| Product: |
The Lady Vanishes (DVD) |
| Date: |
24.12.07 (39 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Classic, some great characters, some supense, funny in parts
Disadvantages: Old fashioned
The original Lady Vanishes was released in 1938 and directed by the late, great Alfred Hitchcock. The film is set in a fictional country just prior to the Second World War. This country has many similarities to Austria, Switzerland and Germany. The Lady Vanishes is one of those thrillers which has elements of comedy amongst the tension.
We are introduced to the main characters, who are all travelling on a long train journey, as they are held up due to an avalanche. As they stay overnight at a local hotel we get to meet the main players. A young Michael Redgrave plays the male lead Gilbert, who is a somewhat eccentric English Gentleman.The female lead is taken by Margaret Lockwood, Iris, who I suppose is what would be termed a wild child these days.
The train resumes it's journey the next day and we see more of the passengers. As well as Iris and Gilbert, these consist of:-
A couple of frumpy guys who are 'typically British' and talk of nothing but cricket. Nauton Wayne and Basil Radford played these two men and they are seen together in similar roles, in a few films after this.
An elderly governess, Miss Froy, who, having worked abroad for many years, is returning to England.
A business man and his mistress.
The train picks up a doctor and a couple of nuns at a station. These are accompanying a sick patient who is all bundled up on a stretcher, or so it seems.
The clue to this film is in the title. Quite literally the Lady Vanishes, or perhaps she never existed after all. At the time of it's release this film would have been very fresh and new. It was based on a book by Ethel Lina White, but the plot of the film is quite different.The genre is mystery thriller but there are a fair few laugh out loud moments. Alfred Hitchcock, as always, is there playing a cameo role.
The Lady Vanishes was made in black and white and will appear very dated to many viewers. The steam trains alone give it a period piece feel, as do the ladies fashions. However it has become somewhat of a classic and has a great cast. If you have never watched it before give it a whirl. DVD copies can be purchased quite cheaply and it can be viewed on television from time to time.
(There is a much later version of this film which was made in 1979 and starred Elliott Gould and Cybil Shepherd in the main roles with Angela Lansbury as Miss Froy. However, despite a great cast, this one is not as successful . Much of the appeal of the original film is after all in the stereo-typical English characters that are played beautifully)
The film is written by Sidney Gilliat and Frank Launder.
The cast includes:-
Margaret Lockwood
Michael Redgrave
Paul Lukas
Dame May Whitty
Cecil Parker
Linden Travers
Naunton Wayne
Basil Radford
Mary Clare
Philip Leaver
Catherine Lacey
Googie Withers
The running Time is 97 minutes
Thanks for reading
Copyright Eiley 2007
Summary: Intrigue and mystery
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