This is a tense thriller that overall is quite good but goes too far. It’s an early Hitchcock and serves as a good ‘before’ snapshot against which to compare his later, better works. The ending is much less satisfying than it could have been with a few plot tweaks, although the tension and plot reveals work well throughout.
Closest comparison: It’s like Notorious by way of The 39 Steps.
Setting: Drama
Plot: Espionage
Tone: Thriller
This movie is a solid Hitchcock thriller, without going above and beyond. It feels very similar to Hitchcock’s other early work, specifically The 39 Steps and Secret Agent, but done a bit better here. Peter Lorre steals the show as always but there’s a good, thrilling narrative to hold up this film as well.
Closest comparison: It’s like The Lady Vanishes by way of The 39 Steps.
Setting: Espionage
Plot: Detective
Tone: Noir
This movie is a typical Hitchcockian thriller mixed with an era romantic comedy. Unfortunately, the romantic parts of the plot are fundamentally at odds with the thriller parts, and the tone ends up trying to be endearing where the plot necessitates tension. The central ‘cellar key’ scene is fantastic and if the entire film was like that it would easily be at least a 4/5 film, but it ultimately can’t overcome its own contradictions.
Closest comparison: It’s like Roman Holiday (1953) by way of Secret Agent (1936).
Setting: Espionage
Plot: Thriller
Tone: RomCom
This film is a deft illustration of the Hitchcockian principle of letting the audience in on a dastardly secret, rendering the ensuing mundane scenes rivetingly tense. The most simple and natural occurrences become plot twists and Alfred Hitchcock effortlessly ushers the story along to its nail-biting conclusion. By beginning with letting the audience know that a man wants to kill his wife, he imparts a morbid curiosity and sense of impending doom into every word and gesture. It’s standard Hitchcock fare, and as such it’s superb.
Closest comparison: It’s like an episode of Columbo as told by Alfred Hitchcock.
Setting: Drama
Plot: Mystery
Tone: Suspense
This movie is a rollicking adventure of espionage set at the start World War II. Of course, it was also filmed at the start of World War II so everything has a deeper meaning; to the audience at the time as a call to action, and for those afterward as a tangible snapshot of its time. It looks great because of the dynamic scenes and cinematography, which of course Hitchcock is known for, and this is an exemplary addition to his repertoire. More investigation of espionage than many of its run-and-gun contemporaries, this movie focuses on the human element and tense civilian life while still managing to incorporate both high-flung adventure and the prescient, practical problem of civic duty.
Closest comparison: It’s like The Third Man, The 39 Steps, and North by Northwest.
Setting: Spy
Plot: Detective
Tone: Adventure
This is one of the most famous movies from one of the most famous directors of all time. It holds up well over time despite its very dated aesthetic because of the irresistibly engaging performances from the main cast. It amounts to a surprisingly leisurely ride through the espionage and mystery, and the famous Mount Rushmore chase is solid, albeit abrupt. The dialogue is gorgeous and refreshing, especially these days when writing in films is often so sloppy. The plot is interesting enough to keep the audience’s attention without attempting to pose a big enough distraction to detract from the character moments which really comprise the heart of the film.
Closest comparison: It’s the Alfred Hitchcock movie that isn’t Psycho.
Setting: Spy Thriller
Plot: Mystery
Tone: Drama/Comedy
Better than The 39 Steps, this movie at least has an interesting turn in the middle. Instead of plot contrivances it actually takes a meta-commentary on films with plot contrivances and bakes it into the plot. Peter Lorre is marvelous here, as always, and the cast has chemistry and is well-suited to their individual roles. Unfortunately the ending leaves quite a bit to be desired, opting for more of a ‘that’s all, folks’ wrap-up than a more satisfying ‘Hitchcockian’ twist. Still, it’s good film-making overall and a fun older movie.
Closest comparison: It’s a more interesting 39 Steps
Setting: WWI
Plot: Spy
Tone: Spy
Alfred Hitchcock knows how to weave a story, but here it seems like he’s just going through the motions. It’s fine enough, with some nice cinematography and a few fun bits of witty banter, but it lacks the life and excitement of many of his other films. There are too many plot conveniences, too many things that happen just the right way, and the ending is a mildly clumsy reveal, not the clever discovery one comes to expect from the Master of Suspense. Still, you could do a whole lot worse when it comes to the spy genre, and on the whole it’s pretty entertaining.
Closest Comparison: It’s like The Third Man but less pretentious and 14 years earlier.
Setting: Modern (1930’s)
Plot: Spy Thriller
Tone: Spy Thriller
