The Man Who Knew Too Much (The Original), Revisited

I was glad to have revisited this film; despite an irritating opening, the movie is still better than I gave it credit for when first viewed almost 9 (!) years ago. I’m happy this randomly played on the Criterion Channel’s 24/7 service last night. Besides writing a brand-new (& better) review, this will be the first of two reviews I post today; the second will be in fact the 1956 remake of The Man Who Knew Too Much.

It’s been far too long since checking out any Hitchcock. Regarding this motion picture, a murder occurs at a bucolic little Swiss ski resort. Despite being French, Louis keeps a stiff upper lip like he was a Brit as he explains to the leading lady friend where a MacGuffin is located that is related to a major crime-before dropping dead from a rifle shot. It’s a MacGuffin as it’s not important to us why a European Head of State would be assassinated-aside of a hint that they want to start another World War. The lead couple’s young teen daughter Betty is kidnapped in an attempt to silence the lead couple.

The movie was better than I recalled. This had quite the duo of lead guy Bob Lawrence paired w/ detective Clive as they attempt to find Betty. Their trek includes a visit to the dentist (reminding me of Marathon Man) and a sun-worshiping cult; are those even around now, almost a century later? The assassination attempt is at a famous London location still in existence today, quite the juxtaposition that a death is planned at such an establishment.

My carping at the opening aside, it still established key points that would be relevant in the final act. The film isn’t without flaws yet had enough shootouts, suspense, intrigue, well-timed moments of humor to offer a brief respite, and quality editing to make this version of The Man Who Knew Too Much a pretty good time. The cast was fine although Peter Lorre as the villain was the highlight-impressive, as he had just left German and barely knew any English at the time, speaking most of his lines phonetically. 

I’m excited to check out the 1956 remake, generally regarded as an improvement.