#The Alfred Hitchcock Blogathon

[viviqueen]

Top of the World: 35 Favourite Hitchcock Characters

Happy Friday! Start the weekend with a dose of… suspense! by discovering my 35 most favourite Hitchcock characters!

📖 Read via the link

Written for the 2nd Master of Suspense Blogathon. Enjoy!

[nitrateglow]

I posted my Master of Suspense blogathon entry early. It's about Hitchcock's most famous unproduced project No Bail for the Judge, which would have featured Audrey Hepburn as a barrister going undercover to prove her judge father's innocence after he's accused of murder.

[katrinaneenie]

It must have been an unusual life for Mrs. Hitchcock being married to a creative Filmmaker like “Hitch.”  If you can judge by her reaction in this picture, she never had a dull moment; but, perhaps, she had a lot of fun surprises.  Even in the best of marriages, there must be moments of doubt concerning the subject of trust. How can you tell if someone is telling you the truth or lying to you?  What if your intellect tells you they are lying, especially if the evidence points to them lying; yet, they vehemently deny it.

It is a is an extremely difficult situation on any level but more so when you love the lying suspect with your whole heart and soul. God help those who possess an analytical mind and put it in practice with something akin to an old Irish idiom: Don’t believe anything you hear and only half what you see!  The Master Director of mystery films and thrillers, Alfred Hitchcock, provides these questions and situations to ponder as we watch his 1941 film, Suspicion.

In this Hitchcock film, the person possibly lying is none other than the debonair, charismatic Cary Grant (Johnnie Aysgarth).  The person desperately wanting to believe his lies is the lovely, slightly naive Joan Fontaine (Lina Mclaidlaw Aysgarth), his wife.

Lina, who lacks confidence in herself as an attractive woman along with being painfully shy, accidentally meets a man too good to be true. She finds herself falling madly in love. This begins as handsome Johnnie shows up in her first class train compartment with his third class train ticket. She never met anyone like him before.

This is the first film out of three Hitchcock films that Grant plays the lead. According to Grant, it was going to be the last movie too.  He didn’t like how his character was handled; and, he thought Hitch gave more attention to Fontaine.  She won an academy award for her performance.  This picture was nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture too.

  I love the way this movie starts with a pitch black screen. Then, you hear a train whistle.  Then, the audience hears Grant’s voice apologizing for kicking a leg.  You hear him say, I didn’t mean to hurt you.  Nothing like a bit of foreshadowing by Hitchcock.  It is dark because the train is going through a tunnel; but, once the train is through it, the light reveals a bookish, nerdy kind of young lady wearing glasses (Lina) sitting alone in a compartment. She is staring, in amazement, at the uncouthness of Cary Grant (Johnnie). This sets the mood for this entire movie…The audience is in the dark and never sure what to believe.

  This is their first meeting.  The porter checks the tickets and discovers Johnnie (Grant) has a third class ticket; yet, he is in a first class compartment.  He didn’t have enough money to upgrade his ticket.  He asks book girl if she has any extra change.  Again, her jaw drops.  As she fumbles for some money, he sees a postage stamp in her hand.  He takes it and gives it to the porter and says to him: it is legal tender. Now, go and mail a letter.

Later, he sees Lina atop a nervous horse at an equestrian event.  When her horse rears up on its hind legs, she skillfully reins him in; and, he settles down. She is clearly enjoying her ride upon this spirited horse. Johnnie can hardly believe it is the same girl on the train.  He asks his lady companions who she is. They know her and are a bit negative in their comments of her.  You know how jealous some women can be. The ladies decides to introduce Johnnie to her with a visit.  They ask her to join them for Sunday church services.

Lina meets Johnnie and his groupies for church.  As she is about to go in, Johnnie holds her back.  He asks, You really don’t want to go to Church service? Do you?  Lina tries to pull away, Johnnie is stronger. He tells her they will toss a coin and decide whether to go inside with the others. He tosses a coin.  Head or tails, you just know that he will win. When the rest of the group notices the two missing, they look back but see nothing.

Next, we see another Hitchcock foreshadowing. There is a couple, in the distance, on a hill. They are physically struggling against one another. At first, I thought he was going to toss her over a cliff.  As the camera comes closer, we can see it is Johnnie and Lina. Lina can’t shake him off her. Then, Johnnie says, Why are you fighting me?  Did you think I was going to kiss you?  Lina replies: Yes! Why else would you try to put your arms around me.  Johnnie said he was trying to fix her hair. You know this is total nonsense.  Then, he plays with her hair and puts it in the most ridiculous styles. Which is actually pretty funny.

Later, when they reach her house, they overhear through an open window, Lina’s mother and father talking about her being a spinster and how her father must leave her a fortune to live on. You can see the hurt in Lina’s face. As she turns away to leave, she sees Johnnie looking over her shoulder. She does not hesitate.  She wraps her arms around his neck and  passionately kisses him, full mouth. Then, she runs into the house.

Of course she cannot help herself. He has given her more attention, in the space of an hour, than she had ever had in her whole life from the opposite sex.  Besides, he is charming, witty, and so visually pleasing to the eyes. He convinces her that he has noted her peculiarities, and what’s more, he really likes how her uniqueness is packaged.  Really, what’s not to love? But, is he telling the truth?

Throughout this movie, we ask ourselves these questions, just like the heroine, Lina.  We really want Johnnie to be honest with her because they are both so likable and sweetly flawed. Does she see warning signs along the way that Johnnie may not be totally honest with her? Is he a pure selfish cad? Or is he a newbie with this whole “trust thing” and he’s just bumbling along?  Of course, she sees the signs. Like many people in love, she believes her mate, Cary Johnnie; even though, he has no job (most playboys/players do not have a job); and, he has acquired massive gambling debits. However, he appears to be so in love with Lina; that he promises to stop gambling and to get a job.

Besides, Johnnie thinks Lina’s rich Daddy, General Mclaidlaw (Cecil Hardwicke) will give them an expensive wedding gift…Maybe a house or a lump sum of money?  With this in mind, they go on an expensive honeymoon. Since his investments seem to be going no where, Johnnie gets a job from his cousin, Melbeck  However, money turns up missing.  He tells Johnnie if he replaces the money, he will not call the police.  Desperate, Johnnie takes the wedding gift (two antique, heirloom chairs) from his father-in-law and sells them. Lina finds out and is so upset that Johnnie brings the chairs back.

  When the General dies, the only inheritance he left Lina was his portrait.  Johnnie’s finances are drying up. Then, Johnnie’s best mate, dear amicable, Beaky (Nigel Bruce) shows up to invest in Johnnie’s failed financial adventure in land development.  Lina likes Beaky; and, she tries to talk him out of investing.  When Johnnie finds out she tries to talk Beaky out of investing, he warns her to stay out of his business. Later, he tells her he called off the deal with Beaky.  Instead, he travels with Beaky to London and from there Beaky travels alone to Paris for a business deal.

However, during these series of unlucky financial events, Lina begins to feel ill most of the time.  A neighbor who writes murder mysteries told her that Johnnie was asking her questions about which poisons are undetectable. Johnnie insists on bringing her a glass of milk before bedtime. Hitchcock brilliantly films Grant carrying the glass of milk up the stairs, in the shadows, with web like shapes running throughout the scene…Oh! What a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive (Sir Walter Scott).

Then tragedy strikes. Beaky turns up dead in Paris, and no one can find the money he bought with him for the business deal. Lina begins to do more than suspect her lovely, charming husband. She now fears him. With everyone around her is telling her not to trust him, Johnnie vehemently claims his love for her and he is telling her the truth. He demands that she should believe him. He is ready to leave if she wishes it; but, he will be heartbroken for the rest of his life if he isn’t loved by her anymore. Lina wants to leave and visit her mother.  Johnnie angrily insists that he drive her. This isn’t good.

Of course, I  not going to tell you how it ends.  You have to enjoy it for yourself. However, I will tell you that in the book, Before The Fact (1932), the author, Frances Ike, made Johnnie’s character much more sinister.  He even had a baby with the maid. In the British version of this movie, Lina is indeed murdered by Johnnie. Luckily, for us, this film is in the capable hands of Hitchcock. The creative Mr Hitchcock has a surprise for his audience in this version.  Also, like Stan Lee in the Marvel comics, he always does a cameo.  Look for him in the scene. It’s about 45 minutes into the movie.  He is mailing a letter at the village post office.   Also, people claims he pulled a horse in front of the camera just before Grant is seen at the equestrian event. I hope you watch it or watch it again.  It truly is a great classic.

This is an entry for The Alfred Hitchcock Blogathon hosted by Maddie Loves Classic Films.  You can read other posts on Hitchcock film using the following link:

https://maddylovesherclassicfilms.wordpress.com/2017/08/05/the-alfred-hitchcock-blogathon-day-2/#like-6815

Hitchcock: Under “Suspicion” (1941) The Hicthcock Blogathon It must have been an unusual life for Mrs. Hitchcock being married to a creative Filmmaker like "Hitch."  If you can judge by her reaction in this picture, she never had a dull moment; but, perhaps, she had a lot of fun surprises.  

[funkymbtifiction]

Alfred Hitchcock

I’m participating in a Kim Novak blogathon next month, which means I watched Vertigo -- and now, true to form, I am in a “gotta binge-watch Alfred Hitchcock” movies mode... so which of his films/characters would you like to see typed?

(I have a list of already typed characters here.)

[kacik11]

Hitchcockian Blogathon - Charade (1963)

Hitchcockian Blogathon – Charade (1963)

  Alfred Hitchcock. Most notably known for his . . . wait for it . . . SUSPENSE films (they don’t call him the “master of suspense” for nothing, you know). While the majority of his films were suspense in genre, they always seemed to have a dash of everything else, too. I love Hitchcock films because you always get some comedy and (a lot of) romance with your suspense . . . it’s like a three…

[bob-the-movie-man-film-reviews]

One Mann's Movies Special for "The Alfred Hitchcock Blogathon": Rear Window (1954)

One Mann’s Movies Special for “The Alfred Hitchcock Blogathon”: Rear Window (1954)

“Hmm… must have splattered a lot”.

Maddy at Maddy Loves Her Classic Films is hosting The Alfred Hitchcockblogathon. A fine idea, celebrating the life and works of the “Master of Suspense”. My contribution comes from his 1954 masterpiece “Rear Window” starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly.  

In one pan around his small apartment, and without a word of dialogue required, Hitchcock deftly fills in…

[maroon5gurl88]

The Distraction Blogathon: Strangers on a Train (1951)

We're taking part in the @TakingUpRoom Distraction blogathon this weekend with a deep-dive into Strangers on a Train because @kpierce624 squanders no opportunity to talk about Robert Walker. https://wp.me/p1Z4id-4Cw @TCM #TCMParty

Last month I sat down to look at The Wrong Man, a first time watch for me from the legendary director Alfred Hitchcock. This week, we’re returning to the Hitchcockian goodness as we participate in The Distraction Blogathon with a look at Strangers on a Train.  Yes, I know. I know. I’ve talked about this movie more than a few times. It’s hard to mess with perfection. However, when faced with the…

[citizenscreen]

The Oscar frenzy continues on Day 2 of the 31 Days of Oscar Blogathon. Today is my day to host a group of entries covering topics from a memorable drag competition to Oscar mistakes. If you missed any of the posts from Day One, please visit Kellee at Outspoken and Freckled. Lots of terrific stuff was submitted spanning Oscar’s storied history. Paula will host the third and final day tomorrow leaving you free to enjoy the 90th installment of the Oscars on ABC on Sunday, March 4. I also highly recommend you carve out as much time as you can to enjoy the final full week of TCM’s 31 Days of Oscar marathon during which the network spotlights Best Picture winners and nominees from the 90 years of the Academy Awards.

  “For the first time, you can actually see the losers turn green”. – Bob Hope, Academy Awards, 1965 – the first to ever be televised in color

  To continue…before we get to today’s list of 31 Days of Oscar Blogathon entries, you might want to visit the Announcement post, which includes the entire participant roster. Otherwise, I’m getting to the main course of this entry, the tributes to the movies and the people who have had relationships with Oscar…or should have had. Enjoy!

  From The Filmatelist here’s the Drag Race, the 1982 Oscar competition between Tootsie and Victor Victoria:

Dustin Hoffman in TOOTSIE

Julie Andrews in VICTOR VICTORIA

  The Midnite Drive-In relives The Day the Academy Lost its Mind:

Charlton Heston and James Stewart in THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

  For the Love of Howard Hawks from The Old Hollywood Garden – because the industry’s most versatile director was snubbed repeatedly by Oscar.

Howard Hawks in control

  Wolffian Classics Movies Digest explains why Ray Harryhausen Should Have Gotten an Oscar. I couldn’t agree more!

Ray Harryhausen with his Medusa from CLASH OF THE TITANS

  Top 10 Films lists the Top 10 Oscar-Winning Directors Who Didn’t Win for their Best Film. Here’s a hint although I don’t know why Harry Lime is grinning. This is no laughing matter.

Orson Welles in Carol Reed’s THE THIRD MAN

  Critica Retro explains why Thrillers have traditionally encountered resistance from Oscar in The Trouble With Thrillers.

Alfred Hitchcock did not thrill Oscar

  Thoughts All Sorts ponders the Best Actor nominations received by John Wayne and Jeff Bridges for playing Rooster Cogburn in the 1969 and 2010 versions of True Grit.

John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn in TRUE GRIT 1969

Jeff Bridges as Rooster Cogburn in TRUE GRIT 2010

Moanin’ Low: On Claire Trevor and Key Largo (1948) it’s Cracked Rear Viewer discussing one of cinema’s more compelling actresses.

Claire Trevor in KEY LARGO

  ◊

Be sure to stop by Paula’s Cinema Club tomorrow for more Oscar-worthy entries. All entries received but not yet published will be featured tomorrow.

I tip my hat to my fabulous co-hosts, Kellee and Paula and thank YOU for stopping in for a visit and to all of the fantastic bloggers who are participating in this year’s event! To show my appreciation here is one of my all-time favorite images from the Academy Awards…

Presenters Peter Falk and Katharine Ross admire Ingrid Bergman and her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS in 1975.

Day Two: 31 Days of Oscar Blogathon The Oscar frenzy continues on Day 2 of the 31 Days of Oscar Blogathon. Today is my day to host a group of entries covering topics from a memorable drag competition to Oscar mistakes.

[shadowylandwolf]

The Second Annual Alfred Hitchcock Blogathon: The Birds (1963) — dbmoviesblog The Birds (1963) Maddy at Maddy Loves Her Classic Films hosts a second blogathon in honour of Alfred Hitchcock and his films, and I am writing, as they say, on his most terrifying film – “The Birds” (1963).

[nicknicklambert]

Alfred Hitchcock Blogathon This is an event happening at the beginning of August. If you like Hitchcock films or want to read reviews of them, or if you would like to take part, roll across to maddylovesherclassicfilms.wordpress.com to find out more.

[viviqueen]

Here you can read my review of 'See the Monkey Dance', one of the two Alfred Hitchcock Hours episodes to star Roddy McDowall! Enjoy!

[viviqueen]

I've finally finished published my article on some of my favourite Hitchcock film scenes. It was a pretty long task as I always have way too much things to say about Hitchcock (!) and have been working on it since about a week. Anyway, mission accomplished! Click HERE to read the article.

[viviqueen]

I hope you'll enjoy this little review of The Long Shot, an Alfred Hitchcock Presents episode starring today's birthday boy Peter Lawford and John Williams. I have to say, it was a pretty good episode!

[viviqueen]

I invite you to check my review of two excellent Alfred Hitchcock Presents episodes that star today's birthday girl Claire Trevor!Written for the 110 Years of Claire Trevor Blogathon

[oldhollywoodfilms]

Maureen O’Hara and Robert Newton in director Alfred Hitchcock’s one and only swashbuckler, Jamaica Inn (1939). link