4/5 Political Intrigue in Color with Music
  by Acute Observer (North Jersey Shore)
The Man Who Knew Too Much, 1956 film

The film begins with a symphony orchestra. Recognize the music? The Cymbals clash at the climax. An American family Dr. Benjamin McKenna, wife Jo, son Hank are traveling in North Africa, riding in the back of the bus. Hank makes a cultural blunder but passenger Louis Bernard smooths things out. He recommends a good hotel. They visit Marrakesh by bus. Wife Jo notices things like being pumped for information. A song provides entertainment. "She's marvelous." Bernard makes a living by buying and selling things. Who was at the door? They meet the Draytons. Dr. McKenna breaks bread. They see Bernard with his friend. [Does McKenna act like he is less intelligent?] The market is like a county fair. "Its best to keep out of trouble." The police chase a man, someone stabs him in the back! Bernard has a message for Dr. McKenna. The crowd watches. The police question Dr. McKenna and Jo. Was it just a coincidence? A telephone message warns McKenna about talking! What happened to Hank?

There is something strange going on. Dr. McKenna diagnosed the problem. We learn more from McKenna's speech. The Special Branch meets them in London and asks for the message. Does McKenna show good judgment? Can an amateur match a professional? Is there a connotation to a "Taxidermist" (as in `Psycho')? This comic scene provides relief. Jo figures out the correct name and leaves. [Is there something subversive in using a chapel for intrigue and spying? A charity organization would be better.] "It doesn't hurt to be kind." A clever plot uses the music to mask the shot! [Would a real professional wait to collect his pay?] Finally McKenna seeks professional help at the chapel. Does adversity work to make us better? [More comedy?] A blessing in disguise? It depends.

McKenna talks to Drayton, but is stopped. The police arrive. People arrive at the Royal Albert Hall. Jo gets a warning. Then the symphony begins. The suspense builds up as we know what will happen. Can Jo risk the life of her son? [What would you do?] Does that scene echo the action of John Wilkes Booth? We learn who is behind the assassination. How can they rescue Hank? [This was done better in the first film.] Jo sings again. Hank hears the song and whistles in reply. [Believable?] Drayton makes a misstep. There is a happy ending.

This is a revised version of Hitchcock's 1934 film. The original was simpler, grittier, and had a better story. This lush, colorful version seems flawed in comparison but still entertaining. The 1978 version "Foul Play" was more of a comedy but still viewable. Note how Hitchcock gives a Luger pistol for the villain.


5/5 Classic Hitchcock
  by Daniel Plummer (Ottawa, Ontario Canada)
If you're into the classic films, then this will highly entertain you. Perhaps not one of Hitchcock's commercial best, but it definitely doesn't disappoint. The dialog, scenery and flow are excellent. I'd highly recommend adding this one to your collection. Simple yet complex, I love old films to the new. I feel as though the classic films, such as this one, rely on content rather than 'flash'.

4/5 1956 Hitchcock.
  by Dr. Feelgood (USA)
A remake of Hitchcock's own film, from 1934, redone in color, and which more closely resembles Hollywood filmmaking. Starring James Stewart and Doris Day, of all people. Doris Day seems somewhat out of place in the role, and more suited for musical films. In any case, the film is similar to North By Northwest, in the sense that ordinary people are caught up in extraordinary circumstances.

3/5 Not compatible for Mac computers.
  by D. Hatchett (Wisconsin, USA)
The movie was great! In fact, one of my favorite Hitchocks. But you can't download it to a Mac! The video downloader is only compatible with PCs. I was very disappointed to learn this AFTER I had paid to rent it. It takes about five hours to download the video to your computer's hard drive, so plan ahead! Also, watching the rentals online is a waste of time and money. They are very slow to load and the video skips frames. Unless you have a superb internet connection - don't even try it! I'm glad Amazon offers this, and am looking forward to seeing how they will improve it. I hope their next step is to make it compatible for Mac computers!

1/5 R U guys kidding me ?
  by M. Vallecillo
I have also seen good Hitchcock work and frankly I don't know what he was thinking when he directed this incredibly absurd movie. Even the best hitters strike out once in a while and this movie proves that 2 good actors and a good director do not necessarily guarantee success. Sorry guys, I call 'em like I see 'em and this one is painful to see garbage.