Review of North by Northwest (1959) by Cris B — 24 Sep 2011

A case of mistaken identity leads Cary Grant on a cross-country "excursion," fleeing spies (who think he's a double-agent) and the police (who think he's a criminal). This film has all the elements of which Hitchcock excels at capturing: suspense, double-entendres and humor, stunning scenery, and clever scenes that include the infamous (and eerily quiet) crop-dusting scene and the pivotal chase atop Mount Rushmore.

Bernard Herrmann (who worked with Hitchcock on various other films) once again provides a score that is a perfect complement to the on-screen action. There's a reason why Hitchcock and Grant worked with one another so often--they're a formula that works well together.