Review of Strangers on a Train (1951) by Seth S — 09 Oct 2012
Strangers on a Train is yet another great Hitchcock movie. Once again, great camera work (the reflecting glasses) and memorable set-pieces (Carousel destruction scene.) Hitch had a way of directing the cleverest stories.
Guy Haines is a professional tennis player. He is separated from his wife, Miriam, and he is dating a senator's daughter named Ann Morton. While sitting on a train, he strikes up a conversation with the wealthy Bruno Anthony. Bruno hates his father, and finds out that Guy hates his estranged wife. He proposes a plan, Bruno will kill Miriam and Guy will kill Bruno's father. Guy doesn't take him seriously, and leaves the train, thinking that he will never see Bruno again. But when Guy's wife shows up dead, Bruno returns, wanting Guy to fulfill his half of the bargain.
Robert Walker plays the child-like murder, Bruno Anthony. Easily the best performance of the movie, and one of the better ones I've seen from Walker. He is and is not his usual mouse-y self. Some of the classic Bob Walker timidness is in this movie, but Bruno is a scary individual. Farley Granger plays Guy Haines. He is kind of overshadowed by Walker, but turns in a usable performance.
Overall, I like this movie, but find in just slightly overrated. The big set-peice scene, with the out-of-control merry-go-round, is one of the best of Hitch's best finales. The jolly ending is my dislike about this movie though.
"My theory is that everyone is a potential murderer." 8/10.
This review of Strangers on a Train (1951) was written by Seth S on 09 Oct 2012.
Strangers on a Train has generally received very positive reviews.
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