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Remaking his own 1934 film, Hitchcock imbues The Man Who Knew Too Much with picturesque locales and international intrigue, and is helped by a brilliantly befuddled performance from James Stewart.
All Critics (33) | Top Critics (5) | Fresh (30) | Rotten (3) | DVD (6)
It's like a long novel that could be tightened, yet many would prefer it as it is. Jun 5, 2018 | Full Review…
It's like a long novel that could be tightened, yet many would prefer it as it is.
Don Gillette
The film is uncharacteristically rigid and pious for Hitchcock; it feels more like a work of duty than conviction. Mar 27, 2009 | Full Review…
The film is uncharacteristically rigid and pious for Hitchcock; it feels more like a work of duty than conviction.
Dave Kehr
While drawing the footage out a bit long, he still keeps suspense working at all times and gets strong performances from the two stars and other cast members. Mar 26, 2009 | Full Review…
While drawing the footage out a bit long, he still keeps suspense working at all times and gets strong performances from the two stars and other cast members.
Variety Staff
Starting slowly amid colourful but rather superfluous travelogue-style Moroccan footage, the film improves no end as it progresses. Jun 24, 2006 | Full Review…
Starting slowly amid colourful but rather superfluous travelogue-style Moroccan footage, the film improves no end as it progresses.
Geoff Andrew
Even in mammoth VistaVision, the old Hitchcock thriller-stuff has punch. Mar 25, 2006 | Full Review…
Even in mammoth VistaVision, the old Hitchcock thriller-stuff has punch.
Bosley Crowther
James Stewart is superb, and Bernard Miles and Brenda de Banzie make admirable adversaries. Jul 29, 2014 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…
James Stewart is superb, and Bernard Miles and Brenda de Banzie make admirable adversaries.
David Parkinson
Making marvellous use of settings and locations, Hitchcock treats the viewer to superbly choreographed set-pieces. Jul 29, 2014 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
Making marvellous use of settings and locations, Hitchcock treats the viewer to superbly choreographed set-pieces.
Even middling Hitchcock is a cut above most thrillers. Jul 29, 2014 | Full Review…
Even middling Hitchcock is a cut above most thrillers.
Elliott Noble
...a decent thriller that's ultimately saved by its stellar performances and absolutely enthralling last act. Mar 24, 2014 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
...a decent thriller that's ultimately saved by its stellar performances and absolutely enthralling last act.
David Nusair
This version lacks some of the economy of the first, and, unusually for Hitchcock, it sags in the middle. Fortunately, there's a marked improvement as it reaches the last third. Mar 27, 2009 | Full Review…
This version lacks some of the economy of the first, and, unusually for Hitchcock, it sags in the middle. Fortunately, there's a marked improvement as it reaches the last third.
Film4 Staff
Hitch's remake of his own film results in an equally compelling action thriller with sterling performances from Stewart and Day. Mar 27, 2009 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
Hitch's remake of his own film results in an equally compelling action thriller with sterling performances from Stewart and Day.
Kim Newman
Hitchcock's scenes are beautifully framed and tautly directed. Mar 27, 2009 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review…
Hitchcock's scenes are beautifully framed and tautly directed.
Top notch Hitchcock film. Gotta love the Cold War if Dorris Day's in it!
Super Reviewer
This is Alfred Hitchcock doing a remake of one of his own films from early on in his career, and it's an interesting choice. The original was a slick, fun little thriller in its own right, and it really helped set the standard for the bulk of his career from then on. This time around though, the telling of the storyt is a lot more polished, more artistic, and 45 minutes longer. Both films are great, but this one is the stronger of the two, but by how much is really up for debate. It's the usual Hitch story: family goes on vacation, meets interesting people, and they get caught up in situations they aren't prepared for, and are in way over their heads. To top it off, the family can't do much since their son has been kidnapped as a way of threatening them, so not only do they need to try to stop an assassination, they need to get their son back. As I said, this version is a lot more slick and polished. The sets and costumes look great ,AStewart is solid as always, and it's really ncie seeing Doris Day do something dramatic. The film is a mixture of suspense thriller and comedy, and it sometiems works well, but on the other hand, it is fairly uneven at times, and it seems like the film can't make up its mind about which tone to stick with. Also, the film si pretty dated with the rather un PC way characters deal with race and culture, but hey, that's the 50s for you. Nevertheless, this is an exciting film that never fails to hold one's attention, and there's some excellent sequences, most notable being the 14 minute or so sequence at Royal Albert Hall that is done with no dialogue, and relies soley on music and visuals to build tension and suspense. It's a real showstopper. All in all, this is required viewing for fans of the genre, and especially fans of Hitch. The original should also be checked out, as it's a real joy as well.
One of my favorites from Hitchcock. Jimmy Stewart, as always, gives his all and the Vista Vision technology is used to it's fullest. Also, Doris Day puts in her best performance.
The Man Who Knew Too Much can't seem to decide whether to be a light-hearted comedy or a full-out thriller, but there are plenty of wonderful moments to be had along the way. Doris Day is good, and James Stewart is more hesitant and confused than ever as the bumbling doctor. It's worth checking out, even if it does overstay it's welcome.
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