Nalita Media: Alfred Hitchcock -- The Best and the Worst

1. Favorite: North by Northwest, Foreign Correspondent, Lifeboat, Vertigo, Strangers on a Train. There are no bad Hitchcock films, although some of them like "Rope" seem technically primative.

2. Fav: Cary Grant -- Least: Farley Granger

3. Fav: Kim Novak, or maybe Princess Grace -- Least: Barbara Bel Geddes

4. Grace Kelly auditioned for "To Catch a Theif" by undressing in front of a window, while Hitchcock voyeured from a distance with binoculars.

Wow Robert, you name quite a few!

About "Rope": Hitch employed that technique intentionally -- to shoot the entire film with no apparent breaks.  I like it, because it gives the realistic sense of chronological continuity, and my understanding is that it was not easy to do; it's one reason that he didn't shoot subsequent films using the technique.

I absolutely adore "North by Northwest".  I would also say that -- for me -- there is a tie between James Stewart, and Cary Grant as my favorite actors/leading men.  Since he used Grant in "North by Northwest", it endears the film to me all the more.

"Vertigo" not only has James Stewart in it, but it has the appeal of being shot in San Francisco, plus showing some of the buildings on California Street, and one particular landmark building where I was once employed.  I'd probably get a kick out of watching those two -- North by Northwest", and "Vertigo" with popcorn, and with you and/or a group of us.

One more interesting thing is that "Vertigo" is considered Hitch's masterpiece, again, based on Hitch technique

Yes, Grant always had that sense of dignity about him, even when being crop dusted.

And he had a sense of style. Never wore patterned ties, only solid.

Actually, the photo of Pat (above) was taken from "Strangers on a Train" in which Robert Walker stepped on those glasses.

Really?  I know that she wasn't the one to be subsequently murdered; was she the first one?  For some reason that photo reminded me of "Strangers on a Train". 

Yes Neeetah, she was one of the "double" murders that the two guys were supposed to do for each other. Farley Granger was supposed to murder Robert Walker's father, and Robert Walker was supposed to murder Farley Granger's wife. If I remember right she was his former wife that hadn't divorced yet, and he needed to conclude that to marry Ruth Roman. Robert Walker followed her to the amusement park and the scene where he killed her, and stepped on her glasses was near the merry-go-round where the big scene was.

This film is interesting to watch for all the little symbols Hitchcock inserted - the theme being double-cross. When Walker and Granger are on the train they have their legs crossed, Granger is a tennis player and has some version of crossed tennis rackets ...and more.

Robert,

Forgive me for not responding to this comment sooner.   All that you have said here is absolutely CORRECT, although I had forgotten who Farley Granger's wealthy fiancee was -- yes!  I am beginning to get the image of Ruth Roman. 

In many of his movies -- yes, indeed! -- Hitch was good at using all types of techniques and symbolism.  His films were enticing in that you really did need to utilize the grey matter to "get it".    A person who watches Hitch's film for diversion, and only to be entertained shall miss much of what made Hitch famous, and what his message(s) were, won't they.

I don't really have a favorite Hitchcock movie, but Psycho is a standout, and Rear Window too.

I stay up late and watch Alfred Hitchcock Presents on one of our channels here. I've really come to appreciate what a comedian he was.

EM JAY,

His "Alfred Hitchcock Presents"  are a blast, aren't they!

Because of the famous shower scene, I think "Psycho" shall always stand out.  Again, there's James Stewart in "Rear Window".  I believe he used Stewart in 5 of his films; I know I won't recall them all.  I'll do my best to name them:

Rear Window

Vertigo

The Man Who Knew Too Much

Rope,

and ????

I'm fairly certain there was a fifth.  I won't cheat though, and check.

I like all of Hitchcock's movies, no bad ones :)  My fave is probably the Birds and I love Tippi Hedren.  James Perkins was a favorite leading man.  He also cast great actors and actresses in the parts.  It was so cool how he'd made an "appearance" in all his movies, even as a shadow on the wall.

Stacey,

I like Tippi Hedren as well.  I have heard her say in interviews that Hitch ws a hard man/director to work with, which was why she didn't do more with him.

Okay, my attempt at trivia: Tippi Hedren is the mother of actress, Melanie Griffith.  Tippi Hedren is also a fierce animal rights advocate.

I'm not at all familiar with James Perkins, though. 

Hi Nalita :) That's because I meant to say Anthony Perkins - that will teach me to comment before I finish my morning java, LOL.  Love the Tippi trivia!  Good to see you posting.

Listen Stacey,

How many mistakes have I made today?  Innumerable.  Maybe you all are just too polite to point out the ones in this thread that I didn't catch(I didn't get much sleep last night.)

Thanks, Stacey!

Do you know I have never watched a Hitchcock Film!  How sad is that?  LOL :-)

Might age be a factor for you?  I'm thinking you are very young, like early twenties, and Hitch's directing career was over by the eighties.  Well Pamela, you have the list above, so that whenever they appear on television you may want to tune in.  I have them all, but cannot say I have watched all of them.  For example, while I have them, I don't recall viewing  "Easy Virtue" or "Manxman".  I'm not crazy about silent films.

Hehe, I am 34, but that still explains it, as I was 6 in 1980!  I will be on the lookout for them though!  I love horror and suspence :-)  Thanks for the list Lady Neeetah!  {{HUGS}} to you!

Pam,

Do me a favor, please.  No, I shall do you one, first . . .

Well, that really IS a first.  I checked TIVO for you -- to see what Hitchcock films would be airing in the next two weeks: ZERO!   That is truly a first.

Okay, still here is the favor: when you happen to come across one of his films, and you get the opportunity to watch it, would you contact me, give your opinion?  I would be most interested.  Thanks, Pam!

I had no idea that H made so many films.  I only saw Birds and Psycho but loved both.

Ron,

Wasn't he prolific in his filmmaking?   If you liked "The Birds", and "Psycho", I am pretty certain you would enjoy some of the others, possibly the ones involving espionage.

Someone mentioned it earlier, but it bears mentioning again, that Hitch appeared/cameoed in nearly every film he directed.  He always found a way to do this, even in "Lifeboat" where the cast were stranded in a small boat in the middle of the ocean.  He was located in a newspaper ad in the boat.

In "The Birds", he may be seen at the very beginning, when Hedrin is walking across the street to go to the pet shop.  He is walking several dogs -- or rather, the dogs are walking Hitch!

I cannot recall where he appears in "Psycho".

Nee, great to see you back.

As I recall the newspaper advert was for a wieght loss program. He was the "before" picture. lol

I've only seen a handful on this list. I saw Family Plot but did not know it was a Hitchcock film. I hated it. I liked The Birds when I was a kid, but when I saw it last year, thought it was just kind of dumb. I know I've seen Psycho and probably Rear Window and Vertigo, but really don't remember them.

On the other hand, I've seen interviews and such, and thought Hitchcock himself was quite interesting!

Julie,

I feel you where "Family Plot" is concerned, and I agree -- I consider it one of my least favorite Hitch films.

I would be interested in knowing what information the interviews held -- the ones you watched.

The greatest plot the master ever devised was from Strangers on a Train.  This has been copied dozens of times in many movies incuding the comedy, Throw Momma from the train.

Yes Lionel, and "The Lady Vanishes" was remade with Jody Foster on an airliner and instead of "The Lady" it was her child, but the key device was there that the whole thing turned on (won't say what it was in case anyone sees one of those after reading this).

Lionel,

That is oh, sooo true.  As a matter of fact, albeit a good theme, the film industry has worn the theme out in using it so much.

. . .it is to the point where, after you have seen the first 15 minutes of a particular movie, you already know -- another version of "Strangers on a Train".

I think Vertigo ended up as a love hate relationship between Stewart and Kim Novak at the end. He was very conflicted by the two.

Yes, I considered that Robert; I agree with you.  The ones that were clearly love-hate were the ones I passed over to Stanley.  As you stated, Jimmy Stewart was so conflicted in his feelings.

Hitchcock's first film, The Lodger was featured prominently in the 2001 Academy Award winner Gosford Park. Ivor Novello was played by Jeremy Northam (did an amazing job singing and playing the piano) and his role in the lodger was discussed several times.

In that film Novello was near the end of his film career (went on to write songs for several more decades). Maggie Smith's character asks Novello: "What was it called? The Dodger? Novello: "The Lodger." MS character Lady Trentham: "It must be awfully disappointing when somthing flops like that." Novello: "Yes it is ...rather disappointing."

Really, Robert?  More trivia I'm glad you mentioned. 

I actually liked the Lodger, which is unusual for me, since I did not like Hitch's early films.  The other thing that fascinates me with Hitch is watching his development.  It might be that I don't like his British-made films simply because they aren't American, but I don't think that is it at all.  I see a change, growth and maturity in his filmmaking so that, by the time he got to the United States, he really HAD matured and really was making better films.

I am very surprised that no one has mentioned Paul Newman's role in the Hitch film, "Torn Curtain".   It wasn't what I was accustomed to seeing from Paul Newman, but he performed quite well.  In that film, I adore the bus scene -- all of it -- from the countess, to the lady lecturing them, and complaining about their getting caught.  Talk about comedy, which isn't meant to be comedy.  I think it's one of Hitch's most hilarious scenes.

Good theme Nene we need more like these.  Keep up the good work.

Thank you, Lionel!  Next time it will be your turn!

I think I have seen them all, when his name came up, we were to the theatre. mystery and thrillers were always my genre,  He made many stars,  what a  great talent he was, and I loved his humor of getting himself somehow into every one of his movies, a great talent.

Elsie,

I agree with, pretty much, all that you have said.  There are certain artists whom -- whenever you hear their name -- you'll know automatically it is going to be a quality piece of work.  It is that way with Hitch; it's like,

"Hitchcock film?  It will be a good one."

Admittedly, I was disappointed with "Family Plot", but all in all, it is still a cut above most of what comes out of Hollywood these days!

Boy-oh-boy, it would be hard to narrow down just ONE favorite.

"Shadow of a Doubt" is probably Joseph Cotten's best part (except perhaps for Holly Martins in another cinematic giant, Orson Welles' "The Third Man").

"Lifeboat" is compelling for both the claustrophobic setting and Tallulah's scenery chewing, plus the added atraction of the wonderful Walter Slezak (son of a famous opera singer Leo) who got his start in films because he was a close friend of Michael Curtiz, director of one of the greatest films of all time, "Casablanca".

"Strangers on a Train" has the advantage not only of a great plot device, but the other worldy creepiness of Robert Walker.

"Dial 'M' for Murder" has Ray Milland playing against type along with Princess Grace as "eye candy" and the wonderful Robert Cummings.

I saw "Rear Window" when I was about 12 and it marked the first time I had experienced Raymond "Perry Mason" Burr as a heavy (pun intended), although I later discovered that he specialized in brutal thuggery in most of his early film appearances. He scared the living sh*t out of me in "Rear Window".

"The Trouble With Harry" is priceless for its hilarity with the added attraction of having the wonderful Edmund Gwenn (not to mention "The Beav").

"Vertigo" is probably Jimmy Stewart's best role (although I am also quite partial to him as Ransom Stoddard in "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence") and has wonderful camerawork, aside from the fact that it was filmed across the bay from my hometown of Oakland.  Personal trivia: My parents were married in the chapel at San Juan Bautista.

"North by Northwest" not only has the wonderful Archibald Leach (who dropped acid hundreds of times) but also James Mason and his little 'boy toy' Martin Landau, and the absolutely stunning Eva Marie Saint.

"Psycho" showcased troubled Anthony Perkins' amazing talents (he was also brilliant in "Pretty Poison" with the (pardon me if I start drooling) ADORABLE Tuesday Weld).

"The Birds" is not only a technical 'tour de force" for its special FX, but has another of my adolescent heart throbs, the gorgeous and sexy voiced Suzanne Pleshett. Additional personal trivia: I once worked serving breakfast to a film crew that was shooting a commercial in the parking lot of the schoolhouse in Bodega Bay.

As far as question number two is concerned, the aforementioned Archie Leach is my favorite and Farley Granger gets the raspberry.

Question #3- Eve Marie wins the award and Barbara Bel Geddes doesn't (although she was pretty good in the television epidode I'm about to mention).

Hitch trivia: My absolute favorite episode of his television series is "Lamb to the Slaughter" which was penned by the delightfully twisted Roald Dahl (who was a stellar human being, who was married to Patricia Neal and cared for her after she had her stroke).

Yes, Shadow of Doubt was brilliant. Joseph Cotton was so untterly contemptable.

Here's some trivia about Lifeboat. It was made entirely on a stage set and every day the actors would climb a ladder to the boat. Hume Cronyn would always follow Tallulah Bankhead up the ladder as her costume was that skirt, with no undergarment (which was not a costume choice).

Very impressive, Muggs!!!  Pray tell: what would you like me to say? Your comment is a very tough act to follow.  I see this though: I now know where to go if I have any questions about Hitchcock -- to you and to Robert A.

Thank you.

My favorite Jimmy Stewert film is Bell, Book, and Candle, ha ha

I am still not saying what my favorite of Hitch's films are, but I will say this much.  Since I've been recuperating, and believe-you-me, you cannot DO anything immediately after the surgery I had, I pulled out some of my Hitchcock tapes. . .in the last 6 weeks, I have watched these Hitchcock films:]

Young and Innocent

Jamaica Inn

Rebecca

Foreign Correspondent

Saboteur

Lifeboat

Spellbound
The Parradine Case

Rope

Rear Window

Psycho

The Birds,

Marnie, and

Torn Curtain

See there!  Told ya I was a fan, because only a fan would watch that much Hitchcock, and some of these -- like "Rope" -- several times!

Listen: thank you all for sharing with others and with me, your interest in Hitchcock films!

(. . .and if you tire of watching television, pick up one of Peter Joseph Swanson's (http:/www.peterjswanson.gather.com) books; I have 5 of them, and my favorite is the first one:

"Hollywood Sinners" by Peter Joseph Swanson

You shall absolutely love reading it, and Peter's other books, plus it's a nice way to get away from it all without getting away from it all!)

Hey !!! I get to the very end of the thread and SEE THIS !!! ha ha

I was GOING to say that I love The Birds best because I never tire of watching it (have it on DVD) and it seems to all play out like a dream - a nightmare.

But I love so many ...

Thanks for your input, Peter!

As far as your books are concerned, I wanted it to be clear that you did not solicit or ask me to mention your books; I did that on my own.  I did so, because I begin remembering what I was doing while I was recuperating, which was Hitchcock, and reading -- which definitely included reading your books.  It really is a nice way to "get away" -- take your mind off more pressing issues -- and I thank you for that, Peter!

(I also took yours and Alison's books with me to read during my hospital stays.)

YAY ... BOOKS !!!

Now I'm soliciting you to write a Gather review !!!  Don't hide your praise in little comments within comments - go full glory

(or MY full glory)

ha ha

*goes back to being shy*

*is blinking in a very shy manner*

Peter,

I have been considering the best way to do this.  I'll ping you!

The man had a delicious sense of humor, when the lady fed the cops the murder weapon.  Anyone remember what the meal consisted of?

Very good, Lionel!  Indeed, I remember that episode of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents".   This was long before I knew WHO Hitch was; I was a child.  She murdered her husband with a frozen slab of meat, and I believe it was leg o' lamb.   She shoved that piece of meat in the oven, and voila!  She most certainly did offer the officers, who had come to investigate a report of suspicious noises some "food", which was also the murder weapon.

What better way to dispose of the murder weapon than to have the cops eat the evidence -- eat IT!

It's all very nostalgic for me, Lionel, and sad for me now, because I miss those days so much.  My parents were still alive, and we all would retire for the evening, after dinner, to watch television -- all of us, my parents, and my siblings together.  What a very happy secure, feeling it was. 

Do you remember the "Friday Night Fights" and Ed Sullivan?  It's very vague in my mind, but I remember the fights, because we children had to suffer through them; my dad insisted on watching the "Friday Night Fights", and unless we wanted an earlier bedtime, we would have to sit there and watch them, too.   Good times, good ole days -- no troubles, or worries whatsoever.

What has happened to that?

Say what you may about television, but as I look back on those days, it was a time of family interaction, and unity  -- all of us doing something together, and being able to look back now, remember . . .   I don't see that anymore these days.

Anyway, did I answer the question accurately?

Hitchcock was a master, no bout a doubt it! LOL I really agree with your last comment...the togetherness of the family back in the day! I remember playing cards and board games in the evenings.....with crackers and cheese! Grandma made us all learn to play pinochle as soon as we could count! I think it all started to change with my own kids after we got the first home video game.....silly ping pong and hand ball and them fighting over the controllers and never wanting to do anything else. Pity!

One good thing tho since the economy tanked people are starting to cacoon at home again...............only this time with huge Home Theater systems and big screen TVs.

Spot on, APE!!!  The video games, and computers have done A LOT of damage with respect to family togetherness.  Now it's, everyone has their own television, computer, cell phone, etc., and they (children) retire to their rooms to do their thing separately

What a drag it has become

Yes you did. leg of lamb.  Ed Sullivan, although I was already in the Air Force I was close enough to home so I was there every weekend, Mom and Dad and I would watch the shows you mentioned.  I can see where this would be a warm secure memory.  All of my warm secure memories have Mom and Dad in them.  Good times.  Family time is sorely needed, it would be wonderful to see it again.  So important, the dynamics in child-parent time spent. 

Lionel,

I agree that the child/parent dynamic is crucial to a healthy society, but has disintegrated so badly here in the U.S., and we are seeing the fruits of this breakdown.

Although there was not much warm, and fuzzy/intimate chats between my dad and my brothers, I see the fruits there, too.  The lessons my dad wished to teach my brothers have stuck.   Some of the lessons I do NOT agree with, like the hunting, which I believed to be brutal,   The key, though, is that the example my dad set forth DID impact my brothers very positively, so that they are mature, and responsible me -- family men.  It is very much like I've heard police officers say,

"Show me a kid's rap sheet, and I can tell you ALL about their father" . . .but I have steered us off-target; my apologies.

 The only one I ever saw was The Birds. I barely remember it because I was maybe 12 years old at the most.

It's a very good film, and a good one to remember, er . . .Jeff H. Obama.  I would love to watch that one again . . .with YOU!

The new Icon: does this mean that your Cousin Itt Icon has bitten the dust?

Favorite film: Rear Window, even now years later after repeated viewings... it Still keeps me on the edge of my seat.

Least favorite: Bon Voyage, a lot of Hitch's earlier work just didn't thrill me.

Favorite leads: it would be a tough choice as there are so many excellent actors/actresses featured in HItch's work but I'd have to go with Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly. Both had that wonderful innocent air that wonderfully offsets the dark and macabre humor so thick in anything Hitchcock. Honestly, I don't have any least favorite leads!

Did you know?

As a child, after he had misbehaved, Alfred Hitchcock was sent to the local police station with a letter from his father. The desk sergeant read the letter and immediately locked the boy up for ten minutes. After that, the sergeant let young Alfred go, explaining, 'This is what we do to bad little boys.' Hitchcock never really got over that and developed a fear of police, which may be why he never learned to drive. He figured it was one less chance of being stopped by the police! He is also the only person I know of who had a phobia over Eggs! Ovophobia can't be that common. Hitchcock was a fascinating and talented individual, and I have always loved his unique sense of humor.

"I understand the inventor of the bagpipes was inspired when he saw a man carrying an indignant, asthmatic pig under his arm. Unfortunately, the manmade sound never equaled the purity of the sound achieved by the pig."

"I am scared easily, here is a list of my adrenaline - production: 1: small children, 2: policemen, 3: high places, 4: that my next movie will not be as good as the last one."

"When an actor comes to me and wants to discuss his character, I say, 'It's in the script.' If he says, 'But what's my motivation?,' I say, 'Your salary.'"

"The length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the human bladder."

"Man does not live by murder alone. He needs affection, approval, encouragement and, occasionally, a hearty meal."

 "I am a typed director. If I made "Cinderella," the audience would immediately be looking for a body in the coach."

:) wishing you laughter

Hi Quinn,

My goodness, but thank you for all of the information!

Yes, I had heard Hitch recount the police story in some interview, but I didn't know about the eggs!

The quotes you cited are priceless; he was funny alright, a macabre sense of humor, but from all accounts I've seen he was a nice man.

Quinn, check it out: there is some sort of tribute to Hitch occurring on June 27.   (see my response to I don't know why, since his birthday is in August; I don't know why the tribute.

Thanks, Quinn!  Wishing much laughter right back at you!!! :=)

I love Rear Window!

Hi Kathy, and thanks for the sharing that information!  "Rear Window" was one of Hitch's more popular films.

I haven't seen all his films.  I think Psycho was the scariest, and Rope was great because it had Jimmy Stewart.  Carey Grant was a favorite as well.  Don't have a favorite actress or least favorite of anything. 

Hitchcock trivia:

Hitch had a T.V. series which I would cut school to watch, since the reruns were daytime. 

"Alfred Hitchcock Presents" was that T.V. series' name.    Gary, talent like Hitch's comes along once in a lifetime.  I gave my permission for you to cut school.  ;=)

You gave permission?  Then what was everybody's problem back then?  My parents, my teachers were so pissy!  LOL! 

You got caught???!!!   Well, bless your leetle hookey-playing heart!  The key is to NEVER get caught, although the ONE TIME -- theeee one time -- I did it I almost got caught!

Oh wow. What a great list. Thank you!

I'm so bad, I've never watched any of these, but I've read all the Nancy Drew mysteries!!  LOL

My favorite was always the Birds.