A popcorn masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (6 March 2003)

A popcorn masterpiece that continues to impress. Sure, it's a little bit dated, and it doesn't have the depth of some of Hitchcock's other work. But it remains one of his grandest entertainments.
People usually talk about `Jaws' as the first modern movie blockbuster, but I think an argument could be made for this movie as well. The larger-than-life approach to the material works beautifully, and the mind-game premise, ambitious set pieces, and naughty script hold up very well indeed.
The off-hand performances add to the fun too, and it's not just the leads who are good. You also get fun work from Sergeant Emile (`Emile?') Klinger, from the fat cop who has to listen to Eve playing dumb (`Did you find your Mr. Thornycroft?' `Thornhill, ma'am.'), and, especially, from Martin Landau's bitchy Leonard, one of the greatest minor characters in the history of the movies. 10 out of 10.