Alfred Hitchcock Movies

Just saw it tonight 5/24/08 on PBS. Masterful! Bruno rivals Norman.

My 1st Viewing:

Alfred Hitchcock?s Strangers on Train

I have seen Strangers on a Train (1951), on DVD for the first time on January 5th, 2005 I mention the date because it was gray, bleak snowy afternoon, adding to the ambience and mystery of the black and white film. From the very beginning, when the viewer meets the main and supporting cast of characters, one gets the immediate sense of, ?there is more here, than meets the eye.? Guy Haines (Farley Granger), a young handsome tennis star, also a bright-rising political protégé, meets by circumstance a spoiled, rich aristocratic, not living up to his potential and brooding man named Bruno Antony, (Robert Walker (I)), on a train. As always Hitchcock brilliantly starts his films off much like an innocent sparkler, Guy and Bruno?s conversation, to their final confrontation on a wildly spinning merry-go-round that goes haywire. Hence the climatic fireworks display, leaving the viewer breathless and wondering who is going to be victorious in the end! All the while, introducing us to a supporting cast of characters that propel the story forward, making the middle just as interesting as the start and finish of any Hitchcock film. Strangers is no exception, introducing us to (Kasey Rogers), as Miriam Joyce Haines, Guy?s estranged and soon to be ex-wife, (credited as Laura Elliott), or so Guy thinks. Guy?s lover or intended, Anne Morton (Ruth Roman) and (Patricia Hitchcock), Hitchcock's daughter as Barbara Morton, Anne's younger sister and hero worshipper of Guy. (Marion Lorne) as Bruno's Mother, Mrs. Antony and (Leo G. Carroll) as Senator Morton, are superbly played.

Now for a few observations, I had seen Farley Granger before in Rope. But what was a surprise to me as I later discussed the film with some friends from an old Yahoo Group, (The MacGuffin listserv) that I had recognized Marion Lorne from her work on Bewitched as Aunt Clara. An even bigger surprise was when they told me about Kasey Rogers who also starred on Bewitched as Louise Tate, wife of Larry Tate, Darren?s boss. As for the movie itself, each character is so layered and personifies certain characteristics, i.e. Bruno's evilness or cry to be noticed, Mrs. Antony's repression, or Miriam Haines conniving ways even from bad boy Bruno, which proves to be deadly. Then, there are those entertaining sequences with the key piece of evidence - a cigarette lighter!

Have on VHS. Saw in September.

Have on VHS.

Have on DVD. I think this is one of Hitchcock's most intense films.

Have on VHS. Saw this in October.

Watched part of Marnie last night on TCM. I never tire of Alfred Hitchcock's work.

Good adventure story. Superb acting by the principals. Surprising predictable ending and uneven cuts. Saw it all the way through 5/10/08

Saw in October, I am scared by this film like many of you but perhaps not by the scenes you might think! Have on VHS.

Alfred Hitchcock Wins at 62nd Tonys

Best Lighting Design of a Play

Kevin Adams Winner The 39 Steps

Best Sound Design of a Play
Mic Pool Winner The 39 Steps

A thriller that ends up at the Statue of Liberty. Saw on TCM, 11/14/09.

Cary Grant and Grace Kelly's chemistry is dynamic! Have on DVD. I saw it again, 4th of July Weekend 2009.

Named #7 on AFI's Top Ten Mystery List, 6/17/08. Modern Hitchcock at his best. Very good DVD commentaries and behind the scenes features.

Named #9 on AFI's Top Ten Mystery List. Have on VHS. Grace Kelly is so Sexy!

Saw this great funny movie.

Named AFI's #3 Top Ten Mystery List,6/17/08. A Great Film! Have on VHS.