle, between the boys and the teacher. Stewart doesn't pull that off but instead comes off as an prying detective type. The end he’s indignant that these students would twist his ideas, I think he should have played it as someone trying to cover up, make excuses but always realizing that he helped create this monster. John Dall as the smooth spoken killer is absolutely brilliant though. He's riveting in the role and the character and his motivation captivated me. Despite a few issues with casting and the edits, Rope is overall a success, an amazing feat of directorial experimentation with social implications and insights that work the mind as well. Memorable scenes: The way Shaw puts away the rope as the kitchen door swings, and later uses it to tie up a stack of books for the murdered boys father - The Maid cleans off the trunk which holds the body Memorable Quote: "The power to kill could be just as satisfying as the power to create." - John Dall as Brandon Shaw Hitchcock Cameo: Two: In the opening credits, as a man crossing the street and at 52 minutes, Hitchcock's trademark silhouette/caricatured profile (again promoting Reduco) can be seen briefly on a flashing neon sign seen through the apartment window. Of Note: In the book, Hitchcock/Truffaut Alfred stated that he ended up re-shooting the last four or five segments because he was dissatisfied with the color of the sunset.
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Post by Justin T on May 26, 2010 22:50:27 GMT -5
I love Alfred Hitchcock!
I have to agree MJ, picking a Top 25 for him is tough. Even some of the movies he made most consider lesser works have something cool in them.
I haven't seen every movie of his yet, so it's nice to see someone talk about his films because it helps me decide which one to check out next.
I like the list so far, I love To Catch A Thief and would put it a little higher on my list, but that's my taste. Cary Grant and Grace Kelly are just wonderful in that one. The rest you have listed so far I havent seen yet.
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Post by Mighty Jack on May 27, 2010 0:25:30 GMT -5
Thanks for the input, justint - and please everyone, leave comments, disagreements, offer discussion... "all are welcome, all are welcome!" (er, sorry, I still have that Poltergeist trax in my head) #19 Young and Innocent (1937) Man on the run from a murder charge enlists a beautiful stranger who must put herself at risk for his cause. (IMDB) Cast:Nova Pilbeam as Erica Burgoyne Derrick De Marney as Robert Tisdall Percy Marmont as Col Burgoyne Edward Rigby as Old Will Y&I is from his British era and is one of his lesser known films (but was one of Hitch’s personal favorites). It's a lot like the 39 Steps but without the spy angle. It's a little more innocent, lighter and featured top notched performances from its major players. Nova Pilbeam is especially good. She kind of reminds me of Kate Hepburn - physically she's thin and has a personality that's sassy. She carries herself with confidence. Pilbeam might have been a major star if Producer Selzncik had his way. He wanted her to star in Rebecca; he felt she was perfect for the role. But Hitch wanted to change the original story a bit and felt she wouldn't be right for the film. And she might very well have been too strong a personality. That's a shame - all that promising talent now forgotten and gone to waste. Memorable scenes: The camera pans in close to the drummers twitching eyes. This kind of 'tracking shot' will become a part of Hitch's signature directorial style. Memorable Quote: "I can't ask them all if they twitches" - Old WillHitchcock Cameo: 15 minutes into the film, he’s standing outside the courthouse, holding a camera. Of Note: This was re-titled “The Girl Was Young” for US release
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Post by Shep on May 27, 2010 9:21:23 GMT -5
I have to agree MJ, picking a Top 25 for him is tough. Even some of the movies he made most consider lesser works have something cool in them. Also some of the "AH Presents" television eps he directed were amazing. "The Crystal Trench," "Revenge," "Bang, You're Dead" etc are better than a lot of the films imo. Keep up the great work, MJ!
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Post by pablo on May 27, 2010 22:38:52 GMT -5
What I like are the names of the actors and actresses seen in the early Hitchcock movies. You've got your Ivor Novello, Percy Marmont, Nova Pilbeam, Anny Ondra, Sara Allgood, Esme Percy, Nita Naldi, Pierre Fresnay, Lucie Manheim, Dame May Whitty, Sybil Thorndike....such flowery names!
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Post by Mighty Jack on May 27, 2010 23:12:07 GMT -5
#18 The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) A family vacationing in Morocco accidentally stumble on to an assassination plot and the conspirators are determined to prevent them from interfering (IMDB) Cast:James Stewart - Dr. Benjamin 'Ben' McKenna Doris Day - Josephine Conway 'Jo' McKenna Brenda De Banzie - Lucy Drayton Bernard Miles - Edward Drayton Ralph Truman - Inspector Buchanan Daniel Gélin - Louis Bernard Mogens Wieth - Ambassador Alan Mowbray - Val Parnell Hillary Brooke - Jan Peterson Christopher Olsen - Henry 'Hank' McKenna Hitch had wanted to remake his 1934 hit as early as 1941 and while there are many who embrace the original as the best version, I have to side with the master. The original has many nice touches, but it is the work of a “talented amateur” (these were Hitchcock’s words, not mine). The remake is bigger, at times too big and too long. But it is a better film. The flow of the story is steadier; there are fewer gaps in the suspense. For example; the original had the baddies spell out their plan in the church at the point where the action should have been charging like a freight train - this exposition ground the film to a halt and Hitch doesn’t make that mistake in his remake. I also felt the acting was better, more real and heartfelt. The British crew is fine, but they feel too rehearsed and lack that gritty humanity that Day and Stewart bring. The later really had me feeling their loss and suffering. Stewart was an everyman, and his quiet desperation drew me into the story. I could relate to him as a flesh and blood character, he wasn’t just a guy playing a part. Also, at this point in his career, Hitch was taking the time to develop his characters, Rear Window, Vertigo all display this well. TMWKTM takes time letting us know and understand the people in this story and continues to develop character even as he's delving into the heart of the plot. Memorable scenes: Dying man falls into Ben (James Stewart), the makeup on his face comes off on Stewart's fingers Memorable Quote: "You have muddled everything from the start, taking that child with you from Marrakech. Don't you realize that Americans dislike having their children stolen?" – Ambassador Hitchcock Cameo: 25:42 into the film - watching acrobats in the Moroccan marketplace, with his back to the camera, just before the spy is killed. Of Note: This won the Oscar for Best Music, Original Song - "Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera)" by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans
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Post by Mighty Jack on May 28, 2010 15:11:23 GMT -5
#17 Frenzy (1972) A serial killer is murdering London women with a necktie. The police have a suspect... but he's the wrong man. (IMDB) Cast: Jon Finch as Richard Ian 'Dick' Blaney Alec McCowen as Chief Inspector Oxford Barry Foster as Robert 'Bob' Rusk Billie Whitelaw as Hetty Porter Anna Massey as Barbara Jane 'Babs' Milligan Barbara Leigh-Hunt as Brenda Margaret Blaney Bernard Cribbins as Felix Forsythe Vivien Merchant as Mrs. Oxford Clive Swift as Johnny Porter Michael Bates as Sergeant Spearman Jean Marsh as Monica Barling In Frenzy, Hitch returns to England and reclaims his place in history. This is very British and very, very brutal. One of Hitchcock's darkest. That's not to say that he doesn't employ that famous black humor (much of it involving food), but that the film as a whole moves away from expressionism. There are few process shots, and a lot of outside location scenes. There is also an ugly rape and strangulation that is disturbing - and as a whole, Hitch is delving more into realism with this film. He also shows that the old dog never stopped trying new tricks. Yes he treads on familiar ground (The innocent man on the run) but this fact doesn't keep the movie from feeling fresh and inventive. The second murder is genius. In that we don't see it happen. The camera pulls back and life goes on. But our memory is stained by that earlier murder. The horror of it comes back to us and our imaginations fill in what we don't see. Before that, there's the moment where the victim steps out from a bar and Hitch leaves us completely without sound. No music, no crowd noise... nothing until the voice of the killer pops in from out of the blue. Frenzy is one of Hitchcock's best, but it is at times, one of his most difficult to watch. Memorable scenes: Killer pops up silently behind barmaid, he takes her to his room and the camera pulls away, leaving the murder to our imagination - Killer attempts to retrieve evidence from a body hidden in a potato sack. Memorable Quote: "I don't know if you know it Babs, but you're my type of woman." - Barry Foster as Bob Rusk Also, this movie features one of the great final lines, when Chief Inspector Oxford says, "Mr. Rusk, you're not wearing your tie"Hitchcock Cameo: 3 minutes into the film, amongst the crowd, wearing a bowler hat. Of Note: Michael Caine was Hitchcock's first choice for the role of Rusk, the main antagonist, but Caine thought the character was disgusting and said "I don't want to be associated with the part". (wiki) I wish directors of today would host their own trailers. Hitch had one sick sense of humor.
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Post by The Mad Plumber on May 28, 2010 16:24:44 GMT -5
It's excellent to see you working on another thought-out list.
Admittedly, I've not seen a whole lot of Hitchcock, but I can't say any of what I've seen was bad. Psycho was actually quite funny, though that ending scene of the protagonists talking was horrible and ridiculous. Of what I've seen, though, I'd probably put Vertigo as my number one. It will be interesting to see how your list evolves.
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Post by Justin T on May 29, 2010 23:21:35 GMT -5
I love the remake of The Man Who Knew Too Much with Stewart, very good movie.
Havent seen Young and Innocent and Frenzy yet. I bought a copy of Young and Innocent a month ago but havent gotten around to watching it. I'm looking foward to watching it.
I've heard alot about Frenzy over the years but just havent watched it.
Thanks MJ
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