On TCM tonight at 9pm
It seems that everyone has a favourite Alfred Hitchcock film and for some people this chase thriller is theirs. Cary Grant plays an ordinary business executive who inadvertently becomes embroiled in espionage and murder.
It’s an involving movie but, for me, it just doesn’t stand out within the whole breadth of Hitchcock’s work in the same way as films like Rebecca, Strangers on a Train or Psycho. But, maybe that’s because I’m a woman. You see, I get the impression that North by Northwest is more popular with men than it is with women. Pyrotechnics, Grant’s suave, athletic, womanising Bond-like character, his stylish suit (recognised as the best suit in film history by GQ magazine a couple of years ago), the infamous train through tunnel sex euphemism – the film has many qualities appealing to men.
I may be making a sweeping generalisation here, but it would be interesting to know what you think.
In the meantime, here’s a quiz to test your knowledge of this classic movie. You can also find out which Hitchcock film you most resemble by clicking here. Apparently I’m The Birds. I don’t quite know what to make of that…
Hi there, Beth. Thanks for the North by Northwest quiz. I was a bit disappointed with 22 out of 25 as I’ve seen the film more times than is good for me. I love the movie but it is one of Hitch’s more crowd pleasing numbers as it has none of the depth of Vertigo. I’ve always thought that Cary Grant’s persona essentially drives the film. If Jimmy Stewart was in the lead role it would be no where near as rollicking.
Thanks for your comments, James. I’m pleased you enjoyed the quiz. I think 22 out of 25 is pretty impressive, although I do know someone who got the full 25. I unfortunately have a memory like a sieve when it comes to names so I scored appallingly.