Review of Family Plot (1976) by Jesse L — 07 Feb 2004

(DVD) (First Viewing, 29th Hitchcock film).

Now I'll admit that there are several maligned films in the Hitchcock oeuvre that I like, particularly [b]I Confess[/b] and [b]The Paradine Case[/b], but I'll readily admit their many flaws. But I'm rather stumped in regards to [b]Family Plot[/b]. I have long avoided this film, as Hitch's last effort is considered one of his slightest, and now I'm sorry I did. It's not one of his masterpieces, but it's an extremely good film, complete with the patented Hitchcock wit and suspense.

Thankfully, [b]Family Plot[/b] is a return to typical Hitchcock territory after a dreadful film like [b]Topaz[/b]. Starting with two plotlines (one a search for a missing heir, the other involving a diamond heist) that quickly begin to criss cross. Two [b]Nashville[/b] alums followed up their Altman epic with this film, with Barbara Harris playing a ditzy psychic and Karen Black appearing as a sophisticated jewel thief. Both are the high points of the film. Bruce Dern and William Devane also star.

I'm still just very shocked at how good this film is. Don't avoid it! It's not a [b]Vertigo[/b] or [b]Rear Window[/b], but it's a glamorous and fun film that serves as a respectable swan song for one of the greatest directors ever.