Review of The Lady Vanishes (1938) by Wieland R — 10 Oct 2010

"The Lady Vanishes" is pure Hitchcock. Not necessarily what we think from "Psycho", but the Hitchcock who emerged from the UK already a well-known figure. There's a fascinating mystery - an old woman vanishes on board a train, and yet everyone claims they never saw her - brought to life on one set, which manages to feel both claustrophobic and endless.

Beyond this, Hitchcock always maintains a sense of humour about his storyline, without ever lightening the suspense. Things take a slightly unexpected turn at the end, when it seems like we're in another genre entirely, but this somehow doesn't take away from the sheer enjoyment of viewing this gem.