AMC - Hollywood Classics: Alfred Hitchcock

Synopsis: AMC presents four thrillers directed by Alfred Hitchcock between 1934 and 1936, each described separately below: THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH (1934) - An English couple on holiday in Switzerland... AMC presents four thrillers directed by Alfred Hitchcock between 1934 and 1936, each described separately below: THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH (1934) - An English couple on holiday in Switzerland find themselves embroiled in an international plot to assassinate a foreign dignitary when the husband overhears the secret and their daughter is kidnapped. This taut, suspenseful thriller, aided by the director's wry wit and tight pacing, features a young Peter Lorre. Critics continue to argue the film's merits versus those of its 1956 remake. THE 39 STEPS (1935) - Robert Donat gets more than he bargained for when he brings home a mysterious woman who confesses to be a British agent hot on the trail of a dangerous spy ring. The woman is killed in Donat's apartment and he immediately finds himself on the run, burdened with the charge for her murder and the dangerous knowledge of her mission. The film is distinguished by its pioneering use of contrapuntal sound effects, as well as the dynamism between Robert Donat and Madeleine Carroll. SECRET AGENT (1936) - England mourns the loss of war hero and famed novelist Edgar Brodie as this tangled spy mystery begins. The only problem is that Brodie (John Gielgud) is among the last to know. Returning from the war, he discovers that he has been declared dead, singled out for a new identity, and given a special assignment that will include his new "wife," Elsa (Madeleine Carrol). They are joined by the cool and deadly hit man the General (Peter Lorre) and also pick up a talkative American named Robert Marvin (Robert Young of FATHER KNOWS BEST and MARCUS WELBY M.D.); both newcomers lust for Elsa. SABOTAGE (1936) - Based on Joseph Conrad's SECRET AGENT, this thriller is about a woman (Sylvia Sydney) who suspects that her kindly husband (Oskar Homolka) may actually be a dangerous foreign agent. Hitchcock creates an atmosphere of claustrophobic fear while depicting a mysterious conspiracy of saboteurs. [More]

Starring: Leslie Banks, Edna Best, Peter Lorre, Robert Donat

Starring: Leslie Banks, Edna Best, Peter Lorre, Robert Donat, Madeleine Carroll, Robert Young, John Gielgud, Oskar Homolka, Sylvia Sidney, John Loder

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

[See More Credits]