Monday 13 April 2015

Freeview film of the day : monday April the 13th

North By Northwest (1959 130min.) [BBC Four 10.00pm]

Classic spy thriller starring Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint and James Mason. Advertising executive Roger Thornhill finds his life in deadly peril when he is mistaken for the mysterious "Mr Kaplan" by a ruthless espionage organisation. Failing to convince them of his identity, Thornhill tracks down the one man who can prove his story only to find himself accused of murder.

Thoroughly satisfying action mystery thriller with Hitchcock in typical mischievous form mixing sly innuendo, a well crafted story and outstanding action sequences into a perfectly realised final product.

Cary Grant is outstandingly good in the lead role, by turn suave and sophisticated then mystified and terrified as the nightmare world in which he finds himself spins further and further out of control.
Eva Marie Saint, James Mason and Leo G. Carroll head a top-class supporting cast and the whole thing is delivered with enormous skill, wit and aplomb.

A true giant of fifites mainstream Hollywood film making and one in which deserved to be rewatched on a regular basis.

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