Directed By: Alfred Hitchcock
Written By: John Michael Hayes
Staring: James Stewart, Doris Day, Brenda De Banzie, Bernard Miles, Ralph Truman, and Daniel Gelin
Remember, you will only have time for just one shot. If you need another, the risk is yours. – Edward Drayton
I don’t take risks. – Rien
Review:
I am on the other end of the spectrum in terms of my opinion on this classic suspense thriller from Alfred Hitchock. In my opinion, this is my third favorite film of his. Hitchcock is one of a few directors that could actually pull off doing his own remake! I am a huge fan of Jimmy Stewart. He is the quintessential hero from the 50′s and is a perfect compliment to any leading lady. I particularly like him in Hitchock film, my favorite film of theirs has to be Rear Window. He has a direct manner about his acting style. His piercing eyes aid in telling the severity of the situations that he is in along with his wonderful facial expressions. Doris Day plays his wife and a retired opera singer.
The plot of the film is every families worst nightmare and yet is also very intriguing. Dr. Ben McKenna played by Stewart and his wife Jo McKenna played by Doris Day are vacationing in Morocco with their son and they stumble upon an assassination plot and their son is kidnapped. What will they be able to do? Will they be able to save their son and stop the assassination attempt. and are the two mysteries one in the same.
The music and the pacing of the film was spot on for me for the tension mounting sequences. It is not the same as other films like Rear Window and North by Northwest but there is still a great deal of suspense. One of my favorite scenes is when Dr. McKenna tries to locate Ambrose Chapel. I love the quiet street that this scene is shot on and the sounds of the footsteps which add to the mounting suspense. This climactic end is very memorable to me and will always have a special place in my heart.
Just like in every Hitchcock film you get to see Hitchcock, even if it is for a small moment. The Man Who Knew Too Much is no different. Moroccan filming locations giving the movie an authentic feel during the scenes in the bazaar and the restaurant. As usual with Hitchcock films I am in love with the costumes. As is usual with films like this the men are well dressed in nice suits and the ladies have wonderful dresses. Hitchcock always had a distinct attention to detail which makes his films enjoyable to watch over and over for me.
The Bottom Line – While I understand where Heather is coming from on certain aspects of her review I believe that this is much more suspenseful film than she has given it credit for. The pacing, dialogue and music are classic Hitchcock and are not to be missed!
The part I really agree with you about is the partnership of Day and Stewart. They made phenomenal leads and gave the roles a certain level of authenticity. The costumes were amazing and I adored the set design and pathos the location gave the film.
The only thing that really did lack for me was the pacing. I love Hitchcock films too, this one just isn’t my fav.
Well I guess we will have to agree to disagree on that point LOL. I love Hitchcock and Stewart. I think you should definitely watch Alfred Hitchcock Presents, they are available on NetFlix instant watch!
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