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It is Murder?

We went to dinner with friends over the weekend and started discussing some favorite movies.  We decided one has to step back in time for really good films. An actual plot and good acting are lacking in many films today.  Those two elements beat glitzy special effects any day.  I'm an Alfred Hitchcock fan myself and never tire of watching his collection of suspenseful and downright scary movies. And don't we all love a good scare?

My all time favorite is Rear Window starring Jimmy Stewart, the stunning Grace Kelly, Thelma Ritter, and Raymond Burr.  The movie was made in 1954  and is based on a short story by Cornell Woolrich, entitled It Must be Murder.  It was nominated for four Academy Awards and is considered one of Hitchcock's best. The Rotten Tomatoes website says "Hitchcock exerted full potential of suspense in this masterpiece." I consider it his best.  The cinematography alone is worth watching the movie.  He is masterful at discovering the private worlds within each apartment window—Miss Lonely Hearts, the dancer, and the struggling composer just to name a few.

The movie will keep you on the edge of your seat watching Grace Kelly sneak into Raymond Burr's apartment to try and find evidence of a murder. (Her costumes by Edith Head are wonderful too.) Jimmy Stewart, who plays a photographer confined to his apartment because of a broken leg watches helplessly from his window on the other side of the complex. Thelma Ritter, who plays his nurse is biting her nails while Miss Kelly narrowly escapes Mr. Burr's murderous clutches or does she?  If you haven't seen this movie, I highly recommend you get it in your queue on Netflix.  No remake of this will ever compare to the original.

Probably Hitchcock's most famous movie is Psycho with Janet Leigh.  Who can ever forget the shower scene?  And then there's The Birds.  Made in 1963 starring Rod Taylor and introducing Tippi Hedron, the tension in this movie never stops until the very end which  is typical of a Hitchcock film.  It was loosely based on a short story by Daphne du Maurier and you'll end up giving flocks of birds a second look after watching this chilling movie. Alfred used another du Maurier story, Rebecca for a sinister and psychological thriller that is a must see.

As the days get cooler, and we decide to sip hot chocolate while curled up on the couch, I suggest you check out what Mr. Hitchcock has to offer.  There are so many good ones to choose from:  North by Northwest, The Man Who Knew Too Much, The Trouble With Harry, Rope, Vertigo, Spellbound, To Catch a Thief, Dial M for Murder, Strangers on a Train, Shadow of a Doubt and the list goes on.  You may not want to watch them alone though, so it's a great time to invite a few friends over to enjoy a really good movie. I think that sounds like an outstanding idea.  There are a few Hitchcock movies stashed on the DVR all ready to go.  In fact, The Birds is at the top of the queue.

What's your favorite Hitchcock movie or favorite suspense movie?  I'd love to hear from readers this week on your choice. 



Comments

whenilk said…
I believe that one of the best mystery/suspense movies was, "Diabolique", a French film made in 1955. I can't think of any movie produced in the past twenty years that is worth the high prices at the box office or Fandango.
The best thing bout Hitchcock's great films is that they are all available for low cost or free, and all are good.
I'll have to check that one out. Thanks, Harry.

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