Nothing like great dialogue and acting to keep you enthralled. No loud explosions, no spurting blood, not one gun shot and yet, Shandor was ensnared by it. That's what a really good movie is all about. So glad you discovered it.
My favorite Hitchcock. Colors, costumes, plot, acting! Looks even better on big screen!! Favorite scene when seen on big screen is the cigarette glowing in the dark! CHILLING!
Some older Hitchcock films where you can see him developing his style that is a combination of wit, humor along with mystery and suspense are The 39 Steps (1935), The Lady Vanishes (1938) and Foreign Correspondent (1940.) They even show the beginnings of some of his trademarks - the “wrong man”, the suave leading man, the determined leading lady, train travel and truly great supporting characters. Since they are older and had lower budgets, don’t expect perfection in special fx that are common today, but they are very enjoyable and as always, he chooses a cast that is perfect. However for his more classic and well-known films once he moved to the USA, my favorite is “Notorious” (1946.) I also highly recommend Strangers on a Train (1951) and Shadow of a Doubt (1943.) But whatever you choose, it will be rewarding. All have incredible and famous camera shots and cinematic set pieces.
The actress playing Stella is Thelma Ritter. She was nominated for an Oscar six times(!) but never won. You should watch All About Eve from 1950. Thelma Ritter has a similar role in it (and was nominated for an Oscar). It's not Hitchcock, but it is an awesome movie, and one of my all time faves.
Also check out a letter to three wives, mancowitz (sp) did it a year before all about eve and Thelma Ritter is hilarious as a domestic who tells the truth
Another enjoyable aspect to appreciate are the gorgeous costumes by Edith Head. Lisa’s outfits gradually become more casual, but each one is a knockout and has very unique qualities. And the clothing for Miss Lonelyhearts incorporates Hitchcock’s frequent reliance on strong red/green contrasts. And how many directors of that time could have gotten away with showing a bra-less Miss Torso in that early scene? Only showing her back, and from a distance, probably made censors allow it to stay in the picture, but it is a very clever way to subvert the rules.
What a joy when a favourite reactor meets up with a favourite movie. Great to see you enjoying this Hitchcock masterpiece so much. Please have a go at his "Rope" and "Psycho".
The apartment-courtyard set for “Rear Window” was constructed at Stage 18 on the Paramount lot. At the time, it was the largest indoor set ever built at Paramount. It measured ninety-eight feet wide, one hundred eighty-five feet long, and forty feet high, and consisted of thirty-one apartments, eight of which were completely furnished and provided with electricity and running water. The courtyard was set was below stage level; the soundstage floor was removed so the courtyard could be built in what had previously been a basement storage space.
Great reaction! I judge any reaction to this movie by how thoroughly the reactor falls in love with Thelma Ritter (Stella) :) , and you passed that test with flying colors. She's so great, one of the truly masterful character actors (and in the exclusive club of those who were nominated for 6 Academy Awards for acting, without winning). For another suspenseful Hitchcock film, I would nominate my favorite of his, Strangers on a Train. It contains what I consider the greatest acting performance in any of his movies, by Robert Walker, and is filled with suspense and wit.
The home nurse is played by Thelma Ritter, who from what I can see, always plays herself no matter what movie or tv show. She is the no-nonsense person whose sharp remarks cut straight through any malarkey. She first appeared in an uncredited role in the 1947 Miracle on 34th St., then in several others, mostly uncredited too, I believe. In 1950, she played a maid in All About Eve and got an Oscar nomination for that. She became a regular character actor on many tv shows in the '50's and '60's, including one Perry Mason one where I remember she turned out to be the murderer. (Speaking of Perry Mason, the murdered here was played by Raymond Burr, who played the lead role in the courtroom series for years, along with Ironsides - a police detective or so stuck in a wheel chair. He also was one of the few English-speaking actors in the first Godzilla movie.)
I'm sorry but Thelma Ritter did not appear in any "Perry Mason" episodes. Raymond Burr was in the American version "Godzilla King of the Monsters" released in 1956, two years after "Gojira" was released in 1954.
@@marlasotherchannel9847 From what I understand, Godzilla was made as a Japanese movie and by reissuing it with Raymond Burr, it was released in America.
@@marlasotherchannel9847 She is so distinctive, I remember her when I see her. She played the restaurant owner in the Case of the Fugitive Nurse. I'm pretty sure I saw her in one other episode but not sure on that. On the other hand, her name does NOT appear in the list of Perry Mason episodes. (Hmm, a real mystery.)
Enjoyed watching you react to this wonderful movie. One of my favorite aspects of it is the amazing soundtrack. One of my favorite Hitchcock movies is the 39 steps.
As a Mexican/American kid growing up in East Los Angeles in the late 90s and early 2,000s my older brother and sister would complain to my moms that I was playing an old boring movie again and we only had 1 tv. My family and friends couldn’t understand why as a kid I would watch these types of movies instead of action movies or cartoons. We grew up in public housing projects so the view from our window was similar to this movie so I would just look out and watch dozens of neighbors doing their daily routines so i identified with this movie. As my brother would tell me, “how can you watch a movie where a man sits in 1 room and watched people like a peeping Tom, your a weird kid”. Even though my brother was 5 years older I told him “you just don’t have the mental capacity to understand the genius that it takes to make a simple movie grab you”. Soemthing like 26 years later I still love watching this Masterpiece and have my 3 kids also loving this movie, and my ex wife says my kids taste in movies is weird just like me. My youngest daughter is in band and I showed her Amadeus a film about Mozart directed by Milo’s Forman and she absolutely fell in love with yet another so-called weird movie
A few other commenters have recommended "The 39 Steps" and I'll put my vote in for that one as well. It's one of my top three favorite Hitchcock movies, with so much going on -- danger, suspense, action, romance, comedy -- it has everything, and would make a great reaction!
Indeed! "The 39 Steps" (1935), based on John Buchan's 1915 adventure-thriller novel of the same title (although Hitchcock's adaptation makes certain changes from the book) is the great prototype of all "innocent man on the run vs enemy agents" movies, including Hitchcock's later "Saboteur" (1941) and "North by Northwest" (1958). Those later two films are essentially remakes of "The 39 Steps" in that all three films follow an almost identical story arc and feature the same basic elements. Hitchcock's two versions of "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (Hitchcock directed the first one in 1934, and remade it in 1956--the remake starred James Stewart) also contain some of the same elements, as do "The Lady Vanishes" (1938) and "Foreign Correspondent" (1940).
Great reaction. You're one of the most intelligent and knowledgable TH-cam reviewers out there. I recommend North by Northwest for your viewing pleasure.
The movie makes you smile cuz you love classic movies. Back in these old Hollywood films characters are all great actors... Stella is an amazing character actor shes been in dozens of movies Jimmy Stewart is one of my favorite actors here is a small movie lineup.... Rope ( another Hitchcock classic ) The Spirit of St Louis The Flight of the Phoenix Thunder Bay The Philadelphia Story Great reaction thank you for the video
This was Hitchcock's first collaboration with John Michael Hayes who was a former writer for radio. He was so pleased with him that they made three more movies together. His screenplay was nominated for an Academy Award and is taught is some film schools as an example of how to build character and story at the same time. Interesting side note: The maid, Thelma Ritter, was paid more than both Grace Kelly and James Stewart! The set was the talk of the town at the time the film was made. NORTH BY NORTHWEST, VERTIGO, and PSYCHO are also must-sees!
Great reaction Shandor! It's a truly wonderful movie. I think you would really enjoy 'Rope' as your next Hitchcock choice. Like this movie, nearly all the action takes place in one room, and Jimmy Stewart makes a reappearance.
Raymond Burr (Thorwald) would go on (with his normal dark hair) to be the super lawyer Perry Mason on the long-running series. And in an unusual twist of fate, he would also be the one in the wheelchair as TV's Ironside.
This interesting fact might answer your question about the actors having to rehearse a lot for their movements. The actors in the apartments wore flesh colored earpieces so Hitchcock could direct them and they could get their cues via radio. Great reaction Shandor!
Another unusual aspect of this film is that it was all shot on a single location. Everything we (the audience) see is from the rear window. We don't go inside Thorwald's apartment, we don't go down into the courtyard, we see it all from the window. The set was constructed in a soundstage. The bottom floor of the soundstage had to be excavated a couple of stories to fit it all in.
Another Jimmy Stewart comedy you would like is the film "Harvey". He is excellent in it. I have always enjoyed "Rear Window". Another Hitchcock suspense film you would enjoy is "North by Northwest". Very witty and suspenseful with good scenery. A Hitchcock film with Grace Kelly and other great scenery is "To catch a Thief". I think that was when she met Prince Reinier of Monaco who she married a few years later. Good read on the film. Thanks for sharing.
Hitchcock is a master. About the couple chased in from their balcony with much confusion, by the rain. Hitchcock directed them over defferent ear pieces. He gave them conflicting direction to cause the confusion. Brilliant!
You liked Grace Kelly. Watch her with Cary Grant in TO CATCH A THIEF. It was filmed in the South of France, Cannes, Nice, and Monaco. It was during filming that she met Prince Ranier of Monaco, whom she later married, and became Princess Grace. When you do, be sure to watch the very end of the final scene. The look on Grant's face is priceless.
Love this movie, and you're right, Stella (Thelma Ritter) is the best thing about it. The writers deserve alot of credit but Thelma delivers the lines perfectly ❤
Re: lack of action. This movie came out when people still read books, instead of playing video games. They still had the patience to watch, and enjoy, character developement.
People still do. It's just that it's almost always done so poorly nowadays. Yet this movie does it so well with very little dialog, just acting. And here are 2 strong, intelligent, powerful (in their own ways), and funny women who don't have to beat us over the head saying they are, but failing to show us. We recognize it on our own.
Highly enjoyable reaction to this absolute classic. So many other great Hitchcock’s to check. I love Rebecca, Shadow of a Doubt, The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956), To Catch a Thief, North By Northwest and Psycho. Lots of others, but those are cream of the crop for me.
From what I understand, this was one specially constructed set, in a studio where they had to take out the stage floor in order to get the extra depth (or height, if you will).
Bit of trivia on the set: it took up 2 entire soundstages at Paramount. And it was based on a real courtyard in Greenwich Village in New York City that still exists today, and even the addresses given in the film are real, as is the location of the NYPD 6th Precinct one block away from the courtyard, which is why the cops could get there so quickly. The real courtyard can be scene in Woody Allen’s Manhattan Murder Mystery in a sly nod to this film.
Hitchcock truly is a master filmmaker and by and large all his sound films are worth seeking out, I think Rear Window is his best, but that's so subjective and even though in my opinion this is his best constructed film my favorite of all his work is the lesser known 1942 film Saboteur (not to be confused with his 1936 film Sabotage-also a very good film). A few Hitchcock suggestions on where to go next: North by Northwest Strangers on a Train (this has one of his best most unsettling villains) Lifeboat (another confined space film) Notorious Shadow of a Doubt The Birds Stella was played by Thelma Ritter who still holds the record for most Oscar nominations in Supporting Actress (6) without a win. A terrible oversight. She's always great but I'd suggest two of her Oscar nominated roles as good places to begin to become more familiar with her. The first is 1953's Pickup on South Street-an excellent noir and 1951's The Mating Season-a sprightly comedy. She was a gem and I agree she steals every minute she's on the screen in this film.
Great reaction! 12:07 Yes, Hitchcock wouldn't start a new movie before storyboarding the whole thing and he was a skilled sketch artist so he could do all that himself. Also, since he started his career directing silent pictures, much more of his plot is laid before us by action, not dialog, compared to less skilled directors.
One that rarely gets shown or mentioned much is “The Wrong Man” with Henry Fonda & Vera Miles, who was Hitchcock’s first choice to play the role that eventually went to Kim Novak in Vertigo & happens to be one of my favorites. Hitchcock stated that although low key, it was the scariest story he had ever put on the screen, because it was heavily based on a true story he had come across that he related to.
I enjoyed your take on the movie & enjoyed your eye for lighting and set display. I absolutely hate poor lighting. There is a movie from 1987 called “Suspect”. This movie has a great plot great characters. The night lighting is especially good. Lol…
The story that this was based on was not a novel, but a 40-page story. The author, Cornell Woolrich, had more screen adaptations of his stories than any other author (96), including Deadline at Dawn (1946), The Window (1949), No Man of Her Own (1950, with Barbara Stanwyck), and more than 20 other films, as well as many TV productions, such as episodes on Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Thelma Ritter was always excellent, especially in All About Eve (1950), The Misfits (1961, Clark Gable’s last movie), and as an old woman in her last movie, The Incident (1967). The Incident is probably the greatest forgotten film. It was so raw and un-PC that it was banned from television for decades. It is about a dozen ordinary people on a late-night subway who are terrorized by two thugs. Not a single reactor has watched it. I second the recommendation below of Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps, The Lady Vanishes, and Foreign Correspondent. However, one of my favorites, highly regarded by critics, has yet to be watched by any reactor: Lifeboat (1944), a war movie set entirely on a lifeboat and featuring a star-studded cast.
Rear Window is great, my favourite Alfred Hitchcock movie. My 2nd favourite is Dial M For Murder, which also features Grace Kelly. The part of Stella is played by Thelma Ritter.
This might be my favorite Hitchcock movie. It's a tough call, but I think it just edges out Dial M for Murder, Psycho, Rope and North by Northwest for me. Then again, there's Strangers on a Train, Shadow of a Doubt, The Lady Vanishes, The Man Who Knew Too Much, The Birds, Lifeboat... I don't know if it's even possible to have a favorite film of his. Even so, this is really high on the list.
Hitchcock, always did a cameo in his movies, you just have to look for him. The maid actress, was a very good character actress, in a lot of movies. Doris Day, Rock Hudson and her character Alma, is a great movie, Pillow Talk.
Late to the party, but I appreciate your appreciation of this film! I hope you watch "Hitchcock's Rope someday soon - Note that it's a set on a soundstage, but you HAVE to pay attention to the clouds in the sky outside the window.
GREETINGS EARTH MAN: I think you have what it takes to have a successful channel. Your manner is appropriate in that you are intelligent, enthusiastic and informed. Carry on.
This is a talkie film grafted to a silent film --- Hitchcock was a master of both genres. Also, it's not immediately obvious, but if you think about it, all the "stories" outside Jeff's window are about love, marriage, and loneliness, which reflects on Jeff and Lisa's kaleidoscopic relationship.
Absolutely watch the Hitchcock/Jimmy Stewart collaboration, The Man Who Knew Too Much from 1956. It costars Doris Day, who gave an Oscar-worthy performance.
There seems to be some confusion as to the meaning of the word "suspense." It refers to the fear that something is going to happen. When you see the shark, the suspense is over. Rear Window is almost entirely suspense. Current movies contain almost none.
Shandor, I have been hoping you would react to this movie. Grace Kelly is my favorite actress from this Era. I am hoping you react to Sunset Blvd from 1940ish and I have only seen a couple people react to Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton
I just found your channel and enjoyed your reaction to Rear Window. It’s my favourite movie. If you haven’t already please watch another incredible Hitchcock movie called Strangers On A Train. It’s a psychological thriller film noir. Great acting by Farley Granger, Robert Walker, Ruth Roman and Leo G. Carroll.
You are talking about Thelma Ritter. She is a great character actress. You should watch her in All About Eve. She gives my all time favorite lines in a movie in the first 15 min. I love her. I hope you react to that as well. You should react to Hitchcock's Rope . I love your reaction.
Yeah, the sped up shots at the end there always took me out of it for a bit. Not sure what Hitchcock was thinking. I mean couldn't the actors show some natural hustle rather than him fiddling with the speed of the footage. Still my favorite Hitchcock movie though. Dial M For Murder and Psycho round out the top 3. Thanks for the reaction.
The first reaction that expected more suspense. Really? More? The set was built from scratch in the studio, based upon a real Greenwich Village apartment they scouted. Amazing. And I loved the diegetic music from the piano man tenant. It developed through the course of the movie naturally. And Thelma Ritter IS great. Born in 1904, she wore the same type of dress in Rear Window that my grandmother, born in 1912, used to wear on a daily basis. Ritter was great in the movie Lover Come Back with Doris Day and Rock Hudson.
You are an amazing reactor. I agree with you that female characters today pale in comparison to female characters of the past. If you like Thelma Ritter ( the actress who plays Stella) I would highly recommend you watch All About Eve ( 1950). The dialogue in it is insanely good.
Rebecca 1942. Shandor, if you want to see how Hitchcock manipulates an audience I recommend you go to a movie theater... watch a movie you already know. Sit in the back and watch how our Hitch makes an audience jump, gasp, go silent, and laugh. It's a lesson in how Hitchcock was master of the audience, not just suspense. Love the reviews...all the best from Mexico Jim
My two favorite Hitchcock movies are the 1930's The Lady Vanishes and the '50's Dial M for Murder. Both stories had been filmed several times - the Hitchcock version is so far superior to the other versions.
I love the way this movie draws the viewer in like they are a voyeur too. The character creation and dialogue keep it interesting as the plot slowly unfolds. And yes, "strong women" have been in TV and film since Laurel and Hardy, only the sociopaths and social engineers who have no empathy with the human condition see it otherwise. Women who embrace their femininity are all the stronger and more attractive for it and a women have been wrapping men around their little fingers since the beginning.
A Thelma Ritter movie I have a deeply nostalgic love for is Pillow Talk with Doris Day and Rock Hudson. It's a rom com and campy and so much fun. The sets are spectacular, there's singing, Tony Randall is in it. Warning though, the overall premise is misogynistic, but that is an unfortunate reality of Hollywood and the world, but it's preeeetty blatant. Still, Doris Day sparkles and Thelma Ritter is caustic and hilarious. I think you'd enjoy it. Definitely subbing after this watch!
Along with North By Northwest, I think Rear Window is the best of Hitchcock's more accessible films. In the 40s and 50s he managed to operate between difficult artsy thrillers and popcorn entertainment, pretty seamlessly. Another one I like is To Catch A Thief, starring Cary Grant and also the beautiful Grace Kelly.
Check out two of his classics - the amazing Notorious with Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman (talk about chemistry!) and North by Northwest with Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint.
"I wish I could be creative." "Oh sweetie, you are. You have a great talent for creating difficult situations." Grace Kelly, am I right? 😍 Fun Fact: All the apartments in Thorwald's (Raymond Burr) building had electricity and running water, and could be lived in. Casting Notes Fact: Grace Kelly was offered this film and On The Waterfront (1954) at the same time. She chose this movie instead because she thought the role of Lisa, who worked in the world of fashion, as she once did, suited her better. Natural Soundtrack Fact: All of the sound in this movie is diegetic, meaning that all the music, speech, and other sounds all come from within the world of the movie (with the exception of non-diegetic orchestral music heard in the first three shots of the movie). Method Director Fact: According to Georgine Darcy, when the man and woman on the fire escape struggle to get in out of the rain was based on a prank by Sir Alfred Hitchcock. Each actor and actress in the apartment complex facing Jeff's (James Stewart) rear window wore an earpiece through which they could receive Hitchcock's directions. Hitchcock told the man to pull the mattress in one direction and told the woman to pull in the opposite direction. Unaware that they had received conflicting directions, the couple began to fight and struggled to get the mattress inside once the crew began filming. The resulting mayhem, in which one of the couple is tossed inside the window with the mattress, provided humor and a sense of authenticity, which Hitchcock liked. He was so pleased with the result that he did not order another take.
I liked you reaction except for one thing. . .How can you possibly say, "Not much is happening. . ." several times? Sorry, but ALL KINDS OF THINGS ARE HAPPENING in this film. I'm a bit older than you and a huge Hitchcock fan. And I've noticed that unless there are many "action" scenes in a film, many younger viewers don't seem to want to get into the many possibilities that can arise from some seemingly small events or even comments by the characters. What I'm trying to say is that this is a very good STORY and SCREENPLAY and it does NOT need chase scenes or explosions or other forms of "action" to have quite a bit "happening". Glad you liked the dialogue and Hitchcock's intelligent use of humor in the midst of a murder story. Also, this was the largest studio set Hitch ever used in a movie, and he brilliantly shoots the whole film and tells the whole story on just that one set.
Hitchcock said that "the figuring it all out" was the best part of it and the filmmaking not so much. This is something that MODERN FILMMAKERS dont do, because they REWRITE ON THE GO and have CGI to "fix stuff later on". That's why modern movies have become worse ... the "creatives" DONT MAKE AS MUCH EFFORT ANYMORE (even though they get many MANY millions of $$$$ from the studios before even doing anything).
Nothing like great dialogue and acting to keep you enthralled. No loud explosions, no spurting blood, not one gun shot and yet, Shandor was ensnared by it. That's what a really good movie is all about. So glad you discovered it.
My favorite Hitchcock. Colors, costumes, plot, acting!
Looks even better on big screen!!
Favorite scene when seen on big screen is the cigarette glowing in the dark! CHILLING!
Yeah, I LOVED that part!
Some older Hitchcock films where you can see him developing his style that is a combination of wit, humor along with mystery and suspense are The 39 Steps (1935), The Lady Vanishes (1938) and Foreign Correspondent (1940.)
They even show the beginnings of some of his trademarks - the “wrong man”, the suave leading man, the determined leading lady, train travel and truly great supporting characters.
Since they are older and had lower budgets, don’t expect perfection in special fx that are common today, but they are very enjoyable and as always, he chooses a cast that is perfect.
However for his more classic and well-known films once he moved to the USA, my favorite is “Notorious” (1946.) I also highly recommend Strangers on a Train (1951) and Shadow of a Doubt (1943.) But whatever you choose, it will be rewarding.
All have incredible and famous camera shots and cinematic set pieces.
Ditto to all the above.
"Shadow of a Doubt" is my favorite Hitch movie up until this one. Innocent family in an innocent small town confronted with ugly murder.
The actress playing Stella is Thelma Ritter. She was nominated for an Oscar six times(!) but never won. You should watch All About Eve from 1950. Thelma Ritter has a similar role in it (and was nominated for an Oscar). It's not Hitchcock, but it is an awesome movie, and one of my all time faves.
All About Eve has (in my opinion) one of the best scripts. Amazing cast, and😊 Thelma Ritter stole everything scene she was in.
Also check out a letter to three wives, mancowitz (sp) did it a year before all about eve and Thelma Ritter is hilarious as a domestic who tells the truth
Another enjoyable aspect to appreciate are the gorgeous costumes by Edith Head. Lisa’s outfits gradually become more casual, but each one is a knockout and has very unique qualities. And the clothing for Miss Lonelyhearts incorporates Hitchcock’s frequent reliance on strong red/green contrasts. And how many directors of that time could have gotten away with showing a bra-less Miss Torso in that early scene? Only showing her back, and from a distance, probably made censors allow it to stay in the picture, but it is a very clever way to subvert the rules.
Modern women have forgotten all about STYLE ...
Modern men too.
A a point of trivia the book that Grace Kelly's character was reading at the end, "Beyond the High Himalayas", is a real book published in 1952.
Hey Shandor. I'm only 6 minutes into watching your reaction, and ......I really appreciate your incite and APPRECIATION of this movie. Bravo!
*Insight*
@@sarahfullerton6894 Yes. You are correct. Thank you.
What a joy when a favourite reactor meets up with a favourite movie.
Great to see you enjoying this Hitchcock masterpiece so much. Please have a go at his "Rope" and "Psycho".
The apartment-courtyard set for “Rear Window” was constructed at Stage 18 on the Paramount lot. At the time, it was the largest indoor set ever built at Paramount. It measured ninety-eight feet wide, one hundred eighty-five feet long, and forty feet high, and consisted of thirty-one apartments, eight of which were completely furnished and provided with electricity and running water. The courtyard was set was below stage level; the soundstage floor was removed so the courtyard could be built in what had previously been a basement storage space.
Great reaction! I judge any reaction to this movie by how thoroughly the reactor falls in love with Thelma Ritter (Stella) :) , and you passed that test with flying colors. She's so great, one of the truly masterful character actors (and in the exclusive club of those who were nominated for 6 Academy Awards for acting, without winning).
For another suspenseful Hitchcock film, I would nominate my favorite of his, Strangers on a Train. It contains what I consider the greatest acting performance in any of his movies, by Robert Walker, and is filled with suspense and wit.
“Stella” was a mainstay Character Actress in her day 👌
Nice reaction, Shandor. Thanks. I’m binging my way through your catalog.
The home nurse is played by Thelma Ritter, who from what I can see, always plays herself no matter what movie or tv show. She is the no-nonsense person whose sharp remarks cut straight through any malarkey.
She first appeared in an uncredited role in the 1947 Miracle on 34th St., then in several others, mostly uncredited too, I believe. In 1950, she played a maid in All About Eve and got an Oscar nomination for that. She became a regular character actor on many tv shows in the '50's and '60's, including one Perry Mason one where I remember she turned out to be the murderer. (Speaking of Perry Mason, the murdered here was played by Raymond Burr, who played the lead role in the courtroom series for years, along with Ironsides - a police detective or so stuck in a wheel chair. He also was one of the few English-speaking actors in the first Godzilla movie.)
I'm sorry but Thelma Ritter did not appear in any "Perry Mason" episodes. Raymond Burr was in the American version "Godzilla King of the Monsters" released in 1956, two years after "Gojira" was released in 1954.
@@marlasotherchannel9847 From what I understand, Godzilla was made as a Japanese movie and by reissuing it with Raymond Burr, it was released in America.
@@marlasotherchannel9847 She is so distinctive, I remember her when I see her. She played the restaurant owner in the Case of the Fugitive Nurse. I'm pretty sure I saw her in one other episode but not sure on that.
On the other hand, her name does NOT appear in the list of Perry Mason episodes. (Hmm, a real mystery.)
The episode is credited to Jeanette Nolan who I guess I mistook for Ritter.
@@johnnehrich9601 Jeanette Nolan played the restaurant owner in that episode.
One word description. Masterpiece!
Great reaction throughout man.
As we say in Texas; y'all be safe.
Enjoyed watching you react to this wonderful movie. One of my favorite aspects of it is the amazing soundtrack. One of my favorite Hitchcock movies is the 39 steps.
In my Top 10. And my favorite Hitchcock movie for sure!
Thelma Ritter (Stella) was perfect in this movie. Grace Kelly was so stunning. Amazing movie.
As a Mexican/American kid growing up in East Los Angeles in the late 90s and early 2,000s my older brother and sister would complain to my moms that I was playing an old boring movie again and we only had 1 tv. My family and friends couldn’t understand why as a kid I would watch these types of movies instead of action movies or cartoons. We grew up in public housing projects so the view from our window was similar to this movie so I would just look out and watch dozens of neighbors doing their daily routines so i identified with this movie. As my brother would tell me, “how can you watch a movie where a man sits in 1 room and watched people like a peeping Tom, your a weird kid”. Even though my brother was 5 years older I told him “you just don’t have the mental capacity to understand the genius that it takes to make a simple movie grab you”. Soemthing like 26 years later I still love watching this Masterpiece and have my 3 kids also loving this movie, and my ex wife says my kids taste in movies is weird just like me. My youngest daughter is in band and I showed her Amadeus a film about Mozart directed by Milo’s Forman and she absolutely fell in love with yet another so-called weird movie
A few other commenters have recommended "The 39 Steps" and I'll put my vote in for that one as well. It's one of my top three favorite Hitchcock movies, with so much going on -- danger, suspense, action, romance, comedy -- it has everything, and would make a great reaction!
Indeed! "The 39 Steps" (1935), based on John Buchan's 1915 adventure-thriller novel of the same title (although Hitchcock's adaptation makes certain changes from the book) is the great prototype of all "innocent man on the run vs enemy agents" movies, including Hitchcock's later "Saboteur" (1941) and "North by Northwest" (1958). Those later two films are essentially remakes of "The 39 Steps" in that all three films follow an almost identical story arc and feature the same basic elements.
Hitchcock's two versions of "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (Hitchcock directed the first one in 1934, and remade it in 1956--the remake starred James Stewart) also contain some of the same elements, as do "The Lady Vanishes" (1938) and "Foreign Correspondent" (1940).
The "39 Steps" is also a good option because it has been "remade" a few times and comparing the other versions can show what works and what doesnt ...
Great reaction. You're one of the most intelligent and knowledgable TH-cam reviewers out there. I recommend North by Northwest for your viewing pleasure.
The movie makes you smile cuz you love classic movies.
Back in these old Hollywood films characters are all great actors...
Stella is an amazing character actor shes been in dozens of movies
Jimmy Stewart is one of my favorite actors here is a small movie lineup....
Rope ( another Hitchcock classic )
The Spirit of St Louis
The Flight of the Phoenix
Thunder Bay
The Philadelphia Story
Great reaction thank you for the video
This was Hitchcock's first collaboration with John Michael Hayes who was a former writer for radio. He was so pleased with him that they made three more movies together. His screenplay was nominated for an Academy Award and is taught is some film schools as an example of how to build character and story at the same time. Interesting side note: The maid, Thelma Ritter, was paid more than both Grace Kelly and James Stewart! The set was the talk of the town at the time the film was made. NORTH BY NORTHWEST, VERTIGO, and PSYCHO are also must-sees!
You can find my Vertigo reaction on my channel! I loved it!
Really like your mind, maternity and thoughtfulness
Great reaction Shandor! It's a truly wonderful movie. I think you would really enjoy 'Rope' as your next Hitchcock choice. Like this movie, nearly all the action takes place in one room, and Jimmy Stewart makes a reappearance.
Raymond Burr (Thorwald) would go on (with his normal dark hair) to be the super lawyer Perry Mason on the long-running series. And in an unusual twist of fate, he would also be the one in the wheelchair as TV's Ironside.
This interesting fact might answer your question about the actors having to rehearse a lot for their movements. The actors in the apartments wore flesh colored earpieces so Hitchcock could direct them and they could get their cues via radio. Great reaction Shandor!
Wow, thank you so much for this! I never would've thought about it!
Another unusual aspect of this film is that it was all shot on a single location. Everything we (the audience) see is from the rear window. We don't go inside Thorwald's apartment, we don't go down into the courtyard, we see it all from the window. The set was constructed in a soundstage. The bottom floor of the soundstage had to be excavated a couple of stories to fit it all in.
I'm not going to say it's the greatest film ever made, but I think it's in the conversation. A thoroughly enjoyable film. Hitchcock at his finest.
Another Jimmy Stewart comedy you would like is the film "Harvey". He is excellent in it. I have always enjoyed "Rear Window". Another Hitchcock suspense film you would enjoy is "North by Northwest". Very witty and suspenseful with good scenery. A Hitchcock film with Grace Kelly and other great scenery is "To catch a Thief". I think that was when she met Prince Reinier of Monaco who she married a few years later. Good read on the film. Thanks for sharing.
Hitchcock is a master. About the couple chased in from their balcony with much confusion, by the rain. Hitchcock directed them over defferent ear pieces. He gave them conflicting direction to cause the confusion. Brilliant!
Excellent reaction.
Good LORD! Your "classic ' movie reactions are SO GOOD and on-point.; I can't wait for you to watch The Third Man.
You liked Grace Kelly. Watch her with Cary Grant in TO CATCH A THIEF. It was filmed in the South of France, Cannes, Nice, and Monaco. It was during filming that she met Prince Ranier of Monaco, whom she later married, and became Princess Grace. When you do, be sure to watch the very end of the final scene. The look on Grant's face is priceless.
I've watched it since then, hope you've seen my reaction!
Love this movie, and you're right, Stella (Thelma Ritter) is the best thing about it. The writers deserve alot of credit but Thelma delivers the lines perfectly ❤
Re: lack of action. This movie came out when people still read books, instead of playing video games. They still had the patience to watch, and enjoy, character developement.
People still do. It's just that it's almost always done so poorly nowadays. Yet this movie does it so well with very little dialog, just acting. And here are 2 strong, intelligent, powerful (in their own ways), and funny women who don't have to beat us over the head saying they are, but failing to show us. We recognize it on our own.
Highly enjoyable reaction to this absolute classic. So many other great Hitchcock’s to check. I love Rebecca, Shadow of a Doubt, The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956), To Catch a Thief, North By Northwest and Psycho. Lots of others, but those are cream of the crop for me.
From what I understand, this was one specially constructed set, in a studio where they had to take out the stage floor in order to get the extra depth (or height, if you will).
Bit of trivia on the set: it took up 2 entire soundstages at Paramount. And it was based on a real courtyard in Greenwich Village in New York City that still exists today, and even the addresses given in the film are real, as is the location of the NYPD 6th Precinct one block away from the courtyard, which is why the cops could get there so quickly.
The real courtyard can be scene in Woody Allen’s Manhattan Murder Mystery in a sly nod to this film.
Great reaction.
Hitchcock truly is a master filmmaker and by and large all his sound films are worth seeking out,
I think Rear Window is his best, but that's so subjective and even though in my opinion this is his best constructed film my favorite of all his work is the lesser known 1942 film Saboteur (not to be confused with his 1936 film Sabotage-also a very good film).
A few Hitchcock suggestions on where to go next:
North by Northwest
Strangers on a Train (this has one of his best most unsettling villains)
Lifeboat (another confined space film)
Notorious
Shadow of a Doubt
The Birds
Stella was played by Thelma Ritter who still holds the record for most Oscar nominations in Supporting Actress (6) without a win. A terrible oversight. She's always great but I'd suggest two of her Oscar nominated roles as good places to begin to become more familiar with her. The first is 1953's Pickup on South Street-an excellent noir and 1951's The Mating Season-a sprightly comedy. She was a gem and I agree she steals every minute she's on the screen in this film.
This is my favorite Hitch film, followed closely by, *Notorious.*
Great reaction! 12:07 Yes, Hitchcock wouldn't start a new movie before storyboarding the whole thing and he was a skilled sketch artist so he could do all that himself. Also, since he started his career directing silent pictures, much more of his plot is laid before us by action, not dialog, compared to less skilled directors.
One that rarely gets shown or mentioned much is “The Wrong Man” with Henry Fonda & Vera Miles, who was Hitchcock’s first choice to play the role that eventually went to Kim Novak in Vertigo & happens to be one of my favorites. Hitchcock stated that although low key, it was the scariest story he had ever put on the screen, because it was heavily based on a true story he had come across that he related to.
It's probably too downbeat for Americans, their loss of course.
I enjoyed your take on the movie & enjoyed your eye for lighting and set display. I absolutely hate poor lighting. There is a movie from 1987 called “Suspect”. This movie has a great plot great characters. The night lighting is especially good. Lol…
The story that this was based on was not a novel, but a 40-page story. The author, Cornell Woolrich, had more screen adaptations of his stories than any other author (96), including Deadline at Dawn (1946), The Window (1949), No Man of Her Own (1950, with Barbara Stanwyck), and more than 20 other films, as well as many TV productions, such as episodes on Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
Thelma Ritter was always excellent, especially in All About Eve (1950), The Misfits (1961, Clark Gable’s last movie), and as an old woman in her last movie, The Incident (1967). The Incident is probably the greatest forgotten film. It was so raw and un-PC that it was banned from television for decades. It is about a dozen ordinary people on a late-night subway who are terrorized by two thugs. Not a single reactor has watched it.
I second the recommendation below of Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps, The Lady Vanishes, and Foreign Correspondent. However, one of my favorites, highly regarded by critics, has yet to be watched by any reactor: Lifeboat (1944), a war movie set entirely on a lifeboat and featuring a star-studded cast.
Rear Window is great, my favourite Alfred Hitchcock movie.
My 2nd favourite is Dial M For Murder, which also features Grace Kelly.
The part of Stella is played by Thelma Ritter.
Ah man, Rear Window and Dial M, are also my Top 2 favorites.
This might be my favorite Hitchcock movie. It's a tough call, but I think it just edges out Dial M for Murder, Psycho, Rope and North by Northwest for me. Then again, there's Strangers on a Train, Shadow of a Doubt, The Lady Vanishes, The Man Who Knew Too Much, The Birds, Lifeboat... I don't know if it's even possible to have a favorite film of his. Even so, this is really high on the list.
Hitchcock, always did a cameo in his movies, you just have to look for him. The maid actress, was a very good character actress, in a lot of movies. Doris Day, Rock Hudson and her character Alma, is a great movie, Pillow Talk.
Late to the party, but I appreciate your appreciation of this film! I hope you watch "Hitchcock's Rope someday soon - Note that it's a set on a soundstage, but you HAVE to pay attention to the clouds in the sky outside the window.
Surprised nobody mentioned “Psycho”
GREETINGS EARTH MAN: I think you have what it takes to have a successful channel. Your manner is appropriate in that you are intelligent, enthusiastic and informed. Carry on.
Thank you so much!
A wonderful movie!
This is a talkie film grafted to a silent film --- Hitchcock was a master of both genres. Also, it's not immediately obvious, but if you think about it, all the "stories" outside Jeff's window are about love, marriage, and loneliness, which reflects on Jeff and Lisa's kaleidoscopic relationship.
If you like the actress who plays Stella is this movie. I really think you will enjoy her in a movie called Pillow Talk.
I second that recommendation. Pillow Talk is a delightful comedy with a sparkling screenplay and a terrific cast.
She had only a few lines in "Miracle on 34th Street" but Thema Ritter always knocks it out of the park.
Again,also A Letter to Three Wives
Absolutely watch the Hitchcock/Jimmy Stewart collaboration, The Man Who Knew Too Much from 1956. It costars Doris Day, who gave an Oscar-worthy performance.
Shandor, I hope you are catching all of Hitchcock's cameos in the majority of his films.
There seems to be some confusion as to the meaning of the word "suspense." It refers to the fear that something is going to happen. When you see the shark, the suspense is over. Rear Window is almost entirely suspense. Current movies contain almost none.
This is the largest studio set ever built.
Shandor, I have been hoping you would react to this movie. Grace Kelly is my favorite actress from this Era.
I am hoping you react to Sunset Blvd from 1940ish and I have only seen a couple people react to Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton
I second Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf....what a movie (Sunset Blvd too don't get me wrong)
I just found your channel and enjoyed your reaction to Rear Window. It’s my favourite movie. If you haven’t already please watch another incredible Hitchcock movie called Strangers On A Train. It’s a psychological thriller film noir. Great acting by Farley Granger, Robert Walker, Ruth Roman and Leo G. Carroll.
You are talking about Thelma Ritter. She is a great character actress. You should watch her in All About Eve. She gives my all time favorite lines in a movie in the first 15 min. I love her. I hope you react to that as well. You should react to Hitchcock's Rope . I love your reaction.
Yeah, the sped up shots at the end there always took me out of it for a bit. Not sure what Hitchcock was thinking. I mean couldn't the actors show some natural hustle rather than him fiddling with the speed of the footage. Still my favorite Hitchcock movie though. Dial M For Murder and Psycho round out the top 3.
Thanks for the reaction.
The first reaction that expected more suspense. Really? More?
The set was built from scratch in the studio, based upon a real Greenwich Village apartment they scouted. Amazing.
And I loved the diegetic music from the piano man tenant. It developed through the course of the movie naturally.
And Thelma Ritter IS great. Born in 1904, she wore the same type of dress in Rear Window that my grandmother, born in 1912, used to wear on a daily basis. Ritter was great in the movie Lover Come Back with Doris Day and Rock Hudson.
Yes this movie is amazing. If you want to watch another great Hitchcock I would say North by Northwest.
The composer is played by Ross Bagdasarian, who is better known by his stage name Dave Seville and who is the creator of Alvin and the Chipmunks.
Really? That's awesome!
You won't want to miss seeing "Stella" in Pillow Talk and then Move Over, Darling.
You are an amazing reactor. I agree with you that female characters today pale in comparison to female characters of the past. If you like Thelma Ritter ( the actress who plays Stella) I would highly recommend you watch All About Eve ( 1950). The dialogue in it is insanely good.
Cute? A puppy is cute. Lisa Freemont is absolutely gorgeous. 🤣
Another funny Hitchcock movie: "To Catch a Thief" with the very urbane Cary Grant, and Grace Kelly.
Rebecca 1942. Shandor, if you want to see how Hitchcock manipulates an audience I recommend you go to a movie theater... watch a movie you already know. Sit in the back and watch how our Hitch makes an audience jump, gasp, go silent, and laugh. It's a lesson in how Hitchcock was master of the audience, not just suspense. Love the reviews...all the best from Mexico Jim
I'd love to watch a Hitchcock movie in a theater, but theaters don't show them here, unfortunately.
Rear Window is my favorite Hitchcock film, you should give To Catch A Thief, it's another Hitchcock film with Grace Kelly.
It's on my channel now, I absolutely loved it!
Yes this was filmed on the studio set. Alfred Hitchcock from what I understand wasn’t fond of on location shooting.
I guess filming on set was easier to control.
You might like The Birds and Dial M for Murder.
Also North by Northwest!
My two favorite Hitchcock movies are the 1930's The Lady Vanishes and the '50's Dial M for Murder. Both stories had been filmed several times - the Hitchcock version is so far superior to the other versions.
Please try LIFEBOAT and FRENZY, two other great Hitchcock films.
❤️
I’ve heard that the actors had earpieces so they could be directed remotely.
Watch "Psycho." It's brilliant.
It sure is!
For another movie with great dialog try "The Big Sleep" with Bogart and Bacall in their 2nd movie together.
It's in my channel now! It was FANTASTIC!
If you like Grace Kelly, watch High Society, with Bing Crosby and Frank Sinarter.
"Stella" is the great Thelma Ritter.
I wonder what you would think of Lifeboat?
If you really like Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window...you will love his other films .."Vertigo" and "Psycho"
I love the way this movie draws the viewer in like they are a voyeur too.
The character creation and dialogue keep it interesting as the plot slowly unfolds.
And yes, "strong women" have been in TV and film since Laurel and Hardy, only the sociopaths and social engineers who have no empathy with the human condition see it otherwise.
Women who embrace their femininity are all the stronger and more attractive for it and a women have been wrapping men around their little fingers since the beginning.
This!!!
Do these people see the entire movie or only the parts that we the audience see?
A Thelma Ritter movie I have a deeply nostalgic love for is Pillow Talk with Doris Day and Rock Hudson. It's a rom com and campy and so much fun. The sets are spectacular, there's singing, Tony Randall is in it. Warning though, the overall premise is misogynistic, but that is an unfortunate reality of Hollywood and the world, but it's preeeetty blatant. Still, Doris Day sparkles and Thelma Ritter is caustic and hilarious. I think you'd enjoy it. Definitely subbing after this watch!
Along with North By Northwest, I think Rear Window is the best of Hitchcock's more accessible films. In the 40s and 50s he managed to operate between difficult artsy thrillers and popcorn entertainment, pretty seamlessly. Another one I like is To Catch A Thief, starring Cary Grant and also the beautiful Grace Kelly.
Check out two of his classics - the amazing Notorious with Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman (talk about chemistry!) and North by Northwest with Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint.
Cary Grant is overrated.
@@joebloggs396 To each his own.
@@joebloggs396I'm pretty sure your in the minority about Cary Grant. Oh well.
Rope., The Birds, Psycho for me.But RW is standout.
Grace Kelly is the most beautiful woman ever
Hard to disagree with that.
"I wish I could be creative."
"Oh sweetie, you are. You have a great talent for creating difficult situations."
Grace Kelly, am I right? 😍
Fun Fact: All the apartments in Thorwald's (Raymond Burr) building had electricity and running water, and could be lived in.
Casting Notes Fact: Grace Kelly was offered this film and On The Waterfront (1954) at the same time. She chose this movie instead because she thought the role of Lisa, who worked in the world of fashion, as she once did, suited her better.
Natural Soundtrack Fact: All of the sound in this movie is diegetic, meaning that all the music, speech, and other sounds all come from within the world of the movie (with the exception of non-diegetic orchestral music heard in the first three shots of the movie).
Method Director Fact: According to Georgine Darcy, when the man and woman on the fire escape struggle to get in out of the rain was based on a prank by Sir Alfred Hitchcock. Each actor and actress in the apartment complex facing Jeff's (James Stewart) rear window wore an earpiece through which they could receive Hitchcock's directions. Hitchcock told the man to pull the mattress in one direction and told the woman to pull in the opposite direction. Unaware that they had received conflicting directions, the couple began to fight and struggled to get the mattress inside once the crew began filming. The resulting mayhem, in which one of the couple is tossed inside the window with the mattress, provided humor and a sense of authenticity, which Hitchcock liked. He was so pleased with the result that he did not order another take.
Thank you for this! Now I love that scene even more, haha!
You're welcome! 😁
Go in Peace and Walk with God. 😎 👍
I liked you reaction except for one thing. . .How can you possibly say, "Not much is happening. . ." several times? Sorry, but ALL KINDS OF THINGS ARE HAPPENING in this film. I'm a bit older than you and a huge Hitchcock fan. And I've noticed that unless there are many "action" scenes in a film, many younger viewers don't seem to want to get into the many possibilities that can arise from some seemingly small events or even comments by the characters. What I'm trying to say is that this is a very good STORY and SCREENPLAY and it does NOT need chase scenes or explosions or other forms of "action" to have quite a bit "happening". Glad you liked the dialogue and Hitchcock's intelligent use of humor in the midst of a murder story. Also, this was the largest studio set Hitch ever used in a movie, and he brilliantly shoots the whole film and tells the whole story on just that one set.
please react to Witness for the Prosecution (1957) if you haven't watched it already
Next Hitchcock? NOTORIPUS (1946)
Grace Kelly went down n and married the Prince of Monoco.🌹 Princess Grace?🌹🙏RIP🙏
1954 Uber Eats
If you haven't yet, watch NORTH BY NORTHWEST or PSYCHO. You won't be sorry.
See "Yankee Doodle Dandy".
Hitchcock said that "the figuring it all out" was the best part of it and the filmmaking not so much.
This is something that MODERN FILMMAKERS dont do, because they REWRITE ON THE GO and have CGI to "fix stuff later on". That's why modern movies have become worse ... the "creatives" DONT MAKE AS MUCH EFFORT ANYMORE (even though they get many MANY millions of $$$$ from the studios before even doing anything).
Shortly before he passed, Christopher Reeve did a pretty good remake of this movie.