Ordinary Man - Extraordinary Situation - Classic Hitchcock

Rating: 7/10 (3 March 2010)

"North by Northwest" is classic 50's Hitchcock straight down the line. An ordinary man in an extraordinary situation; the female character who is not all we think she is; even the "McGuff" turns up eventually.
The film, from writer Ernst Lehman, follows the lean Cary Grant from one exciting tight spot to the next as he desperately tries to convince a bunch of would-be assassins that he is not a government agent. Grant is ideal for this average-joe role and he pulls it off well, almost having too much fun. Only Jimmy Stewart could do it better. Eva Marie Saint is reasonable as the femme fatale in question, while James Mason makes for a delicious villain. A young Martin Landau lends malevolent support as one of Mason's henchman.
Photographer Robert Burks goes to town with several scenes, especially the brilliant Indiana bus stop showdown. And Mt. Rushmore is perfect for Art Directors Robert Boyle and William A. Horning to display their talents.
For purist Hitchcock fans, this is one of his best. The music from Hitchcock regular Bernard Hermann is dramatic.
Sunday, October 3, 1998 - Astor Theatre