SNMR 3.22: "North By Northwest"

Tonight's SNMR feature is "North By Northwest" (1959, NR, 136 minutes), starring Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason, Martin Landau, Jessie Royce Landis and Leo G. Carroll. The film was directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

The first time I saw this film was at college, during that history of film class I took. This film was my first exposure to the acting of Cary Grant. I hadn't seen this film in over fifteen years before checking it out of the library recently.

From the DVD's dust case:

Cary Grant teams with director Alfred Hitchcock for the fourth and final time in this superlative espionage caper judged one of the American Film Institute's "Top 100 American Films" and spruced up with a new digital transfer and remixed Dolby Digital Stereo. Grant plays a Manhattan advertising executive plunged into a realm of spy (James Mason) and counterspy (Eva Marie Saint)and variously abducted, framed for murder, chased and in another signature set piece, crop-dusted. He also holds on for dear life from the facial features of the Presidents on Mount Rushmore (back lot sets were used). But don't expect the Master of Suspense to leave star or audience hanging.

From Martin and Porter's DVD & Video Guide 2007, p. 812:

Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint star in this classic thriller by the master himself, Alfred Hitchcock, who plays (or preys) on the senses and keeps the action at a feverish pitch. The story is typical Hitchcock fare - a matter of mistaken identity embroils a man in espionage and murder.

This is one of Hitchcock's best films. The script is well written and flows well. The film is excellently suspenseful and will keep you on the edge. Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint have an excellent screen chemistry and exchange witty dialogue. The supporting cast is fantastic as well. Nearing fifty years old, this classic film has stood the test of time well. Hitchcock gives his trademark cameo near the end of the opening credits. A must see for film lovers of all ages. I'll give it five out of five stars.