Comments on Screen Savour: The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934)

Yep, T.S. is an excellent writer, so this is a giv...

2008-10-10T13:59:00.000-04:00

Yep, T.S. is an excellent writer, so this is a given. I agree this film eclipses the remake, as it indeed emplys economy in a positive way. This is an atmospheric and engrossing early film with that one great performance. Views for the best of the British period.

You are just cranking them out, and the quality ha...

2008-10-07T13:19:00.000-04:00

You are just cranking them out, and the quality has not subsided. Also wanted to point out that Amazon's Gold Box deal today is the Alfred Hitchcock Masterpiece Collection in an awesome velvet for only 50 bucks. You may be able to tie that in! Keep up the good work.

T.S. said, "But after watching the '56 version, I ...

2008-10-07T11:04:00.000-04:00

T.S. said, "But after watching the '56 version, I appreciated '34 much more – not because one is better than the other but because they highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each other. I'm convinced more than ever that they should be appreciated together."

I agree with you 100% when it comes to (not) comparing both versions of Hitchcock's "The Man Who Knew to Much."

Because I watched both versions yesterday and I know exactly, what you mean you say,"both
films,"should be appreciated together" and I think stand on their own merit(s).

Tks,
dcd

I've always preferred the old version to the (rela...

2008-10-07T07:49:00.000-04:00

I've always preferred the old version to the (relatively dull) newer version of The Man Who Knew Too Much. Peter Lorre makes for a delightfully jaded villain, and I like his heavy-lidded eyes and contrived smile when foiled. Get Smart's recent homage to the orchestral climax of The Man Who Knew Too Much served to emphasize how well Hitchcock's infinitely cheaper, older film has held up. With that movie you get to partake of the excitement of Hitchcock discovering exactly where his skills lie. It reminds me of Godard's early success with Breathless or Kubrick just finding his way with The Killing. Somehow, there's just as much to appreciate in a film that telegraphs the promise of a director's career as there is in the later triumphs.