Guy Haines is a tennis pro with a lover and a wife who has left him and is divorcing him. A chance meeting on a train with stranger Bruno Anthony sees the two of them get to talking and Bruno rambling about a vague scheme about strangers swapping murders for example Bruno killing Guy's spiteful wife and Guy killing Bruno's dominating father. That way neither man can be linked to either murder but both get what they want. Of course Guy leaves the train thinking no more of this babbling fool until, that is, he claims to have murdered Guy's wife a claim that turns out to be true. With Guy the police's number one suspect and Bruno pursuing him to meet "his end of the deal", Guy must work out a way out before it is too late.
One of the best things about Christmas is possibly the fact that lots of older films get wheeled out in mini series of a director's or actor's work, with lots of the films over a short time period. This year, as with several years ago, Hitchcock was the man in question on one channel and I took the opportunity to revisit several of his films in that time. Having not seen Strangers for many years, I found that the majority of my memories of it actually came from the Billy Crystal film where he references it rather than the film itself; this meant that I didn't remember exactly what happens and could almost enjoy it as if it were the first viewing. As such the film is consistently gripping and enjoyable as things seem to come to a head quite quickly. At the point of Bruno's murder the film does stutter a little bit as it can't possibly keep up that momentum but even then it is still very good.
Hitchcock has built the tension well within scenes and between characters and it is this that keeps the film moving along with the unknown resolution. The black and white looks crisp and very clear the use of shadows is good but done sparingly, with the majority of the film being very clear and perhaps more engaging for it. This was Walker's last film since he died a few months after making it and he is effectively unhinged here appearing coldly cruel and sane while also showing that he is very much off his head! For this reason he tends to steal his scenes easily from Granger who has more of a straight role at the start, although he does get markedly better as the film goes on and more is asked of him. Outside of these two only Elliott really has a large role and she does it well; meanwhile support is roundly good and features a small role for Carroll.
Overall this is a great film. For sheer entertainment value I'm afraid that it isn't my favourite Hitchcock but it is still very good and is rightly still held in high esteem. The story is simple but is delivered at a good pace and with tension, the direction is good and the cast are roundly strong even if Walker tends to effortlessly steal his scenes. Overall a great film and one that is definitely making sure that you've seen.
One of the best things about Christmas is possibly the fact that lots of older films get wheeled out in mini series of a director's or actor's work, with lots of the films over a short time period. This year, as with several years ago, Hitchcock was the man in question on one channel and I took the opportunity to revisit several of his films in that time. Having not seen Strangers for many years, I found that the majority of my memories of it actually came from the Billy Crystal film where he references it rather than the film itself; this meant that I didn't remember exactly what happens and could almost enjoy it as if it were the first viewing. As such the film is consistently gripping and enjoyable as things seem to come to a head quite quickly. At the point of Bruno's murder the film does stutter a little bit as it can't possibly keep up that momentum but even then it is still very good.
Hitchcock has built the tension well within scenes and between characters and it is this that keeps the film moving along with the unknown resolution. The black and white looks crisp and very clear the use of shadows is good but done sparingly, with the majority of the film being very clear and perhaps more engaging for it. This was Walker's last film since he died a few months after making it and he is effectively unhinged here appearing coldly cruel and sane while also showing that he is very much off his head! For this reason he tends to steal his scenes easily from Granger who has more of a straight role at the start, although he does get markedly better as the film goes on and more is asked of him. Outside of these two only Elliott really has a large role and she does it well; meanwhile support is roundly good and features a small role for Carroll.
Overall this is a great film. For sheer entertainment value I'm afraid that it isn't my favourite Hitchcock but it is still very good and is rightly still held in high esteem. The story is simple but is delivered at a good pace and with tension, the direction is good and the cast are roundly strong even if Walker tends to effortlessly steal his scenes. Overall a great film and one that is definitely making sure that you've seen.