Product description

The Man Who Knew Too Much [1955]

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Average customer rating: 3.5

Binding : DVD
EAN : 3259190256828
Label : Universal Pictures UK
Manufacturer : Universal Pictures UK
Publisher : Universal Pictures UK
Release date : 2005-10-17
Title : The Man Who Knew Too Much [1955]
Actor : Array
Audience rating : Parental Guidance
Format : PAL
Languages : Array
Number of items : 1
Original release date : 1955-01-01
Region code : 2
Running time : 115
Studio : Universal Pictures UK
Theatrical releaseDate : 1956-06-01
Number of discs : 1

Editorial reviews

Amazon.co.uk Review
Alfred Hitchcock's 1956 remake of his own 1934 spy thriller is an exciting event in its own right, with several justifiably famous sequences. James Stewart and Doris Day play American tourists who discover more than they wanted to know about an assassination plot. When their son is kidnapped to keep them quiet, they are caught between concern for him and the terrible secret they hold. When asked about the difference between this version of the story and the one he made 22 years earlier, Hitchcock always said the first was the work of a talented amateur while the second was the act of a seasoned professional. Indeed, several extraordinary moments in this update represent consummate film-making, particularly a relentlessly exciting Albert Hall scene, with a blaring symphony, an assassin's gun, and Doris Day's scream. Along with Hitchcock's other films from the mid-1950s to 1960 (including Vertigo, Rear Window, and Psycho), The Man Who Knew Too Much is the work of a master in his prime. --Tom Keogh, Amazon.com

Customer reviews

review by: date: 2008-10-11 rating:

I'm Glad My Vacations Are Nothing Like This
Dr. Ben McKenna (James Stewart) has turned a medical conference in Paris into an extended family vacation. After several other stops in Europe, he and his wife Jo (Doris Day) and son Hank (Christopher Olsen) head to Marrakech, Morocco. Within their first few hours there, they befriend Frenchman Louis Bernard (Daniel Gelin) and British couple Edward and Lucy Drayton (Bernard Miles and Brenda De Banzie).

But things turn sinister the next morning when a man dies in Ben's arms. Before he does, the dying man whispers something in Ben's ear. And with that, the McKennas find their vacation is anything but relaxing. Instead, they are caught up in international intrigue that leads them from Africa to London. What's going on? And will they survive?

I will admit that the first half hour can be rather slow going. There are some funny scenes, however, that do establish character. And the plot is placed in motion at this early date. Once the murder takes place, things pick up. The tension never lags once the action moves to London. The master of suspense proves himself during one 12 minute sequence. Even without dialogue, I was on the edge of my seat with my heart racing.

The acting is equally good here. While I did feel that Doris Day got a little over emotional a couple of times, she was a strong lead most of the time. And we get to hear her sing "Que Sera, Sera," one of her signature songs, a couple of times. James Stewart is great as the male lead. And the rest of the cast does a great job as well.

Director Alfred Hitchcock originally made this story in a movie with the same name in 1934. Since I haven't seen that one, I don't know how the 1956 version compares. But I can tell you that this is an excellent suspense film well worth your time.

review by: date: 2008-08-28 rating:

Don't you realize that Americans dislike having their children stolen?
The arguments rage amongst Hitchcock fans as to which version of The Man Who Knew Too Much is the better, with no real clear winner being declared. I, personally, prefer the first version but this 1956 attempt has much to recommend it as well.

The star power is certainly greater, with James Stewart giving his usual excellent performance as Dr Ben McKenna, whilst Doris Day packs a good set of lungs for the role of his wife Jo. One place where this film cannot compare with its predecessor however is in the villainous stakes. There is nothing in here to match Peter Lorre's performance from the earlier film and, to be honest, the main villain here (played by Bernard Miles) is weak, and his death particularly so.

The set pieces are wonderful (the chase at the Market in Marrakech, the scenes in Ambrose Chapel and the Albert Hall) and certainly crank up the suspense, but this has to be tempered with the fact that the film does take its time to get going and, as mentioned before, the villain's themselves aren't particularly memorable.

Ultimately though, even personally preferring the original, I can see why people would prefer this effort. It's a much "bigger" movie and Hitchcock always said that whilst a "talented amateur" made the first one, this one was made by a professional. In many ways, you can see his point.

review by: oculus tauri date: 2008-04-22 rating:

Thrilling...
This movie revolves around an assasination attempt of a prime minister of an unmentioned country visiting United Kingdom. The foreign guest does not know that the concert at Albert Hall will be a scene for a drama. By coincidence, an international plot is solved by an American family visiting Marrakesh.

I have enjoyed most Hitchcock films except "Torn Curtain" and "Rope" for different reasons. This movie is quite gripping but lacking the final touch. The Moroccon episode is quite thrilling but when we cross the sea and arrive in London the atmosphere becomes somewhat dull. The final scenes are much too long for me also. As for the actors, James Stewart is well suited for the Hitchcock series films. His style of acting deserves credit. I can not say the same thing for Doris Day as she - apart from the scene at the hotel room where she learns that Hank is kidnapped - can not roleplay as good as she sings. For Hitchcock to create musical parts just for her to sing is quite amusing also, in spite of the fact that she has won an Academy Award with the song "Que sera, sera". The villains in film do wonderful acting also; Brenda De Banzie especially.

All in all, a good Hitchcock movie but it is not the best. If you are a beginner to Hitchcock try the "Rear Window" or my favourite "The Lady Vanishes" first.

review by: Giovanin date: 2008-04-09 rating:

Not one of the Master's best
Definitely not one of the Master's best. The actors struggle hard with a stiff, plodding script, and though she tries her best and sings sweetly, Doris Day soon finds herself out of her depth. Unusually for a Hitchcock film, the plot seems poorly thought through, and is often unconvincing, with many implausible developments. The famous concert scene in the Royal Albert Hall works quite well, and is genuinely suspenseful, but it's followed by a long, dull, and weak final episode. If you're new to Hitchcock, give this one a miss and start with Rear Window instead. Or try the 1934 version, which is far and away a better piece of work.

review by: date: 2007-11-18 rating:

An entertaining thriller
Hitchcock's 'The Man Who Knew Too Much' is a remake of his own black and white film from 22 years earlier. By this stage of his career Hitchcock was at his peak producing classic film after classic film. Two years after this film Vertigo would follow, then North By Northwest and then Psycho. That this film isn't quite as good as those three doesn't mean you shouldn't buy it, as I'm sure it will benefit from repeated viewings and the great scenes (and there are quite a few) are stunningly good.

James Stewart plays Dr McKenna, who with his family is on holiday in North Africa when he unwittingly becomes involved in a murder plot. Stewart as always is very watchable and Doris Day is rather good as his wife. As always with Hitchcock there are a number of stunning set pieces which merit purchase of the film in their own right. Perhaps best of all is the extended scene at the Albert Hall which is marvellously shot. I thought this was especially great as the film composer Bernard Hermann is seen conducting the Orchestra and is credited on the billboard outside the hall as well. Hermann did the music for Citzen Kane, Psycho, Taxi Driver and Cape Fear and its rare to see film of him.

For me its only real flaw was that it was a little too long. Still thats always subjective and if Hitchcock thought 1 hour 55mins was the right length who am I to argue with the master. So be of no doubt this is a film thats worth buying. It is also in the 14 film Hitchcock box set, which if you can get a decent price is a great buy as well.

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