Review of The Lady Vanishes (1938) by Vicky V — 02 Nov 2007

A wonderfully paced thriller, establish the characters well, to support the subsequent plot. We understand the denials of those character's implicated in the plot and the denials of those innocent of involvement unwittingly conniving. Most loopholes are neatly patched. The direction by Hitchcock is superlative, the opening track through (a model) alpine town - the silent movie like establish milieu inside the hotel, that suddenly burst into a maelstrom of noise and activity (reflecting the narrative of the whole film) - the use of the outside of the train as well as the inside, fully exploring the limited set. The script is witty, charming and insightful (Charters and Caldicot are a telling satire on the English Man abroad, in the 30's).

It's a film to enjoy, over and over. Now... how did that tune go...