A stylish mystery by the master of suspense that only gets better with age

Rating: 8/10 (26 June 2002)

Alfred Hitchcock had the ability to take an ordinary citizen, project a possible mishap, or even worse, a capital crime on the person, and then completely involve the viewing audience in living through the solving of the matter. That talent is superbly used in the 1954 classic, "Rear Window", which starred James Stewart and Grace Kelly.
The story is a very simple one; James Stewart portrays a photographer who lives in a New York apartment building with a rear window that faces other apartments in the complex. Due to an accident he sustained while on assignment, he is recuperating from a broken leg, and that has him confined to a wheelchair. Still, he is somewhat mobile, and his mind and ability to sense things, is very active. Grace Kelly, in a stunning portrayal of his girlfriend, adds a screen beauty that very few were able to duplicate. Stewart and Kelly both begin to suspect that one of the neighbors in the complex has committed a murder, and they face the tough task of convincing the local police of such an happening. Wendell Corey handles this role in good fashion. Eventually, Hitchcock neatly wraps all the elements together in his usual manner, and the viewing audience sees the Suspense Master unfold a truly classical masterpiece. Well worth the chance to view.