North by Northwest Reviews

The Master at Work

Hitchcock had already made most of his classic Paramount films (Vertigo, Rear Window) earlier in the 50s before creating North by Northwest. The result is one of the most pure Hitchcock films - concentrated storytelling with engaging characters. The film's final screen minute contains more plot than many directors manage to cram into ten.

Cary Grant is back after Jimmy Stewart was pensioned off as Hitch's leading man. He is completly at home as the smooth, charming advertising executive, caught up in events way beyond his control.

The Hitchcock obsession with stunning blonde actresses finds a home in Eva Marie Saint - introduced to us in one of cinema's most alluring seduction scenes. Confident, sexy and yet tantalisingly unavailable.

If you like film, and enjoy watching first class actors under the direction of a master story-teller, then this is for you.

if only...

all films were this good - absolutely flawless in my opinion. The cast are excellent, locations superb, score fantastic, and hitchcock weaves it all together into one of the best movies ever.

Don't wait any longer - watch it now!!

This is one of those films I've heard discussed many times, and always intended to watch - sometime! My only regret is that it took me so long.

A gripping plot - ok maybe slightly improbable, but this is entertainment after all. Modern film makers could learn a lot - a good thriller doesn't need lots of blood and gore to make it watchable. James Mason is a wonderful 'baddie', with Cary Grant as a somewhat bemused opponent.

Very atmospheric photography and an excellent soundtrack only add to the quality of this film. I will certainly be watching it again, and again .....

brilliant.

For a film of this age to grip the "youth of today" for its entire length is a sure sign of quality.

"North by Northwest" is at its most basic level an excellent story, enhanced by Hitchcock's amazing direction and a superbly atmospheric soundtrack.

All in all a great suspense-thriller that everyone should watch at least twice - once for the story, once for the details.

Highly Recommended

A clever film that is both light hearted yet thrilling at the same time.

Beautifully directed and Cary Grant is excellent as the wise cracking sales exec.

A must see classic.

Classic, that's all.

Most famous for the cropduster scene, North by Northwest has many great scenes and is, essentially, a mix of the best bits from Hitchcock?s films ? chasing the wrong man, beautiful blonde, deception, tension, etc., making it a classic. Cary Grant is very good, occupying the Jimmy Stewart role, adding style and sophistication, along with some great lines. At times the film is very clever and the action sequences are very well done, especially the (literal) cliffhanger on Mount Rushmore. Definitely one to watch, and one that can be watched over and over, it remains a classic.

One of those movies that everyone talks about and you always see scenes from on TV. The setting is very much of its time (cold war intrigue), but the action is relentless, the scenario surprisingly convincing (seeing as in the cold light of day it's pretty unbelievable) and the cinematography and score of real quality. It's not quite as tense as the 39 Steps, or as chilling as some of AH's other work but it's very definitely worth watching. Especially for set-pieces like the scene at the UN building and the great aerial shot which follows. Also for odd little quirks like the prominent role played by Grant's on-screen mother (played by Jessie Royce) - she's the first person his character turns to as the crisis unfolds - and Eve Kendall (Eva Maria Saint) claiming to be twenty six. In all, not quite a classic, but definitely a lot of fun. (If you enjoyed the recent Catch Me If You Can, you should definitely enjoy it.)

Classic AH: sharp dialogue, tense, suspenseful action, and a final denouement that - though expected - is nevertheless very satisfying. Combined with all that, a great snapshot of 1950's america and a generous helping of Cary Grant deadpan humour. Very likeable film.

[Highly rated reviewer]

One of his best

Hitchcock made himself so much part of his films, even down to giving himself a cameo, that it is easy to forget that his collaborators brought much to the final product. In this case we have a wonderful, witty script from Earnest Leahman, a very sharp musical score from Bernard Hermann, and an excellant piece of acting from Cary Grant. You could make a case for him being the best male screen actor in the history of sound films. And you could certainly make a case for Hitchcock being one of the greatest of Hollywood's directors. It is hard to fault this film as popular entertainment or as a portrait of the vulnerability of a man who thinks his life is completely 'sorted'. Chaos can lurk around the corner for any of us.

not bad

ok film.. not really my sort as it was my husband who wanted to watch it