There is a little bit of L.B. Jefferies in all of us!

Rating: 10/10 (27 June 2002)

It is easy to see why this film made AFI's top 100 list. In this review I will explain why I feel that this film is one of the best ever and compare it to other well known Hitchcock films. Spoilers are contained in the review.
I first saw REAR WINDOW (RW) in 1984 at the age of 15. It was during this time that several of Hitchcock's films were being re-released in theaters. I had recently discovered reruns of ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS (AHP) on tv and had a budding interest in all things Hitchcock. I had of course seen movies such as PSYCHO (P) and THE BIRDS (TB)but knew little of his other work. I had the opportunity to see the 1956 remake of THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH (TMWKTM56)with Jimmy Stewart at the theater. I enjoyed this film more than any other Hitchcock film I had seen to date. A few months later I tried to rent a copy of the film but the video store did not have a copy. The video clerk suggested I may enjoy RW instead. I looked at the box and saw that this film contained Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly, whom I had recently saw on tv in DIAL "M" FOR MURDER (DMFM), and figured why not. This suggested rental was probably the best movie tip I have ever been given.

I watched this film several times. Initially I thought the film moved at a much slower pace, especially when compared to TMWKTM56, and the same set throughout the movie was a bit boring. However, I rewatched the film and found that I began to identify with L.B. Jefferies (J. Stewart) as he looked in on his neighbors. After all who hasn't stared at his/her neighbors as they argue or as furniture is moved in or guests pull up and enter their home. We all do! Unlike Hitchcock's other heros that spend the film darting around from place to place while they romance the girl they've abducted to help them as they clear their names L.B. Jefferies is a man we can all relate to. He has been bed ridden due to an injury and is bored. As such he begins to spy on neighbors to pass the time. I think any person would have done what he did. L.B. also struggles with the fact that he is dating and loves a woman who has a career, makes more money than him. For the most part this aspect of dating was not a real issue until post WWII when women began to move into the male dominated work area. I think many men and women can appreciate how this aspect of the movie relates to the dating scene more and more, especially when viewed today.

Another great thing about this film is how the viewers all grow to know L.B.'s neighbors. Will Ms. Lonely Hearts ever find love? Will we learn who Ms. Torso really likes? Why is Harry, the newly wed, so distraught? Of course once the film is over the answers to these questions are all provided but until the end Hitchcock keeps us wondering! Thelma Ritter as the visiting nurse Stella adds her usually snappy personality and wit to the film.
Lastly, this film is unlike just about any other Hitchcock film. There are no chase scenes, no graphic death scene and no fancy location shoots. It is a unique masterpiece to be enjoyed by all.