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Strangers On A Train (1951)
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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
From its cleverly choreographed opening sequence to its heart-stopping climax on a rampant carousel, this 1951 Hitchcock classic readily earns its reputation as one of the director's finest examples of timeless cinematic suspense. It's not just a ripping-good thriller but a film student's delight and a perversely enjoyable battle of wits between tennis pro Guy (Farley Granger) and his mysterious, sycophantic admirer, Bruno (Robert Walker), who proposes a "criss-cross" scheme of traded murders. Bruno agrees to kill Guy's unfaithful wife, in return for which Guy will (or so it seems) kill Bruno's spiteful father. With an emphasis on narrative and visual strategy, Hitchcock controls the escalating tension with a master's flair for cinematic design, and the plot (coscripted by Raymond Chandler) is so tightly constructed that you'll be white-knuckled even after multiple viewings. Strangers on a Train remains one of Hitchcock's crowning achievements and a suspenseful classic that never loses its capacity to thrill and delight. --Jeff Shannon
Exciting and clever thriller.
Review date: 2008-09-21 Rating: 10 out of 10
'Strangers On A Train' is one the greatest Hitchcock Movies.
Staring Robert Walker (who for some reason makes talking of murder sound 'sexy') plays 'Bruno Anthony' - a rather 'unbalanced' man to say the least, and who has an equally 'dotty' mother played by the marvellous Marion Lorne (remember the 'dotty' aunt in 'Bewitched'?)
He meets a famous Tennis Player, 'Guy Haines' on a train and speaks of 'switching' murders - the disposing of two different people each of them could do without, but 'Haines' does not take him seriously - bigger fool him!
This also stars Patricia Hitchcock (daughter of Alfred) who, though has a somewhat smaller role, nevertheless makes a lasting impression.
There are quite a few dramatic scenes in this, and one of the most exciting ever has to be the 'Merry-Go-Round' finale!
This is a movie one can watch over and over again and never tire.
Bonus material includes a silent Newsreel featuring Hitchcock.
NOTE: Surprisingly, this has not been re-mastered.
TRIVIA: Robert Walker who took the lead was to die the same year this movie was made.
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Reviews
Technically excellent, still a great thriller........
Review date: 2006-12-21 Rating: 8 out of 10
Although not one of the handful of Hitchcock's finest, this ranks just below the greats. The theme of the film is a criss-cross, or double cross, and this is cleverly echoed throughout the film - see how many references you can find (Bruno ordering 2 doubles on the train, for a start!). In brief, two men exchange murders with eachother, to give perfect alibis, but whereas one thought it was a bit of fun, the other goes through with it....Fantastic premise, although there are alterations from the book by Patricia Highsmith. For example, Farley Grangers character in the book is an architect, whereas his job as a tennis player is an integral part of the film, and he does commit the second murder in the book.
Technically, it is fantastic, with at least 3 iconic scenes (murder reflected in the glasses, Bruno in silhouette on the steps in Washington, and watching the tennis practice match)
Forget the age of this film, as thrillers go, its top notch....
the dvd has 2 versions, the 'British' cut (which was unreleased) is slightly longer, and accentuates Brunos obvious homosexuality, and is superior to the traditional, released cut.
Two interesting asides - In real life,Farley Granger was gay, not Walker, and Walker died soon after this film aged just 32, from a doctor administered drug that reacted badly with alcohol.
Slighly Overrated
Review date: 2006-06-12 Rating: 8 out of 10
"Strangers on a Train" is not quite up there with the best of Hitchcock's 1950's offerings, such as "North by Northwest" ,"Rear Window" et al , but at times it comes quite close. It's strength are it's dialogue, cinematography and acting , all of which are quite impressive. However at times, nothing much happens in the film and you get the feeling that the film is being padded out somewhat.There are some great Hitchcock scenes , such as the tennis match and the merry go round ride which help to build the trademark suspense. From a technical point of view the quality of the black and white film and the sound are both good as well. "Strangers on a Train" is an enjoyable and entertaining film, but I would not rate it as highly as some of his others.
Strangers on a train
Review date: 2006-01-12 Rating: 10 out of 10
Brilliant Hitchcock. Full of his usual suspense and really quite dark in places. A lot goes un-said in this film which is what I think gives it a bit more of an edge. Look out for the appearance of Hitch`s daughter a great performance. Worth buying whether you are a fan of Hitch or not.
Step up and introduce yourself to this stranger
Review date: 2005-10-07 Rating: 10 out of 10
One of the most brilliant things about this DVD is that you can actually get hold of it with some ease. It is a fantastic edition of a great film. The extras - ah Hitchcock with extras, like ice cream WITH the helping of butterscotch sauce - are fantastic. I think it is worth its money for the M. Night Shymalan snippet alone - so many call him hitchcockian, well here's some evidence for you all. The film itself is a treat in store - who can forget the tennis match, will you ever look at Wimbledon again, far too dull in comparison. Now if our railway carriages actually looked like those of Hitchcock's world then we might find ourselves talking to any old Tom, Dick or Alfred, but instead we take our life in our hands just heading for the buffet car. Still, this might teach us a thing or two - for example, don't ever crack jokes with strangers - pretty good advice for London anyway. Although watching this at the weekend might make the uneventful 8.45 to London Cannon Street actually seem appealing.
Buy this for some wonderful Hitchcock fun as only he can offer.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Robert Walker
Ruth Roman
Farley Granger
Leo G. Carroll
Patricia Hitchcock
Creators:
Farley Granger (Primary Contributor)
Robert Walker (Primary Contributor)
Robert Burks (Cinematographer)
Alfred Hitchcock (Producer)
Ben Hecht (Writer)
Czenzi Ormonde (Writer)
Patricia Highsmith (Writer)
Raymond Chandler (Writer)
Whitfield Cook (Writer)
Director(s):
Recording label: Warner Home Video
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
EAN: 7321900153249
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Black & White, Dubbed, Full Screen, PAL,
Release date: 2001-04-09
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 96 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1951-07-03
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: French (Original Language)
Language: English (Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired)
Language: Italian (Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired)
Language: German (Subtitled)
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: Italian (Subtitled)
Language: French (Subtitled)
Language: Arabic (Subtitled)
Language: Spanish (Subtitled)
Language: Portuguese (Subtitled)
Language: Romanian (Subtitled)
Language: Bulgarian (Subtitled)