Review of Stage Fright (1950) by Cecilia C — 13 Mar 2009

A classic Hitchcock film that has a perfect cast but somehow doesn?t get the due it deserves. Made at the end of what I would call one of Hitchcock?s ?off? periods (his biggest stinker Under Capricorn comes right before this one in 1949 and in 1951, Hitchcock makes Strangers on a Train which saves his ailing career).

This film features many of the trademarks Hitchcock aficionados have come to know and love in his later films?the ?wronged? man, the love interest, fair amounts of humor for comic relief, and a thrilling ending.

So, why is it not up there with Rear Window and North by Northwest? Well, it?s not glitzy. Even though it?s about the theatre industry in London, it doesn?t shine like Hitchcock?s better-known works. I would say that has to do mostly with the acting.

All of the performances here seem adequate but not stunning. Wyman and Sim are spot-on when playing the father-daughter act, but aside from that, they all seem lost in the script. Regardless, it?s a must-see for all thriller fans!