One of cinema's greatest auteurs, Alfred Hitchcock's six-decade career generated an unmissable run of suspense-packed thrillers, strongly characterised by macabre plots and twist endings.Starring British screen icon Leslie Banks and featuring the English-speaking debut of Peter Lorre, The Man Who Knew Too Much is one of Hitchcock's most thrilling pre-war British films, and one which he would remake twenty years later in Hollywood. This peerless suspense classic is presented here in a High Definition transfer from the original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.While holidaying in Switzerland, the Lawrences are accidentally caught up in murder and intrigue when their friend Louis is fatally wounded by a gunshot. As he lays dying Louis confesses that he is a secret agent for the British government, and passes on vital information which may prevent another world war...SPECIAL FEATURES[] Introduction by Charles Barr [] Aquarius: Alfred the Great - Hitchcock is interviewed on the 1972 Arts programme [] Image Gallery
R**N
A nest of vipers in Wapping.
A bit creaky here and there, saddled with wooden leads lacking in charisma but almost made up for by the Peter Lorre villain. Oodles of atmosphere and far better than the more polished Hollywood remake.Lovely restoration, given the age and less than perfect quality of the negative.Informative Introduction and Aquarius TV programme, Alfred the Great, an interview with the master and scenes of the location shooting of Frenzy.The 30s thrillers are full of charm and invention on a limited budget. Well worth the upgrade for afficionadoes.
J**M
The Man Who Knew Too Much
An early Hitchcock movie which he actually remade later and his career with a bigger budget, in colour and with a more famous cast. ‘The Man Who Knew Too Much’ focuses on a man his wife receive a clue to an imminent assassination attempt but also learn that their daughter has been kidnapped to keep them quiet. There are some excellent moments scattered throughout in set pieces, the highlight being the Albert Hall assassination attempt section which showcases Hitchcock’s skill of camerawork, editing and tension building. The acting is also good all round. However the plot (which overall is basic) is played out in a convoluted and messy way with too many characters at points and it loses focus. The film is only 1hr 15 mins long but it definitely feels longer. Probably the weakest Hitchcock movie I’ve seen but I do look forward to watching the later remake.
J**H
An old but great Hitchcock classic.
In some ways a desperately dated film, it is however a great tense and funny thriller, whose manner of dealing with its limitations is part of its charm. Peter Lorre makes a fantastic and interesting terrorist, and the rest of the cast are very good too, as they take you on an international tale of intrigue, menace, thrills and a shoot out finale, with black and slapstick humour along the way. As long as you can stomach an old movie, you'll find this a tasty one. Hitchcock later remade it with James Stewart and Doris day in the US,but many regard this original as the best version.
G**S
The re-make is much better and more convincing.
This is the early version of “The man who knew too much" The story line is similar with a couple on holiday in Switzerland instead of Morocco, having their child abducted by enemy agents. They both end up at a concert in the Royal Albert Hall and both films have a happy end. The actors are not as good as those in the re-make and Peter Laurie as shown in the cover has a cigarette hanging out of his mouth throughout the film!
T**Z
Superb
The original knocks spots off the 1950s retread. This film was part of my Peter Lorre viewing marathon; he conveyed the same sort of menace as in M. Interesting point is that he had to learn his lines phonetically (alongside a script translated in German) as his English was not good at the time.
L**S
The Man Who Knew Too Much 1934
An excellent b/w Hitchcock film Leslie Banks, Edna Best, Nora Pilbeam & Pwter Lorre's first English speaking role. This film was remade by Hitchcock in 1956 in colour starring James Stewart & Doris Day also an excellent suspense thriller
M**D
Far Superior To His Later Remake(1956).
In My Opinion The Plot Was More Menacing And Tighter, With Less Padding And Got Straight To The Heart Of The story.Peter Lorre Stole The Film With His Portrail.
L**W
Interesting
1934 Hitchcock, the original version of this film, slightly clanky but good none the less. Peter lauries is as evil as ever and other cast members are good if a little stiff-upper-lip.
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