The Man Who Knew Too Much

Starring: James Stewart, Doris Day
Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
Rating: PG
Genre: Thriller
1956

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Two American tourists (James Stewart, Doris Day) get taught up in an assassination plot and have their son kidnapped to keep them quiet about the secret they know. They then embark on a quest to get their son back alive and if possible, stop the assassination.

Review:

Tim: This is a very interesting movie from suspense master Alfred Hitchcock, who, incidentally, is remaking an older film of his. This one follows a plot of mystery and intrigue that traverses between two continents. The film is bit nerveracking because this could really happen to anyone traveling overseas. That fact adds to the believability factor.

James Stewart is very good as an American doctor innocently thrust into a dangerous attemot to save his kidnapped son. This doesn't rank anyone near his best performances, but he is still enjoyable to watch. Doris Day is very good as Stewart's wife, and is amazing when she sings the Academy Award winning "Que Sera Sera."

While this movie is enjoyable, I don't believe it quite ranks at the very top of Hitchcock's best. It is close, but a tier lower. The film is not quite as thrilling or suspenseful as it needs to be. There are long stretches that, although interesting, do not evoke any emotions in us at all.

The best scene in the movie involves the attempted assassination. Hitchcock's brilliance shines here as he draws the scene out longer than it needs to be- the suspense reaches an absolute boiling point. This is a terrific scene.

Even average Hitchcock movies are better than most other films. This one has enough excitement and intrigue to stay very, very interesting.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Rope, Vertigo, North by Northwest, Psycho, Rear Window