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Alfred Hitchcock (1899–1980)

Author of North by Northwest [1959 film]

1,012+ Works 16,825 Members 249 Reviews 16 Favorited

About the Author

Alfred Hitchcock was born on August 13, 1899 in London, England. He graduated from St. Ignatius College, where he studied engineering, and took art courses at the University of London. He worked briefly as a technical calculator for a cable company, but soon decided to focus on art, becoming an show more advertising layout draftsman for a London department store. In 1920, he got a job writing and illustrating title cards for silent pictures. He rose quickly, to script writer, art director and assistant director. By 1925, he had become a director, making a melodrama called The Pleasure Garden. In 1929, he directed Blackmail, Britain's first widely successful talking feature. The other movies he directed in England included The Lodger (U.S. title, The Case of Jonathan Drew), The Man Who Knew Too Much, The 39 Steps, and The Lady Vanishes. He was approached by producer David O. Selznick about directing in the United States, and he accepted so he could take advantage of the better-equipped American studios. His first American film, Rebecca, won the Academy Award for best picture. The other movies he directed in the United States included Shadow of a Doubt, Spellbound, Rear Window, Vertigo, Psycho, The Birds, Frenzy, and Family Plot. In 1979, he was awarded the American Film Institute Life Achievement Award. In 1980, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. He died from liver failure and heart problems on April 29, 1980 at the age of 80. (Bowker Author Biography) show less

Series

Works by Alfred Hitchcock

North by Northwest [1959 film] (1959) — Director — 505 copies
Rear Window [1954 film] (1954) — Director — 419 copies
Psycho [1960 film] (1960) — Director — 391 copies
Vertigo [1958 film] (1958) — Director — 378 copies
Alfred Hitchcock's Ghostly Gallery (1962) — Editor — 360 copies
The Birds [1963 film] (1963) — Director — 333 copies
Tales of Terror (1986) — Editor — 310 copies
Alfred Hitchcock's Haunted Houseful (1961) — Editor — 305 copies
The 39 Steps [1935 film] (1935) — Director — 297 copies
To Catch a Thief [1955 film] (1955) 277 copies
Rebecca [1940 film] (1940) — Director — 262 copies
Notorious [1946 film] (1946) — Director — 244 copies
Strangers on a Train [1951 film] (1951) — Director — 220 copies
Stories to Be Read with the Lights On (1973) — Editor — 215 copies
The Lady Vanishes [1938 film] (1938) — Director — 207 copies
Alfred Hitchcock: The Legend Begins: 20 Movie Classics (2007) — Director — 200 copies
Dial M for Murder [1954 film] (1954) — Director — 198 copies
Spellbinders in Suspense (1967) 187 copies
The Man Who Knew Too Much [1956 film] (1956) — Director — 155 copies
The Master's Choice (1979) — Editor — 146 copies
The Man Who Knew Too Much [1934 film] (1934) — Director — 145 copies
Rope [1948 film] (1948) — Director — 141 copies
Alfred Hitchcock Presents: A Hangman's Dozen (1962) — Editor — 136 copies
Suspicion [1941 film] (1941) — Director — 131 copies
Shadow of a Doubt [1943 film] (1943) — Director — 128 copies
Daring Detectives (1969) 124 copies
Spellbound [1945 film] (1945) — Director — 118 copies
Alfred Hitchcock Presents: A Month of Mystery (1968) — Editor — 117 copies
Alfred Hitchcock Presents: My Favorites in Suspense (1959) — Editor — 116 copies
Marnie [1964 film] (1964) — Director — 115 copies
Foreign Correspondent [1940 film] (1940) — Director — 101 copies
The Trouble with Harry [1955 film] (1955) — Director — 99 copies
Stories to Stay Awake By (1971) 98 copies
Frenzy [1972 film] (1972) 96 copies
Lifeboat [1944 film] (1944) — Director — 94 copies
Saboteur [1942 film] (1942) — Director — 93 copies
Secret Agent [1936 film] (1936) — Director — 87 copies
The Wrong Man [1956 film] (1956) — Director — 85 copies
I Confess [1953 film] (1953) — Director — 81 copies
Stories for Late at Night, Part 2 (1965) — Editor — 79 copies
13 More Stories They Wouldn't Let Me Do On TV (1959) — Editor — 78 copies
Torn Curtain [1966 film] (1966) — Director — 78 copies
Bar the Doors (1972) 77 copies
14 of My Favorites in Suspense (1959) — Editor — 77 copies
Tales to Take Your Breath Away (1976) — Editor — 75 copies
Noose Report (1966) — Editor — 71 copies
Anti-Social Register (1965) — Editor — 65 copies
Hard Day at the Scaffold (1967) 64 copies
Jamaica Inn [1939 film] (1939) — Director — 64 copies
Stage Fright [1950 film] (1950) — Director — 62 copies
Family Plot [1976 film] (1976) — Director — 60 copies
Happiness Is a Warm Corpse (1969) 58 copies
The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog [1927 film] (1927) — Director — 57 copies
Get Me to the Wake on Time (1970) 57 copies
Grave Business (1977) 57 copies
Sabotage [1936 film] (1936) — Director — 55 copies
Once Upon a Dreadful Time (1964) 54 copies
Mr. & Mrs. Smith [1941 film] (1941) — Director — 54 copies
Topaz [1969 film] (1969) 54 copies
Alfred Hitchcock's deathbag (1969) 53 copies
Let It All Bleed Out (1973) 52 copies
Games Killers Play (1968) 50 copies
Happy Deathday! (1972) 50 copies
Blackmail [1929 film] (1929) — Director — 49 copies
Death Can Be Beautiful (1972) 49 copies
Alfred Hitchcock's Fear and Trembling (1948) — Editor — 48 copies
This One Will Kill You (1971) 48 copies
Skull Session (1968) 47 copies
Young and Innocent [1937 film] (1937) — Director — 47 copies
Murders on the Half Skull (1970) 47 copies
Coffin Corner (1968) 45 copies
Number 17 [1932 film] (1932) — Director — 45 copies
Murder Racquet (1975) 43 copies
Murderer's Row (1900) 41 copies
The Best of Fiends (1972) — Editor — 41 copies
Stories To Stay Awake By [abridged] (1971) — Editor — 41 copies
Coffin Break (1974) 41 copies
I Want My Mummy (1981) — Editor — 39 copies
Murder! [1930 film] (1930) — Director — 37 copies
Murders I Fell in Love with (1969) 36 copies
Behind the Death Ball (1974) 36 copies
Hold Your Breath (1947) 34 copies
Rolling Gravestones (1971) — Editor — 34 copies
I am Curious (Bloody) (1971) — Editor — 33 copies
Alfred Hitchcock's Death-Mate (1973) — Editor — 32 copies
Alfred Hitchcock: A Legacy of Suspense [20 Films] (2011) — Director — 32 copies
Having a Wonderful Crime (1977) 31 copies
Boys and Ghouls Together (1965) 31 copies
Relatos que me asustaron (1967) 28 copies
Under Capricorn [1949 film] (1949) 27 copies
Speak of the Devil (1975) 27 copies
Terror Time (1969) 26 copies
Bleeding Hearts (1974) 26 copies
The Farmer's Wife [1928 film] (1928) — Director — 23 copies
Histoires à faire peur (1965) 21 copies
A Mystery by the Tale (1986) 21 copies
The Skin Game [1931 film] (1931) — Director — 21 copies
A Brief Darkness (1988) 20 copies
Death on Arrival (1979) 20 copies
Murder Go Round (1981) 19 copies
Easy Virtue [1927 film] (1927) — Director — 19 copies
The Manxman [1929 film] (1929) — Director — 19 copies
Juno and the Paycock [1930 film] (1929) — Director — 18 copies
Los errores mortales (1992) 18 copies
Rogues' Gallery (1978) 17 copies
Histoires épouvantables (1979) 17 copies
Histoires terrifiantes (1979) 17 copies
The Ring [1927 film] (1927) — Director — 16 copies
Killers at Large (1978) 15 copies
Alive and Screaming (1980) 15 copies
La Muerte Va Por Libre (1992) — Author — 14 copies
Asesinato a la carta (1991) 14 copies
Histoires abominables (1961) 13 copies
Verhalen die Hitchcock koos (1957) 13 copies
Relatos de pesadilla (1993) 12 copies
Morir para ver (1990) 12 copies
The Hitchcock Collection (9 Movie Pack) — Director — 12 copies
Histoires sidérantes (1998) 11 copies
This Day's Evil (1967) 11 copies
Tiempo Muerto (1997) 11 copies
Histoires qui font tilt (1985) 10 copies
Alfred Hitchcock's Rope (1948) 10 copies
Nocturno (1993) 9 copies
Grimmig gezelschap (1985) — Foreword — 9 copies
Histoires qui font mouche (1990) 9 copies
Histoires renversantes (1994) 8 copies
Classic Features: Legends of Horror: 50 Movies (2008) — Director — 8 copies
Histoires angoissantes (1988) 8 copies
Hitchcock (1985) 8 copies
Horas Tomadas A La Noche (1993) 8 copies
Histoires troublantes (1988) 8 copies
Histoires macabres (1988) 7 copies
Histoires percutantes (1983) 7 copies
Duistere dromen 6 copies
Galateo del delitto (1989) 6 copies
Gezellig griezelen (1984) 6 copies
Luguber leesvoer (1985) 6 copies
Blackmail [and] Easy Virtue (Double Feature Video) (1999) — Director — 6 copies
Een pijnlijk partijtje (1986) 6 copies
Price za nesanicu (2004) 6 copies
Onalledaagse ongelukken (1985) 5 copies
Histoires diaboliques (1986) 5 copies
Misdadige manschappen (1985) 5 copies
15 Hitchcock Films — Director — 5 copies
Meet Death at Night (1967) 5 copies
Hitchcocktail 5 copies
Alfred Hitchcock Premiere Collection — Director — 5 copies
Alfred Hitchcock Collector's Edition, Vol. 2 (1934) — Director — 5 copies
Velos y mortajas (1998) 5 copies
Echo des Bösen (1987) 5 copies
Histoires ténébreuses (1987) 5 copies
The Pleasure Garden [1925 film] (1925) — Director — 5 copies
Waltzes from Vienna [1934 film] — Director — 5 copies
Histoires déroutantes (1991) 5 copies
Alfred Hitchcock's Death-Reach (1982) — Editor — 5 copies
Horas tomadas a la noche (1998) 4 copies
Een kille kermis (1989) 4 copies
Meine Lieblingsmorde (1900) 4 copies
Een vreselijke vriendschap — Editor — 4 copies
Champagne (Silent) — Director — 4 copies
UNA FUGAZ OSCURIDAD (1997) 4 copies
Histoires fascinantes (1995) 4 copies
Bijtende belevenissen (1985) 4 copies
Spuren im Staub (1989) 4 copies
Le flibustier piraté (1994) 4 copies
Alfred Hitchcock Collection: 13 Films — Director — 4 copies
Meine Lieblingsmorde (1997) 4 copies
Mord er den bedste Medicin (1974) — Editor, some editions — 4 copies
Les caisses à la casse (1991) 4 copies
Fatal Attractions II (1986) 3 copies
Histoires médusantes (1989) 3 copies
Histoires noires (1989) 3 copies
Notorious / Lifeboat (2002) 3 copies
Wer war der Täter ? (1964) 3 copies
Histoires explosives (1999) 3 copies
Die Insel der Stimmen (1988) 3 copies
Henry Fonda: The Signature Collection [DVD set] (2006) — Director — 3 copies
Strangers On A Train [DVD] [1951] — Director — 3 copies
No Harm Undone (1985) 3 copies
Flere chok 3 copies
La saisie des sosies (1999) 3 copies
Downhill [1927 film] (1927) 3 copies
Ha det krim! (1978) 3 copies
Meine Lieblingsmorde 3. (1980) 3 copies
Juego Sucio 3 copies
Griezelverhalen (1977) 3 copies
Hoder skal rulle (1979) 3 copies
Strašidlá na dobrú noc (1995) 3 copies
La sombra del silencio (1997) 3 copies
PRIMERA REDADA (1998) 3 copies
Psico 2 copies
Das Haus in Chinatown (1988) 2 copies
The 39 Steps & The Lady Vanishes (2000) — Director — 2 copies
Das verborgene Grab (1988) 2 copies
Kalde lik - og varme... (1978) 2 copies
Histoires ciblées (1988) 2 copies
Histoires à suspens (1984) 2 copies
Late Unlamented (1967) 2 copies
Relatos que me asustaron (1980) 2 copies
Tödliches Grauen. (2000) 2 copies
Histoires qui défrisent (1989) 2 copies
Month of Mystery: Bk. 1 (1972) 2 copies
Tödliche Verabredungen (1979) 2 copies
The Graveyard Man (1968) 2 copies
Lige til at dø af (1974) 2 copies
Envolée, la volaille ! (2000) 2 copies
Mit tödlicher Sicherheit (1985) 2 copies
L'ultima autopsia (1978) 2 copies
House by the Road (1992) 2 copies
Gruwelijk en grotesk (1985) 2 copies
Sin alevosía (1998) 2 copies
Mord i et nøtteskall (1978) 2 copies
Le Drakkar hagard (1990) 2 copies
Shadow of a Doubt/Suspicion (2002) — Director — 2 copies
Crímenes selectos (1997) 2 copies
Tales of Suspense (1988) 2 copies
Mens vi taler om djævelen .... : 19 gys (1977) — Editor — 2 copies
Mord for eksempel - (1980) 2 copies
Henry's obsessie (1984) 2 copies
Greatest Leading Men [videorecording] (2006) — Director — 2 copies
10 Movie Mystery Pack — Director — 2 copies
James Stewart 4-Movie Collection (2016) — Director — 2 copies
Síri üzlet (1998) 2 copies
Rød meny (1978) 2 copies
Hayalet 2 copies
Vivito y coleando (1997) 2 copies
Falai no Mal 1 copy
Revenge 1 copy
Hortlak 1 copy
Vampir 1 copy
Sin alevosía (1994) 1 copy
O Rio de Sangue (1994) 1 copy
Yamyam 1 copy
The Mystery 1 copy
Dristige detektiver : et Hitchcock udvalg (1970) — Editor, some editions — 1 copy
Le Lion... ou la belle (1992) 1 copy
Un péché capital (1994) 1 copy
L'Homme aux serpents (1993) 1 copy
Frenzy [Blu-ray] (2013) 1 copy
La sombra del silencio (1997) 1 copy
Spellbound 1 copy
Sospecha 1 copy
The Lady Vanishes [1938 film] (1938) — Director — 1 copy
Juno and the Paycock [1929 film] (1929) — Director — 1 copy
Jamaica Inn [1939 film] (1939) — Director — 1 copy
[No title] 1 copy
3 Films: Drama — Director — 1 copy
Champagne [1928 film] — Director — 1 copy
Il leone nervoso (1973) 1 copy
Un mauvais marché (1994) 1 copy
Grünes Feuer (1988) 1 copy
Mörderjagd (1989) 1 copy
Verrammelt die Türen. (1986) 1 copy
African Queen, Rebecca, Suspicion — Director — 1 copy
Mord - stort sett (1979) 1 copy
Murha on sydämen asia (1989) 1 copy
The Man Who New Too Much (Box Set) — Director — 1 copy
Spiker til likkisten (1977) 1 copy
Forbryteralbum (1982) 1 copy
Grace Kelly Collection (2014) 1 copy
These United States (1968) 1 copy
Heksebrygg (1978) 1 copy
Likvognen venter (1979) 1 copy
Onde ånder (1978) 1 copy
En Død i skjønnhet (1978) 1 copy
Sinistere spelletjes (1984) 1 copy
Bon voyage (2011) 1 copy
Morderisk spill (1978) 1 copy
Skremmende tider (1978) 1 copy
Dødens dagbog (1974) 1 copy
Śmierć na wynos (1997) 1 copy
Xeque-Mate 1 copy
Seriøst til døden (1982) 1 copy
Przedstawia 1 copy
Botschaft mit Arsen (1988) 1 copy
Mord-karusellen (1978) 1 copy
La det bare blø (1979) 1 copy
Murder! / The Lodger — Director — 1 copy
L'amuleto d'oro (1972) 1 copy
Random Hitchcock films — Director — 1 copy
Suspence.Dell Mapback (1945) 1 copy
Errores mortales (1992) 1 copy
Bon Voyage 1 copy
The Manxman ; The farmer's wife — Director — 1 copy
Alfred Hitchcock Classics (8-in-1) (2011) — Director — 1 copy
Blodig nysgjerrig (1978) 1 copy
Arkun kulma (1972) 1 copy
Mördergarn (1980) 1 copy
Årstid for kranier (1974) 1 copy
Um crime maravilhoso (1995) 1 copy
Breakdown 1 copy
Suspense Stories (1949) 1 copy
Escape the Golden Cicada — Author — 1 copy
Negocio de cemiterio (1995) 1 copy
Margaret Lockwood Collection (2008) — Director — 1 copy

Associated Works

Strangers on a Train (1950) — Foreword, some editions — 2,479 copies
The Secret of Terror Castle (1964) 961 copies
The Mystery of the Stuttering Parrot (1964) — Introduction — 759 copies
The Mystery of The Fiery Eye (1967) — Introduction — 538 copies
The Mystery of the Laughing Shadow (1969) — Introduction — 477 copies
The Dark Side of Genius: The Life of Alfred Hitchcock (1983) — Associated Name — 449 copies
The Secret of Phantom Lake (1973) 432 copies
Halliwell's Filmgoer's Companion (1970) — Foreword, some editions — 361 copies
The Secret of Shark Reef (1979) 254 copies
The Mystery of the Magic Circle (1978) — Editor — 240 copies
Film: A Montage of Theories (1966) — Contributor — 81 copies
Fatal Error (1990) 64 copies
Foul Play (1990) 38 copies
Clean Crimes and Neat Murders (1960) — Preface, some editions — 28 copies
The Pocket Book of Great Detectives (1941) — Introduction — 21 copies
Tales to Scare You Stiff (1978) 19 copies
Alfred Hitchcock: The Legacy of Victorianism (1995) — Associated Name — 10 copies
A Cavalcade of Collier's (1959) — Contributor — 10 copies
The flicks: Or, Whatever became of Andy Hardy (1977) — Foreword — 6 copies
German Concentration Camps Factual Survey (1945) — some editions — 4 copies
Suspense, December 1960 [Vol. 3, No. 12] (1960) — Contributor — 3 copies
78/52, la escena que cambió el cine — Contributor — 2 copies
Alfred Hitchcock and Alma Reville — Associated Name — 1 copy

Tagged

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Common Knowledge

Members

Reviews

“But your wife, she'll wonder what happened to her poor little General.” — Peter Lorre to John Gielgud

This most enjoyable film made in Britain before Hitchcock came to Hollywood certainly deserves more accolades than it has gotten over the years. It really isn't that far behind 39 Steps, The Lady Vanishes, and Young and Innocent in either quality or entertainment. Set during the first world war, Somerset Maugham’s novel of spies sent to ferret out and eliminate another spy has romance and humor, and some real excitement in Hitchcock’s hands.

John Gielgud comes home from the war and discovers he’s been reported dead. He discovers it was intentional; his cover so he can become Ashenden, and eliminate a very dangerous spy causing the good guys a lot of trouble. While it’s deadly serious business, it gets a bit more pleasant when he discovers in Switzerland that the beautiful and elegant Elsa Carrington (Madeleine Carroll) is to pose as his wife and help him in his mission.

Hitchcock counters the more serious business with a likable Robert Young as Marvin, pursuing romance with Elsa despite her marital status. It is handled with great charm and a sense of fun. Ashenden’s other partner is General, played in an over-the-top manner by Peter Lorre. He is more comical than sinister, spending most of his time trying to romance anything in a dress, and quite upset that Ashenden has the fake wife while he has none.

Elsa falls for her pretend husband, of course, and the General’s actions brings about a crisis of conscience occurs for both she and Ashenden. But when Ashenden and General discover who the real spy is, and must pursue him because of the great danger someone is in. The train station scene and everything that follows is classic Hitchcock. While it doesn’t have quite the tension of 39 Steps, or the sheer charm of Young and Innocent, it has a blend of the two which is very enjoyable.

Perhaps because it is set during WW I it doesn't connect as much as it should for some viewers. It is quite fabulous in its own way, however, and fans of Hitchcock’s early British films will certainly find it appealing. Fans of the lovely Madeleine Carroll will be pleased to discover she is much more in the center of things from the very beginning than in 39 Steps. A real winner.
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Matt_Ransom | Nov 24, 2023 |
Joan Fontaine was wonderful in this sensitive film about a shy woman who unexpectedly finds love and allows her insecurities to fuel her imagination with suspicion. She easily won the Academy Award for her performance following her fine turn the prior year in Rebecca, for which she sadly did not. Based on a novel by Francis Iles, Hitchcock’s second film starring Fontaine is more about love and the fear of losing it than suspense, but still has enough of his little touches to make it enjoyable as both.

Joan Fontaine is the shy but wealthy Lina. Though her head is often buried in books, her heart still beats, and when she is shown a little attention by irresponsible charmer Johnnie Aysgarth (Cary Grant), who calls her monkey-face, she begins to fall in love. When she overhears her family talking about her, the viewer feels her pain. Fontaine is wonderful here — and all throughout this film classic — using subtle movements and expressions to convey the terrible hurt within her heart; and the doubts when the romance and adventure both she and those who know her thought she’d never experience appear to be in the offing. Fontaine is marvelous as she pines for the popular Johnnie to come calling again, until finally a cablegram salvages her pride in front of her skeptical family.

Grant is excellent as the off-beat and fun Johnnie. When Lina finds the courage to tell Johnnie she loves him, he realizes he feels the same and on a rainy night they dash off to get married. Lina begins to see Johnnie in a different light however, after they have tied the knot, when his pal Beaky (Nigel Bruce) comes calling. So used are we at seeing Bruce with Rathbone in Sherlock Homes it takes some getting used to at first to accept him as Johnnie’s pal. Once we do however he puts on a good show as the affable Beaky.

Johnnie’s gambling and irresponsible ways are off-set by his charm, and at first Lina’s faith in him is usually restored at the last moment. But too many things begin to add up, and not in Johnnie’s favor. Debts, theft, a death mirroring events in a mystery book, and a woman’s insecurities are blended to create mounting tension by Hitchcock as the film progresses; until finally, a truly terrible possibility comes into play.

Fontaine is simply enchanting in a tender and subtle performance and Cary Grant gives Johnnie just the right mix of charm and danger. The beautiful romantic score from Franz Waxman was Oscar-nominated. Heather Angel has a nice part as the maid Ethel, and Auriol Lee lends fine support as the mystery-writer friend of Lina. Sherlock Holmes’ Watson, Nigel Bruce, really shines as Johnnie’s likable pal, Beaky, giving a splendid performance. Though Hitchcock’s ending, which differs from the original source, has been disparaged by many fans and critics alike, the sensitive and romantic tone of the film almost demands the ending we get, and that’s all I can say. A very fine romantic film with an underscore of suspense, Suspicion is worth watching for Fontaine’s performance alone.
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Matt_Ransom | 2 other reviews | Nov 24, 2023 |
Lovely Teresa Wright shines in Alfred Hitchcock’s tale of darkness and evil coming to stay in Santa Rosa, California. A story by Gordon McDonnell was adapted for the screen by Thorton Wilder, Alma Reville, and Sally Benson, and this slice of Americana is played out perfectly by a wonderful cast.

Teresa Wright is the bored young daughter of Emma (Patricia Collinge) and Joseph (Henry Travers) Newton. Life for her in the small town of Santa Rosa has become boring for the wholesome American girl looking to stretch her wings. Wright’s “Charlie” is the very picture of small town innocence. When her Uncle and namesake (Joseph Cotten) blows into town, it is the catalyst for the change she desires. Hitchcock has already shown the audience by this time that something is not quite right about the charming Uncle Charlie, so the viewer already knows from the get-go what’s going on in this film. The special bond between Charlie and her uncle and their unusual connection is fully explored by the director in the happy and charming early moments that follow Cotten's arrival in Santa Rosa.

Hitchcock quickly begins shading this portrait in grey, however. Charlie’s adoration of her uncle borders on a crush, leaving her open and vulnerable to anything Charlie wants. Here the famous director creates some almost uncomfortable scenes, giving the viewer the impression that at any moment Cotton might just take the smiling and adoring Charlie in his arms and kiss her. And for her part, Charlie might remain passive, so unsure is she of her own feelings. But strange behavior in her uncle and the attention of a government agent after him who falls in love with young Charlie will change everything, as Uncle Charlie’s spell is broken when his warped and twisted view of the world is finally revealed. The tune he whistles might be the key to his long absence.

Hume Cronyn steals every scene he is in as Herbie. Long talks on the porch, attempting to devise the perfect murder plan for amusement is ironic and darkly humorous considering the real evil right under their noses. Charlie can’t risk destroying her weak mother, but luckily she has Agent Jack Graham’s (Macdonald Carey) number. Uncle Charlie, however, has no intention of going to the gallows…

This is both a beautiful portrait of small-town America and a suspenseful thriller. Cotten, always solid yet often underrated, underplays his role to marvelous effect. Teresa Wright is simply wonderful in this Hitchcock masterpiece, the very picture of confused innocence. A film that must be seen by all, especially Hitchcock devotees.
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Matt_Ransom | 2 other reviews | Nov 23, 2023 |
While rarely mentioned in the same breath with The 39 Steps or The Lady Vanishes, this is my favorite film from Hitchcock's British film catalog. It has charm, a great story, lots of atmosphere, a fine romance, and best of all, the wonderful Nova Pilbeam. Based on the Josephine Tey novel, A Schilling For Candles, this story of an innocent man wrongly accused of murder and the young girl who aids his search for proof that he did not commit the crime is a ton of fun.

This is a top-notch British production from the period. There is fine photography from Bernard Knowles, and a nice score from Louis Levy to make this one of Hitchcock's most enjoyable outings. Nova Pilbeam was a lovely young British actress who had worked for the director in a smaller role three years earlier, in his first version of The Man Who Knew Too Much. She sparkles here as a strong and independent young heroine who comes to believe in someone, and risks everything to aid him.

Derrick De Marney also shines as a young writer named Robert who happens upon the body of famous cinema star, Christine Clay (Pamela Carme), washed up on the beach. He had a passing acquaintance with her since she had purchased one of his stories. He is seen running from the scene to get help, and when it is discovered she was strangled with a belt from a coat he had stolen from him at a place called Tom’s Hat, things don't look good for our hero.

It looks even worse that she left money to him in her will, and when his attorney appears to be a boob, Robert escapes in order to prove his innocence. He gets the reluctant help of the Chief Constaple's daughter, Erica Burgoyne (Nova Pilbeam). There is a romantic attraction between the two, and the independent young Erica decides she — and her little dog — must help him to avoid the gallows. But she gets in deeper and deeper, until it is a race against time to find the real killer.

When she comes to bring him food and drive him around to search for the man who stole the jacket which will prove his innocence, she and her little dog get in deeper and deeper. There finally comes a turning point when Erica throws caution to the wind and zealously helps Robert pursue the man with a twitch in his eye who murdered Christine Clay. It becomes apparent to both her father and the police that she is aiding him willingly and not under duress. Since they have already slipped up and aroused suspicions at a birthday party her aunt and uncle were thowing for her niece, they know they can not remain at large forever and it becomes a race with time to find the real killer.

Hitchcock creates a very nice atmosphere of an English coastal town in the 1930s and all his touches are in evidence even at this early juncture. This is one of the great Hitchcock films from his British period and stands with the best of them. Nova Pilbeam is fabulous here, and it is a real shame she did not get to make more films like this one. If you enjoyed The 39 Steps you will probably like this one as well. It does not quite have the tension of that great film but has a little more romance and charm. A real winner!
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Matt_Ransom | Nov 20, 2023 |

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Associated Authors

Robert Arthur Contributor, Editor
Jack Ritchie Contributor, Author
Robert Bloch Contributor, Author
Henry Slesar Contributor, Author
Ray Bradbury Contributor
C. B. Gilford Contributor, Author
Edward D. Hoch Contributor
Fletcher Flora Contributor, Author
James Holding Contributor, Author
Charles Bennett Screenwriter, Screenplay
Richard Deming Contributor, Author
Robert Colby Contributor, Author
John Michael Hayes Screenwriter
August Derleth Contributor, Author
John Keefauver Contributor
George Tomasini Editor, Film editor
Michael Gilbert Contributor, Author
Hal Ellson Author, Contributor
William Sambrot Contributor
Lawrence Block Contributor, Author
Arthur Porges Author, Contributor
Michael Brett Author, Contributor
Donald Honig Contributor, Author
Alma Reville Screenwriter
Jonathan Craig Author, Contributor
John Lutz Contributor, Author
Richard O. Lewis Contributor, Author
Ed Lacy Author, Contributor
Philip MacDonald Contributor
Ben Hecht Screenwriter
Joan Harrison Screenwriter
Helen Nielsen Author, Contributor
Talmage Powell Contributor, Author
Charles Einstein Contributor, Author
Samuel A. Taylor Screenwriter
Cornell Woolrich Story, Author
Evan Hunter Screenwriter, Contributor
Paul Eiden Contributor, Author
Nedra Tyre Author, Contributor
Alec Coppel Writer, Screenwriter
Richard Hardwick Author, Contributor
John Hay Beith Writer, Screenwriter
Lawrence Treat Contributor, Author
A. M. Burrage Contributor
H. A. DeRosso Contributor, Author
William Brittain Contributor, Author
Sidney Gilliat Screenwriter
Donald E. Westlake Author, Contributor
Raymond Chandler Screenplay
Mike Marmer Contributor
Rog Phillips Contributor, Author
Pat Stadley Author, Contributor
Gilbert Ralston Contributor, Author
Craig Rice Contributor
Bruno Fischer Contributor
Basil Copper Contributor
Hal Dresner Author, Contributor
Robert E. Sherwood Screenwriter
Ellis Peters Contributor
Stephen Marlowe Contributor, Author
Czenzi Ormonde Screenplay
Elijah Ellis Author, Contributor
Frank Launder Screenwriter
Mary Linn Roby Contributor, Author
Frederick Knott Screenwriter
Edward Hoch Contributor, Author
Patrick Hamilton Original play
Whitfield Cook Screenwriter
D. B. Wyndham Lewis Screenwriter
A.R. Rawlinson Screenwriter
Syd Hoff Author, Contributor
Sally Benson Screenwriter
Thornton Wilder Screenwriter
Andrew Benedict Contributor
Harry Muheim Contributor
M. S. Waddell Contributor
Jay Presson Allen Screenwriter
Jo Swerling Screenwriter
W. Somerset Maugham Original novel
Angus MacPhail Screenwriter
Maxwell Anderson Screenwriter
George Tabori Screenwriter
William Archibald Screenwriter
Richard Connell Contributor
Stanley Ellin Contributor
Sijmen Tol Editor
Brian Moore Screenwriter
John Huston Director
Duane Decker Author, Contributor
Harry Stradling, Sr. Director of Photography
Selwyn Jepson Original novel
Margaret St. Clair Contributor
Mary L. Roby Author, Contributor
Diane Frazer Author, Contributor
Elliot Stannard Screenwriter
Norman Krasna Original story
Jack Webb Author
Howard Hawks Director
Grover Brinkman Author, Contributor
Agatha Christie Author, Contributor
Phillip Tremont Author, Contributor
Dan Sontup Author, Contributor
John Colton Screenwriter
Henry Koster Director
William Wyler Director
Paul Sylbert Director
Leslie Arliss Director
Ken Annakin Director
John Ford Director
John Dickson Carr Author, Contributor
John Cromwell Director
Alex Chapple Director
Carl T. Evans Director
James V. Kern Director
Frank Capra Director
Orson Welles Director
Dan Algrant Director
Alan Jacobs Director
Henry King Director
H. C. Potter Director
Leonide Moguy Director
Alan Metzger Director
Peter Svatek Director
Alf Kjellin Director
Anthony Mann Director
Arthur Lubin Director
Frank Lloyd Director
Ted Kotcheff Director
Leo Penn Director
Richard Whorf Director
Stanley Abbott Author, Contributor
Mike Brett Author
Robert Burks Cinematographer, Director of Photography
Harold Q. Masur Contributor
Bill Pronzini Contributor
Roald Dahl Contributor
Joe Gores Contributor
Vera Miles Actor, actor
Richard Matheson Contributor
Theodore Sturgeon Contributor
Gerald Kersh Contributor
Carter Dickson Contributor
H. G. Wells Contributor
Daphne du Maurier Contributor, Original novel, Original story
John Collier Contributor
Betty Ren Wright Contributor
Fredric Brown Contributor
M. R. James Contributor
Frank Sisk Contributor, Author
Warner Law Contributor
John D. MacDonald Contributor
Adobe James Contributor
Will F. Jenkins Contributor
Ron Goulart Contributor
Gary Brandner Contributor
Idris Seabright Contributor
Kim Novak Actor
Franz Waxman Composer
Paul Newman Contributor, Actor
Joan Vatsek Contributor
Bryce Walton Contributor, Author
Lord Dunsany Contributor
Stephen Wasylyk Contributor
Ernest Lehman Screenwriter
Al Nussbaum Contributor
John Buchan Contributor, original novel
Robert L. Fish Contributor
Margaret St. Clair Contributor
Borden Deal Contributor, Author
Anthony Boucher Contributor
Price Day Contributor
Thomas Walsh Contributor
Matthew Gant Contributor
Barry N. Malzberg Contributor
Michael Zuroy Contributor
Evelyn Waugh Contributor
John B. L. Goodwin Contributor
Robert Trout Contributor
Gouverneur Morris Contributor
C. L. Moore Contributor
John F. Suter Contributor
Jerome Bixby Contributor
Henry Fonda Actor, actor
Isak Romun Contributor
Vincent McConnor Contributor
Brian Garfield Contributor
Clayton Matthews Contributor
Edward Wellen Contributor
Nelson DeMille Contributor
John Coyne Contributor
Doris Day Actor
William F. Nolan Contributor
Dion Henderson Contributor
Edith Head Costume Designer, Costume Designer.
Theodore Mathieson Contributor
Charles W. Runyon Contributor
Donald Olson Contributor
Patrick O'Keeffe Contributor
Robert Edmond Alter Contributor, Author
Ambrose Bierce Contributor
Edwin P. Hicks Author, Contributor
Ken Lynch Actor
John Dall Actor
Ed Lauter Actor
Patricia Highsmith Contributor, Original novel
David Alexander Contributor
Alan Dean Foster Contributor
Rex Stout Contributor
John L. Russell Cinematographer
Joseph Stefano Screenwriter
John Cortez Contributor
Hilda Lawrence Contributor
Mann Rubin Contributor
Harlan Ellison Contributor
Jacques Futrelle Contributor
William Jeffrey Contributor
Jerry Jacobson Contributor
Isaac Asimov Contributor
Algernon Blackwood Contributor
Walter Brooks Contributor
F. Marion Crawford Contributor
Henry Kuttner Contributor
James McKimmey Contributor
James M. Gilmore Contributor
Libby MacCall Contributor
Irving Schiffer Contributor
S. S. Rafferty Contributor
Margaret B. Maron Contributor
Charlotte Edwards Contributor
Patricia Matthews Contributor
William Dolan Contributor
D. K. Broster Contributor
Bob Bristow Contributor
Harry Slesar Contributor
Mary Braund Contributor
Pauline C. Smith Contributor
Samuel W. Taylor Contributor
Donald Peattie Contributor
Arthur Conan Doyle Contributor
Constance Savery Contributor
Louise Peattie Contributor
Walter R. Brooks Contributor
Jack Bechdolt Contributor
Mark Twain Contributor
F. Tennyson Jesse Contributor
Margot Bennett Contributor
Raymond E. Banks Contributor
Dorothy L. Sayers Contributor
Julian May Contributor
Douglas Farr Contributor, Author
William Arden Contributor
Guy Fleming Contributor
Anthony Gilbert Contributor
Francis Beeding Contributor
Morris Hershman Contributor
Day Keene Contributor
Gilbert Thomas Contributor
Mack Morriss Contributor
Avram Davidson Contributor
Jeremiah Digges Contributor
Stuart Cloete Contributor
Cyril Hume Contributor
George Langelaan Contributor
Ruth Chatterton Contributor
Brett Halliday Contributor
John Steinbeck Author, Contributor
Ted Tetzlaff Cinematographer
Robert Edmund Alter Author, Contributor
David Montross Contributor
Robert J. Higgins Contributor
Mitsu Yamamoto Contributor
Joan Richter Contributor
Robert L. McGrath Contributor
Mary Barrett Contributor
Zena Collier Contributor
Paul Theridion Contributor
Harold Rolseth Contributor
Dana Lyon Contributor
Nancy C. Swoboda Contributor
Dee Stuart Contributor
James Cross Contributor
Harold R. Daniels Contributor
Ardath Mayhar Contributor
Barry Malzberg Contributor
Berkely Mather Contributor
Ethel Lina White Original book
Leo Britt Actor
James M. Cain Contributor
Margery Sharp Contributor
Robert S. Hichens Contributor
William Sansom Contributor
Arthur Williams Contributor
Edward Lucas White Contributor
Q. Patrick Contributor
Jerome K. Jerome Contributor
H. H. Munro Contributor
John Russell Fearn Contributor
Pat McGerr Contributor
Frank Belknap Long Contributor
C. P. Donnel Jr. Contributor
Ray Evans Composer
Richard Parker Contributor
Guy Endore Contributor
Paul Ernst Contributor
Earl E. Mayan Illustrator
Manly Wade Wellman Contributor
James Hay Jr. Contributor
Ray Russell Contributor
Robert G. Anderson Contributor
Philip K. Dick Contributor
Clayre Lipman Contributor
Davis Grubb Contributor
Michel Lipman Contributor
Ursula Curtiss Contributor
Edna Best Actor
Richard Stark Contributor
Jay Street Contributor
James Holding Jr. Contributor, Author
Sterling E. Lanier Contributor
Helen McCloy Contributor
E. C. Bentley Contributor
Howard Rigsby Contributor
Romain Gary Contributor
Sax Rohmer Contributor
Alex Gaby Contributor
Jack Finney Contributor
Winston Graham Original book
Ralph Straus Contributor
Ralph Milne Farley Contributor
Phyllis Bottome Contributor
A. D. Divine Contributor
Charles Mergendahl Contributor
Rudolph Maté Director of Photography
Henry Kane Contributor
Robert Turner Contributor
John Metcalfe Contributor
William Irish Contributor
Jane Speed Contributor
Lael J. Littke Contributor
Jay Wilson Contributor
Jack London Contributor
Margaret Millar Contributor
Patricia McGeer Contributor
Lucille Fletcher Contributor
Allan Ullman Contributor
Dorothy Spencer Film editor
Dorothy Parker Screenwriter
Peter Viertel Screenwriter
Anne Baxter Actress
John Addison Composer
Andrew Haruna Contributor
Thomas Burke Contributor
Giovanni Stary Contributor
Leonid Andreyev Contributor
Maarten Mous Contributor
Han Steenwijk Contributor
Graziano Savà Contributor
Stefan Georg Contributor
Astrid Menz Contributor
Rogier Blokland Contributor
Stephen A. Wurm Contributor
Jane Rice Contributor
Shirley Jackson Contributor
Richard Wormser Contributor
DuBose Heyward Contributor
George Hitchcock Contributor
Andrew Bendict Contributor
Grace Amundson Contributor
Guy Cullingford Contributor
Margaret Irwin Contributor
McKnight Malmar Contributor
Peter Fleming Contributor
Martin Armstrong Contributor
Don Stanford Contributor
George Mandel Contributor
Carroll Mayers Contributor
William Bankier Contributor
Robert S. Aldrich Contributor
Bruce M. Fisher Contributor
Robert W. Wells Contributor
Everett Greenbaum Contributor
Duffy Carpenter Contributor
Jeffry Scott Contributor
Mick Mahoney Contributor
Joyce Harrington Contributor
Graham Greene Contributor
Attilio Veraldi Translator
Eric Fenby Composer
Erich Pommer Producer
Robert Specht Contributor
T.H. White Contributor
Robert Somerlott Contributor
Irvin S. Cobb Contributor
Thomas M. Disch Contributor
William Wood Contributor
Algis Budrys Contributor
Victor Canning Original book
Robert O. Lewis Contributor
Frank R. Stockton Contributor
Joseph Conrad Original novel
Hanson W. Baldwin Contributor
Leon Uris Original novel
Robert Hichens Contributor
Elizabeth Bowen Contributor
Henry S. Whitehead Contributor
H. R. Wakefield Contributor
Hugh Walpole Contributor
Josephine Tey Based on
Anne Grey Actor
Jeffrey M. Wallman Contributor
Patricia McGerr Contributor
Michael Gilbert Contributor
Robert Lewis Contributor
Louis Pollock Contributor
Ellis St. Joseph Contributor
D.H. Lawrence Contributor
Samuel Blas Contributor
Mary Deasy Contributor
Georges Carousso Contributor
Noël Coward Original play
Donald Henderson Contributor
W. W. Jacobs Contributor
Perceval Gibbon Contributor
Harold Lamb Contributor
Ross Santee Contributor
Carl Stephenson Contributor
T.P. Beachcroft Contributor
Edwin Corle Contributor
William Outerson Contributor
A. F. Oreshnik Contributor
Hanson Baldwin Contributor
Carol Reed Director
Val Guest Director
Fred Banbery Illustrator
Fay Baker Actor
Fred Banberry Cover artist
Gregg Toland Cinematographer
Amy Ryan Cast.
Sidney Lumet Direction.
Roy Web Music
Albert D'Agostino Art Director.
Carroll Clark Art Director.
José M. Pomares Translator
Jay J. Smith Cover designer
Les Edwards Cover artist
Stephen Marchesi Cover artist
Laurence M. Janifer Author, Contributor
Dan J. Marlowe Author, Contributor
Geoff Taylor Cover artist
Anthony Shaffer Screenwriter
Jaime Piñeiro Translator
Richard Curtis Contributor
Lia Volpatti Translator
Karel Thole Illustrator
Dick Ellis Contributor
Neil M. Clark Contributor
L.M. Antheyres Translator
Lars Derkert Translator
Leonore Puschert Translator
Peter Naujack Übersetzer
Mogens Cohrt Translator
Yves Beaujard Illustrator
Ole Schrøder Afterword

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