Review of Saboteur (1942) by Gregory S — 12 Aug 2008

Various standard Hitchcock elements--"the wrong man" motif; anti-Americanism; a cross-country trek; the coincidental inclusion of a pretty blonde; and, as the title intimates, sabotage--come together in this mediocre thiller.

I enjoy the Statue of Liberty sequence, but the momentous-historic-landmark angle is better worked out atop Mount Rushmore in the later North by Northwest (a film where Cary Grant's character bears striking resemblance to the "wrong" and "wronged" man played by Robert Cummings here).

I've never cared much for Cummings, but he sufficed in the role. There are some of the expected quirky Hitchcock touches--a traveling freak show, a cute clue-providing baby, a kindly old blind man--which unfortunately seem more distracting at times than charming.

Some sharp wit and dialogue save otherwise sappy (and sloppy!) moments. In general, not one of my favorite Hitch films, but good enough to hold my mystery-loving mind's attention.