#643: HITCHCOCK, Alfred: The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934)

HITCHCOCK, Alfred (United Kingdom)
The Man Who Knew Too Much [1934]
Spine #643
Blu-ray


An ordinary British couple vacationing in Switzerland suddenly find themelves embroiled in a case of international intrigue when their daughter is kidnapped by spies plotting a political assassination. This fleet and gripping film is the first of the early thrillers the Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, made during the fertile phase of his career spent at the Gaumont-British Picture Corporation. Besides affirming Hitchcock's genius, it gave the brilliant Peter Lorre his first English-speaking role, as a slithery villain. With its tension and gallows humor, it's pure Hitchcock, and it set the tone for such films as The 39 Steps and The Lady Vanishes.

75 minutes
Black & White
Monaural
1:33:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2013
Director/Writers



The Film

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Twenty-page booklet featuring an essay by critic Farran Smith Nehme.

Commentary

Featuring film historian Philip Kemp.

Interview

With filmmaker Guillermo del Toro.
The Illustrated Hitchcock

An extensive interview with director Hitchcock from 1972, conducted by journalist Pia Lindström and film historian William K. Everson.

Audio excerpts

From filmmaking François Truffaut’s legendary 1962 interview with Hitchcock.

Restoration demonstration

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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