Review of Stage Fright (1950) by Rex S — 28 Nov 2003

Very underappreciated Hitchcock because of its intricate plot and requirement of the utmost attention of the viewer. I'd dare to call it a comic masterpiece and it surely deserves such high accolades.

Mr. Hitchcock always knows precisely how long to maintain the suspense and never, ever drags on scenes longer than he needs to. In [I]Stage Fright[/I], he also adds a musical number to hint at the motives of several characters.

Dietrich's performance is as intrepid as ever, but she also has a coy air about her near the film's end. The other performances are sound, as well. Hitch also applies the theatrical portion of the movie to all the characters' "real lives", very much reminiscent of [I]The 39 Steps[/I].

The title for this movie is allegorical, in a sense, and is fulfilled in the literal meaning of the phrase and in the film's conclusion.