Strangers On A Train on DVD (1951)

Don't be a stranger...

Jonathan from Farnham, England , 19/12/2004

There are very few who would deny the genius of Hitchcock, and whilst Strangers on a Train may not rank among his best, any Hitchcock film is worth the paces you go through.

Suppose two people wanted somebody they knew dead. These people then meet each other on a train, and they agreed to perform each other's murders. This way neither crime could be traced back to the perpetrator. But what happens if one party doesn't keep up their side of the bargain...? This is the premise of Hitchcock's film.

Though the cast are fairly unfamiliar, the acting is top notch, but the genius lies with the camerawork, the dialogue itself, and, as always, the music. Hitchcock is not to be recommended to those who cannot cope with talky expositions or character-based actions rather than thrills for the sake of thrills, and the situation is no different here. The fairground climax seems a little dated compared to say the cliff-face at the end of North by Northwest, but makes for a satisfying conclusion.

Heartily recommended!

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A good film, worth a hire

A.S from Wales , 10/02/2005

I can only add `hear hear? to John Farnham?s review.

Well acted, and directed, worth a hire if you prefer a more subtle thoughtful film.

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The Talented Mr. Hitchcock

LoganV from Fife , 06/01/2004

The book "Strangers on a Train" was penned by Patricia Highsmith, who also wrote the book "The Talented Mr. Ripley." In this movie, then, we get a glorious marriage between the strangeness of Highsmith and the precision of Hitchcock's direction. We see our everyman, Guy, as he bumps into, converses with, and becomes entangled in the warped world of Bruno - an emotionally unstable, rich dilletant. It's a perfect Hitchcock set up, (I don't even want to ruin the opening), and it plays out like clockwork.

"Strangers" is a minor, middle Hitchcock film - there are no big stars to be seen. No Jimmy Stewart, no Cary Grant, but this one is definitely worth a viewing. It's a textbook example of solid photography and storytelling, and it has lost nothing over the years. If you've already seen "Rear Window" "Psycho" "Notorious" and "North by Northwest" this is a solid pick.

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dvd reviewer

A customer from derry, northern ireland , 01/06/2006

excellent film. i had watched it many years ago but it took nothing away from the enjoyment of watching this time. Query why have I been sent Disc 2 which seems exactly the same, did i did to rent both? surely not!

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A good film, worth a hire

A.S from Wales , 10/02/2005

I can only add `hear hear? to John Farnham?s review.

Well acted, and directed, worth a hire if you prefer a more subtle thoughtful film.

Read all highest rated reviews

The Talented Mr. Hitchcock

LoganV from Fife , 06/01/2004

The book "Strangers on a Train" was penned by Patricia Highsmith, who also wrote the book "The Talented Mr. Ripley." In this movie, then, we get a glorious marriage between the strangeness of Highsmith and the precision of Hitchcock's direction. We see our everyman, Guy, as he bumps into, converses with, and becomes entangled in the warped world of Bruno - an emotionally unstable, rich dilletant. It's a perfect Hitchcock set up, (I don't even want to ruin the opening), and it plays out like clockwork.

"Strangers" is a minor, middle Hitchcock film - there are no big stars to be seen. No Jimmy Stewart, no Cary Grant, but this one is definitely worth a viewing. It's a textbook example of solid photography and storytelling, and it has lost nothing over the years. If you've already seen "Rear Window" "Psycho" "Notorious" and "North by Northwest" this is a solid pick.

Read all highest rated reviews