Review of Stage Fright (1950) by Joseph H — 31 Mar 2012
A love story, a thriller, a decent if not slightly forgettable Hitchcock film.
This one is definately not one of my favorite Hitchcock films. It's good, but to me, it's kind of an aquired taste.
The Story: Jonathan Cooper is trying to cover up a murder committed by his lover Charlotte Inwood and enlists the help his friend Eve Gill. Twists and turns abound in this tale of love, lies and deciet. It's told with a fair amount of that kind of style you've come to expect from Hitchcock, both in lighting and cinematography. It's biggest problem is that it just doesn't seem to move very fast, it keeps you guessing until the very end, but it seems so long winded that you'll be tired of guessing by the time you get there.
The Cast: Jane Wyman .... Eve Gill Richard Todd .... Jonathan Cooper Marlene Dietrich .... Charlotte Inwood ...Each one of these characters stands pretty well on their own, and each actor does the job with finesse. Jane Wyman, plays the perfect lovelorn woman, trying to help her friend in hopes of something more, only to find love somewhere else. Marlene Dietrich, nails the part of Charlotte Inwood, the sinister actress with a hidden agenda. And of course Richard Todd, as the man blinded by passion and lust. It's a great believable cast here.
One to Five Scale: 3.
It's one Hitchcocks more solid casts, but it moves so slow that it might not hold your attention. If you should find it somewhere give it a rental, or if you see it on TV watch it. It's not a must see by any means, but it's still worth your time.
Tyler.
This review of Stage Fright (1950) was written by Joseph H on 31 Mar 2012.
Stage Fright has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
