1074. The Lady Vanishes

The Lady Vanishes
1938
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Happy October fellow movie buffs. I love to read horror fiction and watch horror movies at this time of the year. Right now I am reading The Master and Margarita (okay, I know not strictly a horror novel but it at least has the devil). I also realize that The Lady Vanishes hardly falls under that category either, but hey, we are just warming up here.

Also want to give a special birthday shout out to Ray, our British expert on all things movie related. Maybe this will be the year he outgrows Bergman!

Anyway, back to The Lady Vanishes. Iris Henderson is returning to England to marry her boring fiance.  She becomes temporarily stranded at an inn in Bandrika (a fictional country; don't embarrass yourself with a google search) after an avalanche blocks the rail line. She has a meet cute with a musician. I won't go into details but suffice to say she is outraged by his caddish behavior. The next morning Iris gets hit on the head, and befriends Miss Froy, who appears to be the quintessential British mother hen. They board a train and when Iris awakes after taking a short nap, Miss Froy is missing. Iris is sure that Miss Froy is real, but everybody else on the train denies her existence. Everybody except a certain mustachioed cad.

Apparently the Listmakers decided that having only eighteen Hitchcock movies was an affront of the highest order, so they added this one in too. I don't deny that Hitchcock is a versatile director, but I feel like his range has been fairly well highlighted already. This one doesn't contain any themes that haven't been well-covered already in arguably better movies of his, like 39 Steps or Spellbound.

That being said, of course I love Hitchcock, so this is a great movie. The pacing is excellent, the plot is full of exciting twists, and the chemistry between the two leads is palpable. Would recommend next time you are in the mood for that perfect old movie.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

The set for this movie was only 90 feet long.

HITCHCOCK RADAR: Near the end of the movie, at Victoria Station

555. Frenzy

Frenzy
1972
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

It is nice to see a familiar face in the seventies even though, unfortunately, this is the last Hitchcock film in The Book.  I wish it was a better send off, but this is one of my least favorite Hitchcock movies.

A serial killer is raping and murdering women in London with horrifically ugly neckties.  Suspicion falls on Richard Blaney, but when is the accused ever guilty in a Hitchcock movie?

Frequent readers of my blog know that I can't stand rape in films.  Still, I can't deny that it is is a compelling movie.  A lot of the redeeming qualities of this movie can be found in the last scene, which I can't reveal without major spoilers.  I will say the male leads are incredible.

Parts of this film were needlessly disturbing, like when a woman's fingers are broken after rigor mortis sets in.

Not very Hitchcockian but still worthy of a watch.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Only Hitchcock film to get a R rating.

HITCHCOCK RADAR: In the crowd at the beginning of the film.

418. Marnie

Marnie
1964
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

I generally hate any film that has rape in it.  It always leaves me shaken up and so horrified that I can't really enjoy the rest of the movie.  Now, this statement might lean on the annoying side, but I feel like men can't really understand.  I have watched men watch rape scenes, and although they are of course disgusted, it doesn't seem to affect them in the visceral way that it does with women.  They can look past it and focus on the movie as a whole or think about the context but all I can think, and this is true for all the women that I know, is "I hate this, I hate this, I hate this".  Now, I could of course be wrong but that is what I have observed.  Unfortunately, as soon as I saw the rape in this movie (and yes, that was rape, even if it wasn't as violent as the act usually is) I checked out, especially considering Sean Connery's attitude toward women in real life.

Marnie is a thief who steals from Mark Rutland, who tells her that she has to marry him or he will go to the police.  This could be an intriguing premise, but it is told in a rather inappropriately silly manner so any promised effect that the story presented was lost.

As frequent readers know, I try to be a spoiler free site, so I won't say why I thought the explanation at the end about why Marnie fears the color red is preposterous.  I would say find out yourself, but I would highly recommend skipping this film, lest it ruin your opinion of both Sean Connery and Alfred Hitchcock.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

Evan Hunter, the screenwriter, was fired by Hitchcock for wanting to take out the rape scene.

Grace Kelly was originally supposed to star in this film but the citizens of Monaco did not want their princess to portray a thief.

HITCHCOCK RADAR: Around the five minute mark, he passes Marnie in the hotel.

Trailer:

396. The Birds

The Birds
1963
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

A frequent reader of the blog might be getting sick of me gushing over Hitchcock.  Unfortunately, you will have to endure some more fangirling on this post, but don't worry: both Marnie and Frenzy pissed me off a bit.

Anyway, the plot for this movie is pretty simple but completely brilliant.  For a reason that is never explained, birds start attacking everyone.  I blame this film for my fear of pigeons.  I have also had frequent dreams where I have to battle birds.  But let's shelf my weirdness for now.

This is a great thriller that borders on horror without ever crossing the line (except for one scene where they should two people with their eyes gauged out, but my sister always covered my eyes for that part so no worries).  Tippi Hedren is great in this movie, probably because after working with Hitchcock, she knew what it felt like to be terrorized.

I was glad that we were never given a reason why the birds started attacking everyone.  The best they probably could have come up with anyway would probably be some disease or radiation, which would have ruined a great action film with a lame explanation.

Another great Hitchcock and probably one of my favorites.

RATING: *****

Interesting Facts:

Speakers were put in the trees that emitted screeching bird noises to scare the audience outside of the UK film premiere.

HITCHCOCK RADAR: At the beginning of the film, walking out of the pet shop.

Hedren had several injuries from the bird attacks during the filming of the movie.

Trailer:

363. Psycho

Psycho

1960
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

This is by far the scariest film I have ever seen in my life.  I am judging this not by how I feel about it now (though I am still wary of shower curtains) but how I felt the first time I had seen it. I remember watching it for the first time with my sister and consequently sleeping in her room during the night.  I woke up screaming that night and the following morning I insisted on a buddy system being implemented in our house.

Now considering the fact that most people who watch this film aren't fifteen year old girls who have never seen a scary movie before like I was, you might not have such a visceral reaction.  However, I think the score, the performances, and the creepy way the killer prowls are enough to make anyone lock their bathroom door before taking a shower.

Marion Crane takes off with her boss's money with plans to run away with her boyfriend.  She decides to stop at the Bates Motel due to the heavy rain.  One thing leads to another and long story short, my brother is playing the Psycho theme outside the bathroom while I am taking a shower and I am crying.

All right, so obviously I found this movie terrifying.  However, it is also one of my favorite movies.  The fact that Alfred Hitchcock was able to scare people with a mere silhouette is extremely impressive. The twist is shocking and surprisingly still original.  One of the greatest horror films of all time.

RATING: *****

Interesting Facts:

Hitchcock bought as many copies of the novel as he could in an attempt to keep the ending secret.

Before Marion steals the money her purse and bra are white.  However, after she takes the cash, her purse and underwear are black.  This was an attempt by Alfred Hitchcock to show Marion's transition from good to evil.

First movie in America to show a toilet flush.

#14 in AFI's top 100.

Janet Leigh took baths for the rest of her life after watching the shower scene.

HITCHCOCK RADAR: Four minutes in outside Marion's office.

Ahhhhhhh

340. North by Northwest

North by Northwest
1959
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

After a string of pretty serious films, we get a fun break with North by Northwest.  Has anyone not seen this movie?  At the very least, it has been parodied to death; everyone is familiar with the crop duster scene.  That is why I chose to go with unconventional picture above that just exudes awkwardness.

The last Hitchcock film we had was Vertigo, which I criticized for being too implausible.  While being mistaken for spy is not exactly an everyday occurrence, this film is a lot easier to follow and a lot more fun.

The scenes in this film are absolutely iconic; how could anyone forget the Mount Rushmore scene or the aforementioned plane scene?  Most of all, though, this movie is hilarious.  Grant has fantastic one liners and his pacing, as always, is spot.  One of my gripes with Vertigo was that Jimmy Stewart was miscast.  However, Grant was perfect for this role and I can't imagine the film without him.

This is definitely one of my favorite Hitchcock films and if you haven't seen it yet: what is your problem?

RATING: *****

Interesting Facts:

James Stewart was interested in the role of Thornhill. Hitchcock wanted Grant to play the lead so badly that he waited until James Stewart was committed to Anatomy of a Murder before he offered Stewart the part so Stewart would be forced to turn it down.

Grant is on the left side of the screen for most of the movie.

#55 in AFI's top 100.

HITCHCOCK RADAR: At a bus stop during the opening credits.

RUN CARY RUN:

334. Vertigo

Vertigo
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
1958

Well, this is an odd one.  On the one hand, you know that I adore Alfred Hitchcock and I think all his movies are extremely well done and compelling.  On the other hand, the plot of this movie is so ridiculous that it is almost laughable, which ultimately ruins it a little bit for me.  Weirdly enough, this is often considered his greatest work.

Jimmy Stewart plays a private eye who quit the police department after his fear of heights indirectly caused the death of another police officer.  He is hired by Gavin, an old college friend, to follow his wife and find out why she is acting so strangely.  Um and some more stuff happens.  This is a spoiler free environment.

All right, first of all, when is Hollywood going to stop with movies where there just happens to be someone that looks exactly you (always played by the same actress) and no one can tell the difference? That never happens in real life.  We don't all just have clones or doppelgängers that are able to serve as plot devices.  I swear I have seen or heard of around ten movies with this concept.  It sucks and let's just throw it out.

Okay, I am done with my rant.  The plot is absolutely ridiculous and makes zero sense.  Everyone seems to accept this.

I guess the acclaim comes from the special effects and the compelling relationship between Scotty (Stewart) and Madeleine (Novak).  But for me, this is just another one of those Hollywood movies where a man falls in love with a crazy woman just because she is pretty and really, no other explanation is giving.

This review is making it sound like I hated the movie.  I didn't; it was actually entertaining and exciting to the very end.  I suppose I just feel like Hitchcock underestimates his audience a bit in this movie and it pisses me off.  Still a good film, though.  That is how good Hitchcock movies are: he can screw up and still is able to make a masterpiece.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

The famous zoom out then track in shot was invented for this film.

Panned by critics upon its initial release.

Hitchcock blamed Stewart for the failure of the film and never worked with him again.

Ranked #9 in AFI's top 100.

HITCHCOCK RADAR: Carrying an instrument case around eleven minutes into the film.

311. The Wrong Man

The Wrong Man
1956
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock often makes films that are our nightmares, whether it be birds attacking the human race or being attacked by a serial killer.  However, a lot of people's worst nightmare is the idea of wrongly being accused of a crime and Hitchcock fully explores that idea in this film.

This movie is based on the true story of a jazz musician wrongly identified as a man who held up an insurance office. This leads to his entire family falling apart.

This is a chilling film, if not outright scary, at least one that will resonate with you.  This movie is shot in semi documentary style.  The camera stays on Henry Fonda as he fingerprinted and booked.  Most movies would cut away but Hitchcock forces us to watch the entire process which made me extremely uncomfortable.

Like the book said, this is one of the bleakest Hitchcock movies yet. Actually, I think it is safe to say THE bleakest movie.  Still, it is an entertaining movie; Fonda is always great.  We are really on a great streak of movies.

RATING: *****

Interesting Facts:

HITCHCOCK RADAR: He narrates the prologue.

One of the prisoner's shouts "What'd they get ya for, Henry" when Fonda walks by the cells.

307. The Man Who Knew Too Much

The Man Who Knew Too Much
1956
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Oh wow, Doris Day.  Growing up, my mom, my sister, and I would watch Doris Day movies whenever my dad was out of town.  They were always so absurd that they were fun to make fun of.  I mean, the plots of her movies are laughable.  Doris Day fakes a secret admirer to make her husband jealous but then the fictitious lover becomes real.  Doris Day's husband believe he is dying so he tries to find a new husband for Doris before he dies.  However, I do have an ounce of respect for Doris after watching this movie.

Do you even need a review?  You probably know by now that I love Alfred Hitchcock (seriously who doesn't?) so you know this is going to be a rave.  This man can do no wrong.  Well, I should specify he can do no wrong in films. The whole being a creepy stalker is a definite character flaw.

Anyway, Doris Day and Jimmy Stewart witness an assassination. While they are at the police station, their child is kidnapped.  In true Hollywood style, it is up to the couple to find their child…before it is TOO LATE! DAH DAH DAH.

So, of course, the directing is flawless, the dialogue is great, and it is a really tense film.  However, I do have to complain about Doris Day singing "Que Sera, Sera".  I mean, I get that she has to sing in pretty much every film she does but by god, was that out of place.  It was inserted into the story as best as it could be but it was quite unnecessary.

Missing out on a five star rating just because of the awkwardness of her solo.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Hitchcock's remake on his own film.

HITCHCOCK RADAR: Watching the acrobats in the Moroccan marketplace.

The problem:

274. Rear Window

Rear Window
1954
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

This is a great film and definitely one of my favorites.  I don't think I have ever met someone who has seen this movie and not liked it; it is just that good.

All right, so if you haven't seen this movie yet I don't know what you have been doing with your life.  Actually, you were probably having a life instead of just sitting in the dark watching films like I do.  In any case, I will still give a brief summary.  James Stewart plays a journalist who is stuck in his apartment after he breaks his leg.  To entertain himself, he watches the neighbors across the street.  He enjoys his creeping until he sees something suspicious in one of the apartment buildings.  DAH DAH DAH!

The acting is, of course, fabulous.  Even I am into Grace Kelly and I am straight.  The mystery is just part of the fun; watching the other neighbors is just as interesting.  Everyone enjoys people watching (though maybe we normally don't take it as far as sitting in front of our neighbors' window with binoculars) and Hitchcock developed a kind of ecosystem of humans in the apartment complex.  A fascinating, exciting film.

RATING: *****

Interesting Facts:

I visited where the movie was shot at Paramount Studios!

#48 in AFI's top 100.

HITCHCOCK RADAR: Winding clock in apartment, around 30 minutes in.

Inspired by the real life murder case of Patrick Mahon.

234. Strangers on a Train

Strangers on a Train
1951
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

This is another movie that everyone has seen or at least heard about.  Nothing like another homoerotic Hitchcock!

This film centers on two men who meet on a train (spoiler!).  They talk about how perfect it would be if  a stranger killed another stranger's enemies and vice versa, because the crimes would be really hard to trace.  When I first heard about this film, I thought the two characters would then follow through on this plan.  However, it is a bit darker than that.  Robert Walker is a psycho and wants to implement this plan while Farley Granger laughs it off.  However, when Walker, ahem, plays his part, he wants Granger to play his.  Oh and they may be lovers.  Who knows?

If there is one thing Hitchcock is good at, it is playing out our worst nightmares.  Whether it be being accused of a crime we didn't commit or having a total stranger stalk you, he nails it (or if your worst nightmare is all of the birds turning against us, he has a movie for that too).

This is a great movie; just fantastic and interesting from start to finish.  A truly original storyline in the most capable of hands.

RATING: *****

Interesting Facts:

HITCHCOCK RADAR: Early in the film, getting on the train.

Raymond Chandler was absurdly rude to Hitchcock during filming.

Last feature film of Robert Walker.

207. Rope

Rope
1948
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

I knew right when I put this movie in that I would love it.  Not only is it directed by Alfred Hitchcock, aka the master of suspense, but the premise itself is fascinating.  Two gay men kill a man and then (naturally) throw a dinner party.  They do this to kind of prove how awesome they are at murder.   They even invite Jimmy Stewart, who they believe will appreciate the "art" of their crime.

All right, there are so many great things about this film that it is hard for me to organize my thoughts enough to make them coherent.  I will try my best.

First of all, Farley Granger and John Dall have some of the best chemistry I have ever seen in a movie.  The mere fact that the three main characters were all gay is kind of astounding in the late forties (it is never said outright but you would have to be blind not to see it).  The acting is just amazing.  Farley Granger is perfect as the slightly weak and twitchy Philip while John Dall counteracts him perfectly with chilling confidence.  Honestly, even though Jimmy Stewart is the big name, I felt like the two other characters blew him away.

Alfred Hitchcock is also incredibly ballsy so he shot this film in color (which meant that the cameras were almost impossible to maneuver and as big as tanks).  The whole movie is shot in practically one room but I never felt antsy or bored.

This movie is absolutely incredible and you have to watch it.  Right now.  I mean it.  Do it!

RATING: *****

Interesting Facts:

Loosely based on a real murder committed by University students.

Said to be shot in real time.

HITCHCOCK RADAR: Profile is shown approximately 55 minutes into the film.

Banned in several countries because of the homosexual undertones.

Hitchcock's first color film.

193. Notorious

Notorious
1946
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

All right so I have to write about twelve of these in a row due to my poor planning.  So, of course, I dedicate myself to this blog for an hour while my real work lays neglected.  As it should be.

At first, I didn't care what the movie was about.  The names Hitchcock, Grant, and Bergman are enough to make me pretty much watch anything.  But then I realized that this is a magnificent film in its own right, regardless of the big names.  Everyone is playing a role that is not natural to them: Ingrid as a loose woman and Grant as a Bogart type.  It all comes together beautifully though.

I don't want to reveal a lot about the plot but suffice to say there is a steamy romance and an absolutely insane mother.  Those are always fun.

Hitchcock continues to knock it out of the park with movies that are both entertaining and quality.  Keep it up, Hitch!

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Hitchcock claimed that he was followed by the government after this film premiered because it dealt with uranium.

HITCHCOCK RADAR: About an hour in, Hitchcock gets a glass of champagne from a waiter.

Famous kissing scene was designed to skirt the Hays Code.

175. Spellbound

Spellbound
1945
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

All right so this is a strange one.  On the one hand, it is Hitchcock so it is very entertaining and has excellent pacing.  On the other hand, it is probably one of the most offensive and weird Hitchcock ever made.


We have a great cast here at least.  Ingrid Bergman plays the typical female doctor seen in the 40s.  In other words, even though she is a successful doctor she is not happy until she falls in love, at which point she loses her smarts and starts acting like melodramatic teenager.  Opposite Ingrid is Gregory Peck and I must admit, I completely fell in love with him from this movie in high school and subsequently had a bunch of pictures of him in my locker.  Ah, young love.  We also have a stereotypical German.


This movie is fun, though; the plot will keep you guessing.  I would love to laugh about the silliness of some of the twists but I don't want to spoil it for you so I will refrain.  When Peck became terrified of the table cloth, though, I almost spit out my drink.


Most people will say that the film is amazing for its dream sequence, one which only goes on for about two minutes.  I think every Hitchcock is indispensable, though, so watch it!


RATING: ****-


Interesting Facts:


One of the first Hollywood films that dealt with psychoanalysis.


Dream sequence created by Salvador Dali.  Ew, I knew he would creep up again.


HITCHCOCK RADAR: Forty minutes in, coming out of the elevator.


Alfred Hitchcock referred to the film as "just another manhunt wrapped up in pseudo-psychoanalysis". 

164. Shadow of a Doubt

Shadow of a Doubt
1943
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

I absolutely adore Alfred Hitchcock and I think anyone who has seen of his movies feels the same way.  That being said, this is probably one of my least favorite Hitchcock's.  There is nothing directly wrong with it, it is just not as strong as his other films.


This movie is about a charismatic serial killer who goes to visit his niece and her family.  But Charlie is on to you Joseph Cotten!  It is really interesting to see a charming killer since this seems to be a popular theme recently (Man Bites Dog, American Psycho, etc.).  I am giving Hitchcock credit for this.


The acting is pretty great (Charlie can be a bit annoying sometimes) and the screenplay is strong.  My one complaint would be that the ending is sort of campy and not as dark as I think the subject matter required.  I think every Hitchcock is indispensable so check it out.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:


Hitchcock's favorite film.


The name "Charlie" is said about 170 times.


HITCHCOCK RADAR: Playing cards on the train.

133. Rebecca

Rebecca
1940
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

I have to write this review pretty quickly because Real Housewives of Orange County is on soon.  Before you judge, it is really refreshing to watch people whose lives are complete messes for an hour.  It makes you feel like your life is not to bad.


So this is the third Alfred Hitchcock on the list and I just feel like they keep getting better and better.  This film is a very similar style to Wuthering Heights.  Joan Fontaine marries Laurence Olivier and she is haunted by his late wife, Rebecca.  I will start with what I didn't like.  Joan Fontaine is a really good actress but her character is super annoying.  First of all, she complains about not being attractive all the time.  Really, Joan? Some of us have real problems.

Anyway, she also seems terribly frightened of her husband at all times which got on my nerves.  Grow a pair, Joan.  I also think that the movie might have benefited from being a bit shorter.  On the other hand, the story is really fascinating and the actress who plays Mrs. Danvers (???) is perfect in her role.  Laurence Olivier has also gotten to be really talented.  Highly recommended.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Vivien Leigh wanted to play Mrs. de Winter so she could be with her boyfriend, Laurence Olivier.  Rejected AGAIN!

Alfred Hitchcock told Joan Fontaine that everyone on the set hated her so she would be more nervous for the role.  That is harsh, Hitch.

Judith Anderson, who played Mrs. Danvers, was instructed to rarely blink and try to glide instead of walk.

HITCHCOCK RADAR: Walking near the phone booth toward the end of the movie.

This is the first movie on the list that sort of freaked me out for real.

Trailer:

100. Sabotage

Sabotage
1936

100.  We are a tenth of the way done.  I cannot even express how much I have learned since I started. 100 movies, 35 years, 901 to go.  Wow, that last number is large.


Hitchcock is as amazing here as he is in the fifties.  Sabotage is one of the best suspense movies of all time.  It is hard to communicate how truly tense this film is, especially in the bus scene.  Just watch it and you will be stunned how tight your grip is on innocent objects around you.


My one complaint is that acting is only so-so but the characters aren't really what the film is about so it doesn't matter much.  It is a little bit eerie watching this since we live in an age of extreme paranoia about terrorists.


RATING: ****-


Interesting Facts:


Hitchcock later regretted the way the bus scene ended because of the excessive criticism he received after the film's release.


HITCHCOCK RADAR: He walks on a sidewalk about nine minutes in.


First part:

91. 39 Steps

39 Steps
1935

Alfred Hitchcock has always been one of my favorite directors.  His movies are, of course, really enjoyable.  However, it wasn't until I took a film class that I really appreciated him.  We would learn about camera angles and different kinds of shots available to a filmmaker.  Hitchcock used each camera angle to its full potential.  I was amazed at how many examples I could think of where he had used different kinds of shots in a completely unique ways.


This is the classic Hitchcock tale of the wrong man accused of a crime.  There is also a love story that plays out in between the action.  Surprisingly, this movie is sometimes hilarious.  My favorite Hitch movies (his assistant called him that in an interview once and now I pretend that I can) come later, but his early films are intriguing and exciting.


RATING: ****-


Interesting Facts:

On set one day, Hitchcock actually handcuffed Donat and Carroll together and pretended that he lost the key.


HITCHCOCK RADAR: Tossing litter around seven minutes in.


We also learned in my film class that when we are walking with a camera (which you are never supposed to do because of shaky footage) you should walk like Groucho Marx to keep the camera steady.


Trailer:

44. Blackmail

Blackmail
1929

Man, we are so freaking close to the end of the 20s.  I am getting so pumped! I had seen this movie already because Alfred Hitchcock is my second favorite director (after Woody Allen).  I know it is a tad cliche but his ability to terrify people (namely me after watching Psycho) after 50 years is incredible!  This film also is a talkie which is like my dream come true!

So Anny Ondra (one of the first of Hitchcock's blonde damsels) is almost raped by an artist and stabs him in self-defense.  Gee, what do you think happens next?  You guessed it, she is blackmailed!  That is as far as I want to go without ruining anything.

This was a great movie, and no, not just because I am desperate for sound.  Hitchcock always picks great actors (most notably Jimmy Stewart and Cary Grant) and this film is no exception.  You have probably heard of the famous "knife, knife, knife" scene (fantastic!) and if you haven't, I will let you discover it by yourself.  Now I think I have seen all the Hitchcocks in the book, and this definitely isn't my favorite.  Still, better than most movies we have seen so far.

RATING:  ****-

Interesting Facts:

First British talkie.

Anny Ondra was dubbed over because she couldn't speak English very well.

The first five minutes are silent so don't think that there is something wrong with your movie.

Hitchcock cast a shadow over the villian's face in one shot to make it look like he had a bushy moustache like in old silent movies.  He called it his farewell to silent pictures.  I feel like I have to say goodbye soon and it is 2011.  This book is messing me up!

Hitchcock Radar: He is on the underground!

Was filmed at first as a silent movie but was later changed to have sound after the success of The Jazz Singer.

Michael Powell claims to have given Hitchcock the idea to film chase scenes at famous landmarks.  I highly doubt this.  Powell really just sucks as a person and a director.

Available on YouTube and Netflix Instant: