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Torn Curtain [1966]
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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
Paul Newman and Julie Andrews star in Torn Curtain, what must unfortunately be called one of Alfred Hitchcock's lesser efforts. Still, sub-par Hitchcock is better than a lot of what's out there, and this one is well worth a look. Newman plays cold-war physicist Michael Armstrong, while Andrews plays his lovely assistant-and-fiancée Sarah Sherman. Armstrong has been working on a missile defence system that will "make nuclear defence obsolete", and naturally both sides are very interested. All Sarah cares about is the fact that Michael has been acting awfully fishy lately. The suspense of Torn Curtain is by nature not as thrilling as that in the average Hitchcock film--much of it involves sitting still and wondering if the bad guys are getting closer. Still, Hitchcock manages to amuse himself: there is some beautifully clever camera work and an excruciating sequence that illustrates the frequent Hitchcock point that death is not a tidy business. --Ali Davis
I was able to combine mathematical logic with romantic inconsistency
Review date: 2008-08-28 Rating: 6 out of 10
Although originally looking forward to filming this one, it turned out to be little more than an acute disappointment for Hitchcock. He distrusted Paul Newman for his method acting and whilst delighting at the prospect of turning Julie Andrews sweet and innocent image upside down, when he got his hands on her he was eternally disappointed, lamenting that there was not much he could do with her after all.
It's by no means a dreadful film and it does have some characteristic Hitchcock touches; when there is tension between the two main characters, the film is effective, but once Newman and Andrews realise they are on the same side, that dissipates and as there is still half of the film to go, it does stymie it somewhat.
Still there are some standout scenes - especially the one where Newman, with help from a farmer's wife, kills his bodyguard (an amusing performance from Wolfgang Kieling) and at times it is excellently handled. Sadly it cannot keep it up for the duration and watching it is a frustrating experience.
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Reviews
Very poor show indeed
Review date: 2007-10-09 Rating: 4 out of 10
This film is the worst film I have ever seen from the renowned director Alfred Hitchcock. The director is very good, the cast is superb but what do you get from a very poor storyline? A huge upset.A third class political movie (I do not use the word "thriller" especially) totally biased. A very poor description of situaution of Cold War countries, namely DDR in the movie. The Americans, the English are very nice people, the bandit communists are always ugly, spitefull, bad people. All the East Germans are uneasy about the regime etc etc. I think one should consider USA and the witch hunt around the communists at the time to decide which side of the iron curtain is more democratic. Not a film worth watching. Very disappointing.
The storyline is about a scientist working for US science projects. He mocks a defection to German Democratic Republic to work with the best scientist upon that issue to gather evidence and return to US.The scientist's mask has been pulled by a Stasi agent after which he is killed with the help of a local agent. The scientist and his fiancee then have been smuggled out of the country by an underground organization to Sweden.
"It takes a scientist to pick a scientist's mind"
Review date: 2006-12-11 Rating: 6 out of 10
"Torn Curtain" (1966) is a good Hitchcock movie, it just isn't an excellent one. From my point of view, this film is entertaining, but not something you will remember after watching it.
The main character is Michael Armstrong (Paul Newman), an American scientist that defects to East Germany, to the despair of his fiancée and assistant, Sarah Sherman (Julie Andrews), who decides to follow him. However, things are not what they seem, as the spectator will realize soon enough.
Is "Torn curtain" a movie you should watch? Yes, if you are a serious Hitchcock fan, or have nothing better to do with your time. Personally, I liked it, but not a lot, and I am in no rush to watch it again.
Belen Alcat
No less than 5 stars * * * * *!
Review date: 2006-08-23 Rating: 10 out of 10
I'm surprised so many have been disappointed in the sleek witty stylish cold war thriller? A Hitchcockian masterpiece, easily on par with the spellbinding 'Notorious', and the utterly captivating 'North by Northwest'.
Adequate Cold War Thriller
Review date: 2006-03-16 Rating: 6 out of 10
"Torn Curtain" is an enjoyable enough film , but it is certainly not as good as much of Hitchcock's other work. Like "Topaz" , "Torn Curtain" seems a bit formulaic and flat ; it has a thriller-by-numbers feel about it. Paul Newman and Julie Andrews don't really convince in their respective roles , with Newman in particular appearing curiously unanimated and looking like he'd rather be elsewhere for much of the film. The plot is a bit threadbare and the film went on for maybe half an hour or so too long. "Torn Curtain" is derivative of earlier Hitchcock films too ; certain scenes are almost culled directly from "The Man Who Knew Too Much" and "North by Northwest". Hitchcock afficionados will know which ones I mean. "Torn Curtain" is better than "Topaz" , which was released shortly after it, and while there is nothing particularly original about it , it makes for entertaining enough viewing.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Lila Kedrova
Paul Newman
Julie Andrews
Tamara Toumanova
Hansjörg Felmy
Creators:
Paul Newman (Primary Contributor)
Julie Andrews (Primary Contributor)
John F. Warren (Cinematographer)
Alfred Hitchcock (Producer)
Bud Hoffman (Editor)
Brian Moore (Writer)
Keith Waterhouse (Writer)
Willis Hall (Writer)
Director(s):
Recording label: Universal Pictures UK
Manufacturer: Universal Pictures UK
EAN: 0044007849224
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2005-10-17
Universal product code (UPC): 044007849224
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 123 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1966-07-14
Language: Danish (Subtitled)
Language: Finnish (Subtitled)
Language: Swedish (Subtitled)
Language: Dutch (Subtitled)
Language: Norwegian (Subtitled)
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: German (Original Language)
Language: Norwegian (Original Language)
Language: Swedish (Original Language)