The late Alfred Hitchcock did walk-on roles in his early films, ostensibly to save money. Then he turned the habit into one of the hallmarks of his movies. Always attentive to feedback, he soon realised that audiences were missing vital clues in early scenes - because they were looking for him instead. From then on, he always made it a point to appear in one of the opening sequences.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Trivia Pur$uit
The late Alfred Hitchcock did walk-on roles in his early films, ostensibly to save money. Then he turned the habit into one of the hallmarks of his movies. Always attentive to feedback, he soon realised that audiences were missing vital clues in early scenes - because they were looking for him instead. From then on, he always made it a point to appear in one of the opening sequences.
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I know this might be a bit OTT for a comment, but I was surprised by the number of Hitchcock films I've actually seen, and also by the fact that I'd missed most of his appearances.
Some of your readers might enjoy a trip down 'Memory Lane'!
The 39 Steps »»» Tossing some litter while Robert Donat and Lucie Mannheim run from the theater.
The Birds »»» Leaving the pet shop with two white Sealyham terriers as Tippi Hedren enters.
Blackmail »»» Being bothered by a small boy as he reads a book in the subway.
Dial M for Murder »»» On the left side in the class-reunion photo.
Easy Virtue »»» Walking past a tennis court carrying a walking stick.
Family Plot »»» In silhouette through the door of the Registrar of Births and Deaths.
Foreign Correspondent »»» After Joel McCrea leaves his hotel, wearing a coat and hat and reading a newspaper.
Frenzy »»» In the center of a crowd, wearing a bowler hat; he is the only one not applauding the speaker.
I Confess »»» Crossing the top of a staircase.
The Lady Vanishes »»» In Victoria Station, wearing a black coat and smoking a cigarette.
Lifeboat »»» In the "before" and "after" pictures in the newspaper ad for "Reduco Obesity Slayer".
The Lodger »»» At a desk in the newsroom. »»» In the crowd watching an arrest.
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) »»» Walking across the screen in a dark trench coat (back to the camera).
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) »»» Watching acrobats in the Moroccan marketplace (back to the camera).
Marnie »»» Entering from the left of the hotel corridor after Tippi Hedren passes by.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith »»» Passing Robert Montgomery in front of his building.
Murder! »»» Walking past the house where the murder was committed.
North by Northwest »»» Just missing a bus.
Notorious »»» At the big party in Claude Rains's mansion, drinking champagne and then quickly departing.
The Paradine Case »»» Leaving the train at Cumberland Station, carrying a cello.
Psycho »»» Through Janet Leigh's window as she returns to her office, wearing a cowboy hat.
Rear Window »»» Winding the clock in the songwriter's apartment.
Rebecca »»» Walking near the phone booth just after George Sanders makes a call.
Rope »»» A man crossing the street. »»» His trademark can be seen briefly on a neon sign in the view from the apartment window.
Saboteur »»» Standing in front of Cut Rate Drugs as the saboteur's car stops.
Secret Agent »»» Coming down the ship's gangway in front of Ashenden.
Shadow of a Doubt »»» On the train to Santa Rosa, playing cards.
Spellbound »»» Coming out of an elevator at the Empire Hotel, carrying a violin case and smoking a cigarette.
Stage Fright »»» Turning to look back at Jane Wyman in her disguise as Marlene Dietrich's maid.
Strangers on a Train »»» Boarding a train with a double bass fiddle as Farley Granger gets off in his hometown.
Suspicion »»» Mailing a letter at the village postbox (long shot).
To Catch a Thief »»» Sitting to the left of Cary Grant on the bus.
Topaz »»» Being pushed in a wheelchair in the airport. Hitchcock gets up from the chair, shakes hands with a man, and walks off to the right.
Torn Curtain »»» Sitting in the Hotel d'Angleterre lobby with a blond baby.
The Trouble with Harry »»» Walking past the parked limousine of an old man who is looking at paintings.
Under Capricorn »»» In the town square during a parade, wearing a blue coat and brown hat. »»» One of three men on the steps of Government House.
Vertigo »»» In a gray suit walking in the street.
The Wrong Man »»» Seen in silhouette narrating the film's prologue.
Young and Innocent »»» Outside the courthouse, holding a camera.
P.S. Please remove if it offends . . .
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