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Hitch-26
Reviews
Steel and Lace (1990)
Somewhat Cheesy But Unforgettable
***POSSIBLE SPOILER*** I'm sort of surprised that no one else has commented on this movie. It seemed like it was one of those straight to video type movies. I remembering renting this one day simply because I liked the plot. Other than Bruce Davison, who's a minor actor at best, there's no one in this movie who's worth remembering. Thus the acting is not that great. However, the special effects are great and this is a great fantasy movie. Real quickly, Davison plays, I believe a scientist/inventor type, who swears revenge on 4 or 5 jerks who raped his sister, a concert pianist, after a performance one night. These guys lie on the witness stand and get off scott free with the rape. This upsets the woman so much that she commits suicide. However, Davison is able to "rebuild" her into a methodical machine that can do literally about anything. He then sets out to find the guys that raped her and eliminate them one by one. It's really neat how she disguises herself, especially with the first guy. If you can find this movie on TV or in the video store and you have nothing else to do, watch this piece of cheese.
Topaz (1969)
Disappointing
Topaz was one of Hitchcock's last films and along with The Paradine Case one of his worst. Some people think that this movie was better than some of his later films like Family Plot, Marnie, and Torn Curtain. Well, I say no way! Although John Forsythe, Frederick Stafford, and Karin Dor are in it, there's not much to this movie that is memorable. If you're a Hitchcock fan, you'll want to see it. However, the less said about it, the better.
Suspicion (1941)
Decent Hitchcock Film
Suspicion was a decent early Hollywood Hitchcock film that was just a shade below Rebecca, Foreign Correspondent, Shadow of a Doubt, Saboteur, and Spellbound. Cary Grant, who is the epitome of cool, and Joan Fontaine give solid performances, as a matter of fact, Fontaine won an Oscar for her performance--the only actor/actress to win a Best Actor/Actress in a Hitchcock film which I find amazing! The ending is okay, but it's obvious that it was not the original ending. However, if you like Grant, Hitchcock, and Fontaine, you will want to see this movie. This movie also features Leo G. Carroll who seemed to be in every Hitchcock movie in a minor role.
Meet the Parents (2000)
Great Comedy
It had been a long time since I have seen a comedy; however, Meet the Parents was well-worth the wait. Robert DeNiro, who is one of my all-time favorite actors, is brilliant as Jack Byrnes. I felt that his performance for a comedy was even better than his role in Midnight Run. Ben Stiller was also excellent as the guy who has everything possibly bad happen to him. Terri Polo, Blythe Danner, and James Rebhorn are solid in supporting roles, but it is Owen Wilson that really shines. Keep an eye on him--because he will be a star. A lot of people have been badmouthing this movie, but I feel that it was a really well-written and acted movie. I think some people were expecting too much or are hard to please. If you are a big fan of Stiller and/or DeNiro you must see this movie. I feel that this movie is a must-see anyway. 10 out of 10.
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
Controversial Film
Hitchcock's 1956 version of The Man Who Knew Too Much is a film that always sparks a lot of arguments. Many people feel that the genius that was Hitchcock erred by remaking this film which he first did in 1934. Others say it was better than the original and a classic. I have never seen the 1934 version, but the remake does have several good things going for it. Jimmy Stewart for one thing and a musical score by Bernard Herrmann. Doris Day's role is one that always sparks controversy. She does seem out of place in a Hitchcock movie just like Julie Andrews 10 years later in Torn Curtain. However, she gives maybe a better performance than Stewart. Of the 4 movies that Stewart did for Hitch, this one was definitely his weakest. Fans of Vertigo will recognize that the grey suit that Day wears for much of the film is the same one that Kim Novak would wear. No wonder Jimmy Stewart had an obsession with that thing! Bernard Miles sort of seemed out of place as the villain. All in all, this movie had some things that pushes it out of the top 10 movies of Hitchcock, but it still is worth seeing. It is mandatory watching for die-hard fans of Hitch like me.
The Trouble with Harry (1955)
Different and Disappointing
This movie done in 1955 was completely different from any Hitchcock movie before it and maybe after it. Some people love this movie and think it was one of his best ever. I don't see how. It's not that there were poor performances from the cast. Edmund Gwynne, Shirley MacLaine, and John Forsythe all performed well. It was just the plot was not interesting to me. I nearly fell asleep several times during this movie!!(which is unheard of for a Hitch film--although I felt the same way with The Paradine Case and To Catch a Thief) Jerry Mathers who would go onto TV fame as The Beaver is worth watching. Other than that, the only people who would get anything out of this movie would be die-hard fans like me.
Foreign Correspondent (1940)
Another Solid Film
Foreign Correspondent is sort of a forgotten film of Alfred Hitchcock. Joel McCrea, Laraine Day, George Sanders, and Edmund Gwynne all give fine performances. The action is fast-paced except for times during the first third of the movie. A movie that needs to be seen. Watch it--you'll be glad you did.
Notorious (1946)
Starpower
Notorious is usually considered by experts to be one of Hitchcock's 10 best movies ever. It features fine performances from Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, and Claude Rains. Bergman is nothing like her character in Spellbound. She actually starts out as sort of an unlikeable character, but she grows on you as the movie progresses. Grant is terrific which leads me to ask, why did he never win an Oscar? Although the movie drags at times, Hitch does a great job keeping you on the edge of your seat. Although I can see how some people feel this movie is overrated, it's still a classic and a must-see for Hitch fans.
Lifeboat (1944)
Outstanding Cast
Lifeboat is a gem of a movie. The cast is outstanding especially Talluah Bankhead. William Bendix, Walter Slezak, John Hodiak, and Hume Cronyn are also great. Having the setting of the movie on the lifeboat for the entire time is another example of Hitchcock brilliance. The man doesn't make bad movies(although some are mediocre--see The Paradine Case), and this is a classic example of a diamond in the rough. A must-see movie.
Saboteur (1942)
Solid Movie
Saboteur was one of Hitchcock's most underrated films. The film reminds me a lot of The 39 Steps with some of the plot devices. Robert Cummings(who would later be in Dial M for Murder), Priscilla Lane, Otto Kruger, and Norman Lloyd all give fine performances. The final scene atop the Statue of Liberty is one of Hitch's best. A movie that definitely is worth watching.
Frenzy (1972)
Decent Film
Frenzy, which was Hitchcock's next to last picture, was one in which the critics said was better than anything he did since The Birds. Well, I say that the critics need to re-evaluate those films. I haven't seen Topaz, but Marnie and Torn Curtain IMHO are superior to Frenzy. That is not saying that Frenzy is a bad film. It is still a good film but it may be overrated when it comes to the critics. The all unknown British cast, with the exception of the villain, Barry Foster, was for the most part forgettable and unmemorable. Still a movie worth checking out, but don't be surprised if you are disappointed that it wasn't as good as you thought it would be.
Dial M for Murder (1954)
Enjoyable Lightweight Piece
Although not on the lines of a Vertigo, Rear Window, Psycho, North by Northwest, etc., Dial M for Murder was a fine Hitchcock film. It featured great performances from Ray Milland, John Williams, Bob Cummings, Anthony Dawson, and of course drop-dead gorgeous Grace Kelly. As most people know this was the first of three films that she would do for Hitch. Also, most people know that he sort of developed an unhealthy obsession for her and was devastated when she retired from acting to become Princess Grace of Monaco. This movie keeps you in suspense throughout the picture. Hitch's cameo is a funny one--he appears in a picture. If you haven't seen this film, do yourself a favor and rent it now.
I Confess (1953)
Overlooked Film
I Confess was one of Hitchcock's "minor" movies meaning it wasn't a huge success. However, this movie like a lot of his other minor movies has been re-evaluated and is considered to be a good movie. Montgomery Clift is okay as the priest but one can feel the tension that existed between him and Hitch. Anne Baxter--the less said about her, probably the better. It's the supporting cast led by Karl Malden that carries this film. The plot is pretty interesting but far-fetched. Although there is nothing far-fetched about a priest not revealing that he knows about a murder through confession, the fact that he becomes the chief suspect through extenuating circumstances is definitely far-fetched. After all, who would believe that a man of God would commit a crime or any crime like that? A movie that needs to be checked out.
Family Plot (1976)
The Last Movie of Hitchcock
Although not as deep as some of his other classics, Family Plot which was done when he was 76 was a fitting movie to end his career. Bruce Dern, Barbara Harris, William Devane, and Karen Black all give fine performances especially Devane and Black. The plot is sort of far-fetched but watch this movie without trying to compare it to Rear Window, North by Northwest, Vertigo, etc. A very good stand-alone movie. Watch it--you won't be sorry.
Torn Curtain (1966)
Better Than What It Was Made Out to Be
Hitchcock's 50th movie, Torn Curtain, is considered by many experts to be a major disappointment, but I didn't see it that way. It is not one of Hitch's top 10, but it is still a very good movie. Both Paul Newman and Julie Andrews give fine performances and I loved Ludwig Donath, who was excellent. The scene in which Professor Armstrong murders Gromek is classic Hitchcock, and the blackboard scene between Newman and Donath is great, too. I think that this movie suffers from the fact that the 2 main stars were really mismatched for Hitch. There is a story that Hitchcock along with his wife insisted that Newman drink wine with them. Newman refused, wanting a beer instead and he wanted to drink it from the can! This request mortified Hitch and his wife. Needless to say those 2 had their differences. As for Andrews, she was suffering from "Keanu Reeves" syndrome. "Keanu Reeves" syndrome is when an actor or actress is hugely successful in a role and then is never taken seriously in any other role, especially something radically different, e.g. Reeves as Ted in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure was never taken seriously in movies like Speed, Point Break, etc. The same for Andrews who was coming off Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music. This is unfair, but it is true. I feel that if this movie was remade with 2 people who were more suited to the roles, then this become a masterpiece.
The Birds (1963)
Memorable Hitchcock Classic
Although it was 3 years after Psycho, The Birds was well worth the wait. Although the acting wasn't great--Tippi Hedren was much better in Marnie, the special effects in this movie was absolutely awesome. You have to remember that this was 1963 and that there were no computer graphics/animation to pull off the illusion needed to make this movie successful. I felt that not having any music for this movie was an effective move by Hitch that added to the eerieness of the picture. Just thinking about the chance of every bird in the world to gang up on the human race sends chills down my spine. Hitchcock is able to pull it off. One of his 10 best. If you have never seen this movie, you must see it as soon as possible.
Psycho (1960)
The First Modern Horror Classic
Revolutionary in its time, Hitchcock's Psycho still shocks today when viewed. It is the standard that every horror movie is judged by. Filmed in black and white, everything in this movie--the music, the dialogue, the scenery, etc. is perfectly in sync and is a big reason this movie is a classic. One bad thing is that I read somewhere that one of the goofs in the movie is when Janet Leigh is killed in the bathroom and staring at the camera, you can see her adam's apple moving. I had never noticed that, but after reading that I noticed it the next time I watched it and it sort of ruined the illusion for me. Oh well, that was about the only thing wrong with this movie. Leigh, Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, John Gavin, and Martin Balsam are all outstanding. Herrmann's score is one of his best, and there are so many memorable scenes that you just need to go watch it right now. One of Hitch's 5 best.
To Catch a Thief (1955)
The Potential Was There
You have a movie that has 2 of Hitch's all-time favorite actor/actress in Cary Grant & Grace Kelly. The movie takes place in the French Riviera. Unfortunately, that's all the movie has--well, it does have great costumes and photography. The plot was very thin and one wishes that Hitch could have come up with something of more substance for this pairing. Grant & Kelly do a good job with what they are given, and John Williams, Jessie Royce Landis, and Brigitte Auber are good as well. However, not a Hitchcock piece to take seriously.
Rear Window (1954)
Maybe Hitchcock's Greatest Movie
This movie along with Vertigo, Psycho, and North by Northwest is a timeless classic that is one of Hitch's 5 best. The only question is, is it his best movie? You can make a strong case. This movie has everything--great cast which included Jimmy Stewart(in probably his best role), Grace Kelly, Thelma Ritter, Wendell Corey, and Raymond Burr. It had great costumes--I didn't think it was possible to make the gorgeous Kelly look even better but somehow Edith Head did. It had a great plot that kept you in suspense the entire movie. It also had one of the best Hitch villains ever in Lars Thorwald, excellently played by Burr. However, without question, Stewart's performance is tremendous. Just to watch him act with his face and body language is incredible. An interesting note is that the songwriter was the creator of Alvin and the Chipmunks aka David Seville (real name Ross Bagsdarian). I could go on and on about this movie, but you, the viewer, need to watch it, especially if you have never seen it before. A movie that will stand the test of time.
The Paradine Case (1947)
Disappointing
Of all the Hitchcock movies that I have seen, this is the one movie that to me was completely forgettable. The movie moves really slow and the ending was completely disappointing, not what you would expect from Hitchcock. Leo G. Carroll, who seemed to be in every Hitchcock movie, gives a good performance as does Louis Jourdan, who looks the same in this movie as he does in Octopussy. Gregory Peck was not as good in this one as he was in Spellbound. The rest of the cast was forgettable, especially the woman who played Mrs. Paradine. A huge disappointment.
Strangers on a Train (1951)
Brilliant
This film ranks right up there with North by Northwest, Rear Window, Vertigo, and Psycho as one of Hitchcock's best. Farley Granger is much better in this movie than Rope and Ruth Roman, Pat Hitchcock, Leo G. Carroll, and Kasey Rogers (as Laura Elliott) are outstanding as well. However, it is Robert Walker as the sadistic, pushy Bruno Antony. He gives a performance that is unforgettable. He really made the movie in my opinion. Sadly, he died shortly after the film due to cancer. It is interesting to point out that both Rogers and Marion Lorne would play recurring characters on one of my favorite TV shows, Bewitched, as Louise Tate(the 2nd one) and Aunt Clara. Because she had to wear such thick glasses and she was using a different name, it was a long time before I realized that fact. This is a movie that has to be viewed immediately.
Rope (1948)
Radical and Innovative
Rope was an important movie for Hitchcock for several reasons. It was the first movie that he had Jimmy Stewart in and as always Stewart gives a strong performance. It was his first color movie. Finally, he did the movie in 10 minute continuous takes. This is a good movie, but is really slow in some parts. John Dall gives a memorable performance as Brandon, unfortunately he would not be in many movies because he enjoyed the stage much more. However, I have always wondered whatever happened to Joan Chandler? She sort of reminds me, lookwise, like Ruth Roman, but I noticed that Rope was one of a handful of movies she did. Did she not like acting? She was pretty enough, that you would think she could of become something, but it didn't happen. Farley Granger was sort of weak, but I couldn't tell if that was because his character was weak. He was much better in Strangers on a Train. This movie probably contains the most controversial Hitch cameo. Some people said that he appears during the opening credits. Others say his cameo is an indirect one--he appears in the form of a neon sign 55 minutes into the movie. I really couldn't make that out clear enough to satisfy myself. A good movie, but just outside my Hitch top 10.
Spellbound (1945)
Good but not great
A fine Hitchcock movie but not in his top 10. Starring the beautiful Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck, this was one of the first movies to deal with the subject of psychoanalysis. It was said that Hitch wasn't happy with Peck's performance, but it seemed to me that the only people he did like were Stewart, Grant, Bergman, and Kelly, and that was it - maybe Leo G. Carroll, who BTW gives a fine performance as Dr. Murchison. Keep an eye on his cameo--it is one of his longer ones(40 minutes into the movie) as well as for Norman Lloyd who was also the villain in Saboteur and would be one of the most important people to Hitch when it came to his TV show. It is hard for me to believe that this would be the same guy that played the strict schoolmaster, Mr. Nolan in Dead Poets Society. This movie is a must see for any Hitchcock fan.
Shadow of a Doubt (1943)
Another Hitch Classic
***POSSIBLE SPOILER*** Another fine movie done by the master. Joseph Cotten is superb as "Uncle Charlie" Oakley and Teresa Wright is excellent as well as "Little Charlie", his adoring niece. The thing that makes this movie so good is that Hitch makes it pretty obvious from the beginning that Cotten is a disturbed individual; however, he milks these feelings as long as he can by getting the audience to constantly believe that maybe Cotten is just a man who is a victim of extenuating circumstances. The turning point though is when Teresa Wright loses faith in her Uncle. One negative is Macdonald Carey. I didn't think that he performed as well as the rest of the cast. Although Wright had won an oscar for supporting actress, it didn't seem to me that she ever became really famous. I told some friends of mine of this movie and they all had heard of Cotten, but they hadn't heard of Wright. A couple of interesting things about this movie: 1) Hume Cronyn who was a comical character in the movie would continue to have an association with Hitch in all phases--he would help write the screenplay to Rope and he would appear in a couple of episodes in Hitch's TV series, 2) Cotten may have been in the most memorable Alfred Hitchcock Presents episode ever entitled "Breakdown". He would appear in several more episodes. This is another Hitch classic that is in my Hitch Top 10. Watch this movie, the ending is unforgettable.
Marnie (1964)
An Underappreciated Film
***POSSIBLE SPOILER*** When this film was first released in 1964, it was panned by the critics who said it was a failure. Well 36 years later, the experts are singing a different tune about Marnie calling it one of Hitch's most underrated films. Although not like a North by Northwest, Psycho, The Birds, Rear Window, etc. it was something that was completely different. The only Hitch movie that compares to it is Vertigo and that is sort of stretching it. Tippi Hedren in her second straight Hitch film plays the title character Marnie Edgar who is a beautiful young woman who is a compulsive thief, liar, and frigid to men. Sean Connery plays the suave Mark Rutland who catches her and sexually blackmails her, but he does love her and wants to find out why she does the things she does. Diane Baker, Louise Latham, Martin Gabel, and Bruce Dern all give fine supporting performances, especially Baker and Latham. It is well-known that Hitch and Hedren who Hitch discovered had a major falling out during the filming of this movie. Some said that he made a pass at her and she called him fat! Others said that she grew tired of his obsessive control over her. These people said that after their falling out, it seemed that Hitch just didn't have his heart into it. I say hogwash! Hedren's performance is brilliant, much better than her role in The Birds, and that is saying a lot considering that other than Kim Novak's character in Vertigo, the role of Marnie is the most difficult of all Hitch's characters. It didn't seem to me that Hitch had given up on this film; I think the people back then weren't ready for some of the themes and content in this movie. I thought Sean Connery was funny with the way he said things in the movie especially with Hedren; it reminded me of Cary Grant in North by Northwest. Bernard Herrmann's score was IMHO better than Vertigo. It is very emotional and lyrical sort of like Tchaikovsky. It is sad that this would be the last time that Herrmann and Hitch would collaborate on a movie. If you haven't seen this movie, do yourself a favor and watch it ASAP. Not as good as Vertigo, North by Northwest, or Rear Window, but still a movie that is in my Hitch's top 10. After watching this movie, I challenge you to say that Hedren does not give a good performance like some of the critics did when it first came out.