Cast
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Jane Wyman
as Eve Gill
Marlene Dietrich
as Charlotte Inwood
Michael Wilding
as Det. Insp. Wilfried 'Ordinary' Smith
Richard Todd
as Jonathan Cooper
Alastair Sim
as Commodore Gill
Sybil Thorndike
as Mrs. Gill
Kay Walsh
as Nellie Goode
Miles Malleson
as Mr. Fortesque
Hector MacGregor
as Freddie Williams
Joyce Grenfell
as 'Lovely Ducks'
André Morell
as Inspector Byard
Patricia Hitchcock
as Chubby Bannister
Ballard Berkeley
as Sergeant Mellish
John Harvey
as Inspector Loomis (uncredited)
Alfred Hitchcock
as Man Staring at Eve on Street (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Alfred Hitchcock
Producer
- Alfred Hitchcock
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Jane Wyman and Marlene Dietrich head a strong cast in this tense, enthralling Hitchcock adaptation of Selwyn Jepson's 1948 thriller "Man Running" about an acting student (Wyman) who shelters her fellow student Richard Todd - with whom she is in love - from police investigating the murder of his mistress (Dietrich's) husband. Still with me? Well, add a superb Alastair Sim, Sybil Thorndike, Kay Walsh and Michael Wilding and we are off on quite a complex mystery with plenty of twists and turns - and quite a bit of humour. If a little bit long, it is still well worth watching.
Dec 27, 2022
Thematic Analysis
Stage Fright represents a fascinating example of Thriller cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Alfred Hitchcock brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1950, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Stage Fright took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $1.5 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 110 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 164 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 51 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1795 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1950, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Stage Fright shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Psycho, which focuses more on action than character development, Stage Fright subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Blackmail and The Poseidon Adventure explore similar territory, Stage Fright stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 23, 1950
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Budget: $1,450,000
- Revenue: $1,900,000
