moonspinner55 Review of Torn Curtain

Torn Curtain (1966)

Despite incredible moments, a disappointment from the Master of Suspense

[6/10 · 24 July 2005]

American nuclear scientist Paul Newman defects in East Germany, but is he serious or just setting the Germans up as pawns? Espionage drama from director Alfred Hitchcock, with Julie Andrews a curious choice as the proverbial girlfriend (she was forced upon Hitch by the head of Universal). The production is extremely plush--too plush for the gritty on-screen happenings. Some of the set-ups have that carpeted, artificial Hollywood look that doesn't do much for the players on-screen nor the audience. The screenplay is heavy with talk, and Hitchcock can't shake out the cobwebs; the pacing is dirge-like most of the way. Newman and Andrews give just-OK lead performances, but there are the requisite pleasures in such a film, particularly one colorful murder scene involving an oven. Not a memorable film by any means, but passable for Hitchcock completists. **1/2 from ****