Strangers on a Train tells the story of a tennis player and a man who are complete strangers on a train. The non-tennis player decides that since he hates his father and the other character hates his wife, they should do each other a favor and kill the other, with no motive they would get away with it easily. The tennis player is frightened by this seemingly insane guy and quickly leaves and dismisses the motion. Of course the guy is not only crazy, but serious and kills the tennis players wife. The rest of the film deals with the police trying to prove the tennis player is guilty and the actual murderer trying to get the tennis player to kill his father. The first two or three minutes of this film have some meaningless dialogue that establishes the two characters but isn't all that interesting. Other than that, pretty much every moment of the film is exciting.
The stars of this film are Robert Walker as the murderer and Farley Granger as the tennis player. As a villain, Walker is outstanding. His character is pretty insane and Walker is perfect. He doesn't come off as over-the-top at all, but seems like a real psychopath. Granger is pretty good, too but not on the same level as Walker. Also worth mentioning is the fairly significant role by Patricia Hitchcock, Alfred Hitchcock's daughter, who plays the sister of Farley Granger's mistress. While her part isn't a lead, she was billed as one of the stars of the film and does a pretty good job.
Overall, this is easily one of Hitchcock's top films, at about the same level as Vertigo and North by Northwest. Pretty much the only real problem with this film was the climactic scene near the end which, while very well-done, feels a little over-the-top at times. Still, this is better than the vast majority of films I've seen and is highly-recommended for everyone.
Not as visually stunning or as entertaining as other Hitchcock films that I've seen, but it's definitely interesting and has some pretty thrilling sequences. Farley Granger's performance was a little bit irregular. Sometimes he was good, but most of the time he was terrible. Robert Walker was great and scary. The character of Barbara was COMPLETELY unlikeable. The climax scene with the carroussel was very impressive.
Pretty interesting plot but you start to wonder why this guy got himself into this . The motives for sticking to lying don't seem good enough... after 2 1/3s of the movie you start to wonder when it's going to just end. An intense tennis game (if you like tennis) and an excellent carousel crash with treally corny suspense makes it all worth it!
Vient de détrôner Vertigo en tant que mon préféré de Hitchcock. L'histoire est originale, l'intrigue est captivante dès le début du film et le suspense ne fait que croître progressivement pour atteindre son apogée dans la scène finale. J'ai tout de suite été accroché par le jeu de Robert Walker dont le faciès à la Robert Mitchum confère au personnage une touche à la fois attachante et antipathique, selon où l'on se place.
C'est peut-être l'un des plus intéressants Hitchcock sur le plan technique, à mon sens du moins. La scène du meurtre est brillamment dirigée et artistiquement parfaite. Plusieurs autres plans m'ont paru géniaux et m'ont fait sourire par leur flair et leur inventivité. J'ai eu beaucoup de plaisir durant mon visionnement à analyser le style de réalisation d'Hitchcock que je trouve de plus en plus fascinant. Étonnamment, on ne retrouve pas dans ce film certains de ses "effets spéciaux" datés qui font parfois décrocher. Strangers on a Train est un chef-d'oeuvre qui vieillit très bien.
GRANGER IS SO GOOD ON THIS FILM, IT REMINDS ME OF HIS PERFORMANCE IN ROPE, ANOTHER GREAT MOVIE. HE JUST FREAKS OUT. BRUNO IS SO SINISTER AND CALM THAT IT'S UNSETTLING.
One of the greatest thrillers of all time, there isn't much suspense on offer in Strangers on a Train but my word is it intense, right from the start with the conversation to the fabulous finale on the carousel. Robert Walker delivered one of the finest villainous performance of all time being stupendous as a psychotic "stranger". Hitchcock is truly on top of his game here with some superb sequences like murder sequence at the amusement park, the one of the tennis match and then the one right at the end were all truly great.
Alfred Hitchcock is a genius of a filmmaker whose every film has a daring vision to it even if they are not all as satisfying or as complete as another. This is one of his best about obsession and chance meetings. The title pretty much sums up the plot, which goes that two men meet on a train, by chance, and one of them hatches a plan for murder. It would solve both their problems and be the perfect murder since there would be no motive. Problem is that one is not as obsessed with killing as the other and is in his ?right mind? although in a Hitchcock film that is kind of an iffy term as everyone is not quite in their right mind at all times. But it more evident in the man who sets things in motion, Bruno Anthony. Bruno is played with great precision by Robert Walker as a man almost completely unstable, but yet with a great mind about him which makes him highly dangerous as he can mask his insanity very well. Point of most Hitchcock films is what murder is perfect. Everyone gets their just desserts this film has a thrilling way of getting to its conclusion. The triumph of this film, which sets it apart from other fun or intriguing Hitchcock films for me is the everyman aspect of having these near no names star in this film aptly named Strangers on a Train. There is also the fascinating cinematography job done by Robert Burkes, that catches chilling angles of murder and other scenes, which heighten the tension of the film perfectly. It?s the logicalness of it all that is intrigues me the most though as Bruno?s reasoning seems so sound, quite a twisted character in a Hitchcock masterpiece.
Hitchcock's greatest virtue as a story-teller was that he's able to tell an improbable tale such as Strangers on a Train with simplicity and believability. A brilliant film for the master, pure Hitchcock throughout and an amazing performance from Robert Walker, who sadly died shortly after the film's release, Strangers on a Train remains one of his most satisfying films.
I couldnt see why this film was a masterpiece. I still enjoyed the film though. I dont think it a classic Hitchcock film. There are some Hitchcock films that I prefered Rear Window, Shadow Of A Doubt, North By Northwest, Vertigo and Psycho. The black and white cinematography was awesome. No wonder it was nominated for the Oscar Award. James Stewart would be good as Guy Haines the professional tennis player.
''My theory is that everyone is a potential murderer.''
A psychotic socialite confronts a pro tennis star with a theory on how two complete strangers can get away with murder... a theory which he plans to implement.
Farley Granger: Guy Haines
Ruth Roman: Anne Morton
Robert Walker: Bruno Anthony
Sadly Strangers is often overlooked when classic Hitchcock films like Rear Window, Vertigo, etc...are mentioned. People often see Rear Window as the first of the classic Hitchcock films that began with Window (1954) and ended with The Birds (1963). While both films, and all in between were truly great movies that come to mind first when the topic is raised, Strangers on a Train should be considered and included with them as well. It truly is a polished thriller in the grand Hitchcock fashion.
A famous tennis player with a serious marital problem gains a clingy friend in the guise of Bruno, a man who introduces himself into Guy's life when they meet on a train. He brings up the topic of murder, and how he'd like his father disposed of. He knows that Guy's wife is a terminal pain and nuisance who won't agree to a divorce and sees an opportunity to get both murders done without getting caught. Easy, the premise to switch murders! If each murder is done by the other man, an unconnected stranger who was met by chance and can't be linked to the crime in any way, then there's no way that either man can get caught. While this is discussed in a jokingly way by Guy, Bruno turns out to be dead serious and is determined to carry the plan out and put everything in motion, whether Guy is a willing participant or not.
A great idea from a genius director. This Strangers has all the black humour and great dialogue you've come to expect from Hitchcock, along with great acting, especially from Robert Walker as the sociopath Bruno, we discover from his mother that he once plotted to blow up the White House.
This film definitely starts the 1950's Hitchcock juggernaut, a smash hit that followed a number of box-office disappointment in the mid to late '40's. An interesting observation that many viewers will see and that many critics have mentioned is that the character of Bruno is obviously gay. It's not hard to spot.
Others in the cast included Leo G. Carroll, pretty Kasey rogers as the luckless wife, Marion Lorne Mrs. Anthon, Jonathan Hale as Bruno's father, Howard St. John as the police captain, John Brown, Norma Varden and Robert Gist. In this film the most outstanding and memorable quality is the detail moments, such as Bruno losing down a grate something he desperately needs, Patricia Hitcock's glasses, Bruno trying his strength at a carnival concession, the moment at the tennis match when everyone in the crowd is watching the ball and turning their heads back and forth except Bruno who is staring at Guy. And Farley Granger was never better as a leading man than in this effort. This is an important work, I believe for Hitchcock.
Not to be overlooked and definately among Vertigo, Rear Window and his other greats.
This film is classic Hitchcock. It starts off with an awesome set-up which springboards into a wonder of a film that rests comfortable among the likes the Rear Window & Vertigo as one of Hitchcock's best films. Two men meet on a train, one a bright, young tennis player (Guy Haines, played by Farley Granger), the other a slightly older, mysterious man who says he is a big fan (Bruno Anthony, played by Robert Walker). Bruno begins talking to him about a murder scheme he has thought up where one person takes care of the other's "problem", Guy thinks he is joking, but Bruno has taken Guy's passive agreement very seriously. Thus begins a classic murder tale as only Hitchcock can tell it, filled with his unique imagery and creative choice of shots. It's really one of those untouchably brilliant films that leave the viewer totally taken and enraptured, like other classics from the same era such as Rebel Without A Cause. The great cast and characterization keep the train running smoothly until the riveting conclusion. There is absolutely no reason not to see this film, it is a must-see classic of American cinema.
This is the 6th Hitchcock movie I've watched, and all of them have been extremely enjoyable. All his movies seem to have the complete package. An intriguing story, great score, and solid script. Top that off with consistently fantastic direction, and all these movies somehow stand the test of time. This is no different.
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!
This certainly does not rival Notorious and Vertigo in terms of quality but it is not intended to in my opinion. It is a highly entertaining film with plenty of suspense and fun. However, that's also not to say it does not have many technical merits ...(read more)which it does; everything from the wonderfully off-kilter shot composition to the fascinatingly simplistic plot comes together to create many of its most entertaining moments.
Perhaps a tad bit overrated, but an entertaining movie up until the wild ending. Have you ever avoided talking to a stranger in fear of an awkward conversation? Well tennis star Guy gets more than he bargains for when a seemingly innocent fan named Bruno strikes up a friendly exchange, that gets more and more twisted, revealing Bruno's true nature. The interesting premise in this movie is about Bruno's idea for a perfect murder: not overly elaborate or complicated, but a simple trading of murders to muddle out the motives. Noticing that Guy has had enough of his double-crossing wife, and that Bruno's got his own issues with his controlling father, his psychotic plan is planted, whether his "accomplice" agrees or not. Eventually, Guy has to shake off the crazy clinging Bruno, to save his own back and rid himself of guilt by association. While there were some great scenes, such as the murder and the menacing build up, some of it felt a little thin and flat. During the middle it doesn't become much more than a stalker film, and on top of that, the carousel scene was pretty cool but dated. I can't say the movie as a whole was brilliant, but Robert Walker, as Bruno, put in one of the finest villain performances, ranking up there with Robert Mitchum's Max Cady from "Cape Fear". He outshined the unspectacular but still serviceable acting job by Farley Granger as Guy. Also shining in this is the cinematography, which captures some haunting images, and the often use of symbolism. Not my favorite Hitchcock movie, but still a solid thriller. 7.5/10
Robert Walker's performance as Bruno is everything you could ask for in a villain, with a mixture of genius, insanity, and single-mindedness that make the movie more than just a genre-exercise, much as Joseph Cotten did in Shadow of a Doubt. Most of the other acting performances were passable to excellent, but drawing strong performances from his actors has never really been Hitchcock's strong suit. The story is excellent, the and it's all around great filmmaking. Well worth a watch.
Oh God, where do I start? This was Hitchcocks WORST movie. SO many unbelievable things. Why wouldn't he just forfiet the match if it was keeping him from getting to the meeting at the end knowing that if he isn't there, HE GOES TO PRISON! Not worth trying to win a tennis game over. Calls the father, starts talking before the father identifies himself so he dosen't KNOW who he is talking to, then runs to the house, enters, doesn't get ANY confirmation that the person he wants to talk to is there. Goes upstairs to a DARKENED bedroom and starts spilling his gut to a lump in the bed. What a surprise, it isn't the father. What a TERRIBLE movie!!!!
Director:Alfred Hitchcock
Released: 1951
Stars:Farley Granger, Robert Walker, Ruth Roman and Leo G Caroll
Genre: Film Noir, Crime, Drama
Country: USA
Psychotic mother's boy Bruno Anthony meets famous tennis professional Guy Haines on a train. Guy wants to move into a career in politics and has been dating a senator's daughter (Ann Morton) while awaiting a divorce from his wife. Bruno wants to kill his father, but knows he will be caught because he has a motive. Bruno dreams up a crazy scheme whereby he and Guy exchange murders. Guy takes this as a joke, but Bruno is serious and takes things into his own hands.
One of Hitchcock's earlier American films, argubaly when some of his better films were made. Starnger's On A Train also starrs "Rope's" Farley Granger and " A Man From Uncle's Leo G Carroll". I've been waiting to se ethis for a long while and was lucky enough to catch it on BBC2 thsi afternoon. I have to admit this may be one of my favourites.
Stranger's on a train has, like most Hitchcok films an orginal plot, which still stands the test of time as it manges to still be orginal today in this post-modern era-where virtually evertthing is a copy of another. The cinematography was nominated for an oscar and rightly so, it does look great on screen and adds to the tense atmosphere that you are witnessing on screen. Some of the scenes within the film contain some fine examples of cinemtography..one which comes to mind is the one in which Guy's wife is murdered and the whole frame is darkened to show Bruno's menacning face. Just brilliant and classic Hitchcock!
The structure of the film is rather complecated but filled with symbolism and intention. The two personalities of Guy and Bruno are direct opposites for instance; Guy the modern man and Bruno a psycotic man who originally conjures up the plan. I love the way you belive that Guy is going to kill Bruno's father and the suspense is turned around at the end of the film. Just brilliant!
Acting is , as always in a HItchcock film, pretty good indeed. Robert Walker's Bruno Anthony is possibly one of my favourite villians on screen as it was just superb to watch, so menacing indeed. Farley Granger makes for a great modern man of that era and plays his character well.
There was also some interesting scenes which I just have to discuss. For instance the end scene in which Guy has to reach the place in which Miriam died before Bruno does. We see a comparison with Guy's tennis match and the train rushing to that place. This symbolises time and what the characters are trying to do which is doe very well indeed. I l also loved the shot where Guy is trying to get away from Bruno and we see Bruno standing far away"reminisent of Orson Welles in the superb " The Third Man"-which incidently is one of my favourite films.
Strangers On a Train may just be one of my favourite Hitchcock films but right at this moment I'm not sure. Be sure to check this one out to see one of his earlier films before he hit the big time with the likes of Vertigo and Psycho.
FANTASTIC.i cannot believe it has taken me so long to watch this classic hitchcock thriller.the suspense builds up brilliantly all the way through,right up to the excellant climax on the speeding carousel.the scenes where bruno stalks miriam through the fun fair is exceptional thanks to the photography and robert walkers creepy performance as the psychotic bruno[loved the bit where he pops the kids balloon with his cigarette]the murder of miriam,seen through the lenses of the discarded spectacles is chillingly good.when you a classic film like this,you can see where so many of the ideas for todays films come from.
One of the best blackmailing plots of all time, as well as a unique murder-thriller... in no small part due to the stoic performance of Farley Granger, which only serves to amplify Robert Walker's mentally unbalanced portrayal of Bruno.
One of Hitchcock's best, and perhaps one of the most dramatic uses of setting for a fight-sequence that even 1980's action films couldn't dream of topping.
Hitchcock here is also at his less neurotic... (see Shadow of a Doubt for him indulging to excess along those lines), which allows for a enjoyable blend of mainstream entertainment and symbolic, layered cinema.
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