“Drama is life with the dull bits cut out.” —Alfred Hitchcock
Almost everyone I know has a favorite Alfred Hitchcock movie. I have several that I love. One of them is The 39 Steps. It was an early Hitchcock film (1935) starring Robert Donat as the cool and suave Richard Hannay on the run in Scotland. It’s doubly special because my husband and I spent a few days while in Scotland driving around looking for locations where the film was shot.
Other favorites are Vertigo, Dial M for Murder, Rear Window, and Spellbound. And who can forget the crop duster scene in North by Northwest.
So TKZers: What’s your favorite Hitchcock film?
Ah, the master of suspense himself! For me, my favorite Hitchcock film is a tie between “North By Northwest” and “Rear Window.” Close behind is “A Shadow of a Doubt,” recommended to me by our very own JSB. Riveting suspense film with some great Hitchcock humor to contrast the suspense.
“The 39th Steps” and “The Lady Vanishes” round out my personal top five favorite Hitchcock films.
Hope you have a fine weekend, Kay.
👍
Good morning, Dale!
That’s a great list. I’ve only seen Shadow of a Doubt once or twice, but I remember the uncomfortable feeling I got when I first began to suspect the uncle. Excellent movie.
Have a good weekend!
Rear Window. Jimmy Stewart, Grace Kelly at her loveliest, the great character actress Thelma Ritter….and Raymond Burr just before he became TV’s Perry Mason. Based on a story by suspense master Cornell Woolrich.
Hitchcock was at his visual best, creating mini stories in each of the windows, without dialogue.
I love the way Hitchcock handled those “mini stories.” All of the acting was perfect.
I liked the scene where Grace Kelly accuses Jimmy Stewart of having an unhealthy obsession with spying on the neighbors. But then she becomes aware that something funny is going on across the courtyard.
Tough question, Kay. Probably a tie between Rear Window and Vertigo. Jimmy Stewart is the perfect hapless everyman plopped into insane situations.
Hitchcock’s humor was the sparkler on top of the cake.
For most interesting structure, Rope b/c it was edited to give the illusion of one continuous take. Interestingly, another one starring Jimmy Stewart. Hitch and Stewart made a winning combo.
Least favorite was The Birds. Lots of exciting action and bad things happening but no real plot underpinning it. It lacked a satisfying resolution.
Good morning, Debbie!
I’ve never seen Rope. I should correct that.
I agree with you about Jimmy Stewart. The perfect actor for those movies.
This is choosing between chocolate and sex. Impossible. But for pure emotion Psycho.
On the other hand, the scene in Rear Window where Burr is coming for Jimmy Stewart still scares the hell out of me.
Hi Brian!
Yes, that scene where Burr comes in the room and the only weapon Jimmy Stewart has is his camera was great.
Rear Window is getting a lot of votes.
Have a great weekend.
Never saw any Hitchcock films. “Lassie” movies are more my style. LOL!
Although not much a movie viewer, inevitably a Hitchcock film comes up in reference, such as when you’re relating something current to “The Birds” etc. 😎
Good morning, Brenda.
I like “Lassie” too. I don’t care for the later Hitchcock films, but the early ones are wonderful. There’s a lot to learn from Alfred Hitchcock.
Have a great weekend!
Rear Window, viewing it countless times and many readings of the script.
Another vote for Rear Window. It’s so interesting since the scenes are all shot from within one room. But much of the action takes place in or across the courtyard.
I’ve never read the script. I’ll put that on my to-do list.
Have a good weekend.
My brain can’t take the really frightening ones, but I love “To Catch a Thief.” And then there’s the Hitchcock movie I love that isn’t by Hitchcock — “Charade.” Both with the unrivaled talent of Cary Grant.
Hi Michelle.
I also don’t like the really scary movies, but I love the earlier Hitchcock. You’re right about Cary Grant – such a talented actor.
Have a good weekend.
Psycho for sure followed by Rear Window. Hitchcock was a genius.
Rear Window was also genius. You’re right, Patricia.
Thanks for your vote, Patricia. Psycho was a little too scary for me, but I loved Rear Window. (Apparently, everyone else did too!)
Have a great weekend.
I saw it with my boyfriend at the time—perfect for burying my head in his shoulder. Lol
Psycho. I also loved The Birds, probably one of the few who does.
Good morning, Sue.
I think you’re the first vote for The Birds. Every time I see a bunch of birds on a telephone line, I think of that movie.
Have a good weekend.
I have to put in my two cents for Rear Window. Even though I hate scary movies, Hitchcock was a master.
Hi Fran!
Rear Window seems to be a crowd favorite. A classic.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Have a great weekend.
In no particular order: Rear Window, The Birds, North By Northwest, Psycho, and The 39 Steps.
Happy Friday!
Hi Deb!
Psycho is a little beyond my scare threshold, but I like all the others.
Interesting that no one mentioned Dial M for Murder (Ray Milland was deliciously evil as he plotted the murder of his wife) or Spellbound which was a psychological thriller. I loved both of those.
Forgot about Spellbound!