Notorious

Rating:
Summary: Nazis are bad people
Review: "Notorious" is a strong film. There are so many elements at play here, that it is hard to put your finger on just what makes it so strong. Cary Grant is a hard man with a hard heart, burying his feelings deeply within his duty. Ingrid Bergman plays against type, being a lurid Florida party girl, loose with the men and drink. It is a real pleasure to watch her transformation from the Notorious to the Elegant. Claude Rains is the patsy, weak and ineffectual yet more honest in his intentions than any other character in the film.

The storyline is gripping, being the hunting of post-war Nazis who fled to South America. They are, of course, bad people, yet human. Hitchcock is in full command here. The ending of the film is as good as the ending of any film ever made, understated and emotional.

Criterion has mastered the trick of making great DVDs. The black and white is fully restored, and completely beautiful. The extras are a bounty of goodness, with my personal favorite being the Lux Theater radio presentation.

A strong film. A strong DVD. Is there any reason not to own this film?

Rating:
Summary: Beautifully Restored Film Classic
Review: This review refers to the Criterion Collection DVD of Alfred Hitchcock's "Notorious".....

The master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, gives us another edge of your seat thriller. He combines, mystery,romance, and the evil's of Nazism in this chilling story.It takes place shortly after WWII. Alicia(Ingrid Bergman) is a woman with a past. Her father has just been convicted of spying. American agent Devlin(Cary Grant), enlists Alicia to infiltrate a Nazi spy ring.After her father's conviction, Alicia can prove her own patriotism by cooperating in this manner. She finds herself right in the thick of things and her own life in danger after she goes as far as to marry Alex(Claude Rains), one of the very powerful, rich and dangerous ring leaders of the group. Alex is on to her and tries to methodically get rid of his beautiful wife.Can the handsome "Dev" rescue the woman he has come to love so much before tragedy strikes.?

You'll delight to find Hitch's trademarks all through the film. The camera angles are definitive,the trademark staircase scene, the passion between Grant and Bergman electrifying,Claude Rains is terrifying, and the story a rollercoaster of suspense filled moments. There isn't a more perfect film I can think of.

Looking for Hitch: A little over an hour in you can have a little drink with him.(Not too much though, the Champagne needs to last the night at this party).

I am always happy to report on a great restoration of a classic film. This one made in 1946 is a beautiful, crisp, clean transfer to this DVD. The Black and White images are sharp and you will notice the attention that was made to every detail during the filming. The tears streaming down Ingrid's face look like drops of crystal. It's amazing. The sound is in Dolby Dig Mono and is very good. There are lots of "extras" on this edition. Among them is some great commentary from Marian Keane(she is a film scholar and talks alot about camera angles and other pertinent facts to the film) which you can listen to during the film if you choose, You can isolate that wonderful soundtrack,there is correspondce between Selznick and others connected to the film,TWO booklets, one about Hitch's Notorious and other films and another listing Criterions releases. And there is much more(see tech info for complete list).There are also subtitles which may be helpful to hearing impaired viewers.

You do get your money's worth on this one. However, if you are not as interested in the extras and are just looking to view this fabulous classic, there is another edition by Anchor Bay which costs much less. Although I have not viewed this particular Anchor Bay Release I do have many others by them and have always been more than happy with their treatment of the transfer.

Kick back with Cary, Ingrid and Hitch for a day of suspense and romance..........Laurie

Rating:
Summary: A beautifully done film!
Review: Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant are great for their roles in this movie. Alfred Hitchcock is wonderful putting the mind of a criminal in a film. This is one of my favorite thrillers. See it!

Rating:
Summary: Suspence/Romance/Espionage
Review: Great 1946 thriller, with superb acting by Cary Grant who plays Devlin, and Ingrid Bergman playing Alicia, and directed by the master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock. This film is considerd a classic, and highly enjoyable...This is a good film, and most will enjoy it, because its very universal. Francois Truffaut said of this film: "Truly my favorite Hitchcock picture...the very quintessence of Hitchcock." Of course Hitchcock directed this very good, and the script is superb. 4 stars, I recommend this to all, and mostly to fans of mystery, romance, espionage.

Rating:
Summary: "Would anyone like a glass of Champagne?"
Review: Well, the first thing I remember about Alfred Hitchcocks masterpiece is the look of concerned trepidation on Ingrid Bergmans face watching the dwindling supply of Champagne. She was worried because she had swiped her husbands key to the Wine Cellar. Hitchcock employed a swooping crane to pan down to the key clenched in her fist, they didn't have zoom lenses then. Then we see the master, Hitchcock himself, making his cameo appearance and helping to deplete the Champagne at the same time!
"Notorious" is one of my favorite movies directed by Alfred Hitchcock starring Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman and Claude Rains. I was even happier to get the DVD, delivered no less, for much less than I paid for the VHS tape years ago. While I will probably get the Criterion DVD, eventually, as well, the Anchor Bay edition delivers the movie superbly. In the meantime I would recommend opening a bottle of Champagne, or chilling a case in ice for your guests, and enjoy the show! Best Wishes, CAL

Rating:
Summary: Bergman+Grant+Hitchcock=Suspense
Review: There are three things about this film that make it especially noteworthy, and they are (in no particular order): Ingrid Bergman, Cary Grant and Suspense. And with regards to the latter of the three, another title for this one could have been "The Key and the Staircase," in reference to two elements of the story that will absolutely have you on the edge of your seat. The film in question, of course, is "Notorious," directed by Alfred Hitchcock, a thriller steeped in fear of the unknown and the paranoia generated by the uncertain future of the world in the wake of World War II. The game of espionage was afoot in 1946, and the rules had yet to be established; diligence was the operative word and indifference could not and would not be tolerated. And Hitchcock was right there to explore, probe and examine the heart of the matter, long before the appearance of McCarthy or the other bug-eyed "cinematic" monsters that would ultimately become a metaphor for the ambiguity of the '50s. A black rain was descending upon the earth; fallout born of the marriage of technology and Evil, the effects of which would be neither known nor understood for many years. Meanwhile, Hitchcock delighted in provoking his audiences into a sweat of disquietude and apprehension. And he did it SO well.

The war has ended, but there are those within certain agencies of the American Government who do not believe the threat from Hitler's minions has been eradicated. They are convinced, in fact, that a nest of Nazis has been established in South America, where they are currently at work on a secret project which, if left unabated, could rekindle the fires of worldwide conflict. But there is no proof; what they need is someone on the inside, someone they can trust, to get to the bottom of it all before it's too late.

Toward that end, agent T.R. Devlin (Grant) is dispatched to enlist the aid of Alicia Huberman (Bergman), whose father has recently been convicted of conspiring with the Nazis during the war. The agency feels that she is perfect for the job, inasmuch as during her father's trial it became evident that her political sympathies lay in direct opposition to that of her father, as well as the fact that she was at one time very close to Alexander Sebastian (Claude Rains), the man currently playing host to the suspected Nazis, now ensconced in his mansion in South America. Initially, Alicia resists any involvement; but after some persuasion from Devlin, she acquiesces. And the next day she is on a plane headed south.

Working from a tightly written screenplay by Ben Hecht, Hitchcock has masterfully crafted and delivered a suspense/drama that will hold you in thrall from beginning to end. No one can build and sustain tension and the uncertainty of a situation like Hitchcock, which he proves beyond the shadow of a doubt here. He makes a seemingly simply thing such as who is in possession of a certain key at a specific time beyond riveting. And what other director has ever used a staircase to greater effect? As the story unfolds, Hitchcock adds one element after another, layering detail upon detail and weaving it all seamlessly together with his own unique touch. Furthermore, he doles out the most pertinent information with a deliberate pace that may induce the burying of fingernails in the arms of chairs on the part of his audience. When it comes to leading his viewers down the path to a satisfying climax, Hitchcock not only plays the game, he designed it and established the rules that have become the universally accepted standard in the business. It's impossible to merely "see" a Hitchcock film; indeed, he makes sure you "experience" the story fully, and this one is a superb example of the expertise he employs in the plying of his craft.

Is she a victim, heroine or pawn? As played by the lovely Ingrid Bergman, Alicia Huberman is perhaps all of the above. There's a finesse to her performance that lends distinction to her character as she conveys so well the bitter inner conflict born of the path Fate has placed before her; it's an emotionally charged portrayal that evokes empathy and will win the sympathy of the viewer as she plays out the hand she has been dealt. Besides which, Bergman has never looked more beautiful on the screen than she does here; in this film she is absolutely captivating.

The role of Devlin is something of a departure for Cary Grant, as it is decidedly one of his more serious portrayals. His character, of course, is dealing with a highly volatile and sensitive issue, and Grant responds to it with the kind of performance that addresses it most effectively. Absent is the trademark whimsy he generally infuses so successfully into his characters, and whether it was his decision, Hitchcock's, or a collaborative effort between the two, it was a wise choice that does much for the credibility of this particular character. It also makes the relationship between Devlin and Alicia tenable in light of the brevity of their acquaintance, as it puts it within the context of character and response to a given situation. It's a memorable performance by Grant, aided in no small part by the natural on-screen chemistry he shares with the ravishing Ingrid Bergman.

Claude Rains, meanwhile, brings a subtle menace to his portrayal of Sebastian, within whom you can detect a restraint of evil that's almost palpable; it seems to emanate from his countenance in waves, and you can see it reflected in his eyes and his designed-to-conceal expression. And that same sense of the nefarious is concisely captured by Leopoldine Konstantin in her portrayal of Madame Sebastian; another staple in Hitchcock's bag of cinematic tricks, the matron/villainess. It's all a part of what makes "Notorious" so thoroughly entertaining and memorable; it's pure Hitchcock, and it just doesn't get any better than that.

Rating:
Summary: Great Entertainment!
Review: Ingrid Bergman plays a German-American daughter of a Nazi war criminal. At the start of the film, her father is convicted of treason in a 1946 American court. As such, Bergman plays a tough, morally-compromised character who balances cynicism for American patriotism with a genuine need for redemption.

Carey Grant plays Devlin, an American intelligence man, who despite falling in love with Bergman, must ask her to seduce a powerful Nazi sympathizer played by Claude Reins. Devlin is torn because he a) loves her and b) sees the seduction that she must engage in with Reins, as compromising her as a human being, compromising her safety, and compromising his love for her!

Ben Hect's screenplay lays the blue-print for characters I, as a viewer, cared for. Bergman is torn between her father's past, and her responsibility to the United States. Furthermore, she must infiltrate Claude Reins's circle of Germans in Rio in order to get enough information for an American government that put her own father away. She is morally compromised, and as such when she is nearly found out by the Germans, it makes her plight that much more engaging.

Hitchcock's classic moves along at a breezy clip, especially considering the deeper moral, familial, and societal issues involved here. And in a single viewing, it's easy for a lot of this to pass right over a viewer. The final tone is that of a love story -- and perhaps just a little too jolly considering what he might have done with such morally complex characters. The overall feel of the story is more plot-oriented than character-oriented, yet the characters given are deep. (a good contrast of similar themes can be seen -- interestingly enough -- in Frank Darbont's "Shawshank Redemption"). Bergman needs to believe in a country, in life, and in love, in order to be born anew -- free of her father's past. A modern reworking of this story could be very powerful if the elements of character were more fully realized. (imagine, for example, a daughter of Saddam Hussein placed in a similar situation -- torn between the freedom and democracy of America, and her twisted family -- a rich territory, ripe for the right screenwriter and director to actualize ... and could be very, very powerful).

At the time, Notorious broke all box office records at RKO earning more than 8 million dollars, and was the second-to-the-last film Hitch worked on with any connection to David Selznic (who had sold off the entire project to RKO). Hitchcock's "Notorious" is a classic love story of spies and espionage -- an engaging film of morally compromised characters striving to redeem themselves through love and patriotism. It is great entertainment! Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: One of the greatest movies ever!
Review: Alfred Hitchcock is by far my favorite director, and this is definatly one of his best. Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman are terrific in the mezmerizing roles they play. All I can say now is, if you don't own this video, THEN GET IT NOW!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Arguably Hitchcock's best
Review: Sure, we hear about "The Birds," "Psycho," "North by Northwest," "The Man Who Knew Too Much," and "Vertigo" until our ears bleed, but Hitchcock never surpassed the passion and intrigue he pulled off in this one. An excellent cast led by Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, and Claude Rains; love scenes hotter than any of the semi-nude sax-underscored things we get today (sometimes just the sound of Bergman breathing); and a solid nail-biter plot make this one of his very best.

Fans who prefer the platinum blandness (sic) of Kim Hunter, Grace Kelly, or Tippi Hedren may not be satisfied: Ingrid Bergman actually has some fire! Cary Grant was better only with Katharine Hepburn, and really shines here with his portrayal of a prejudiced, tough as nails special agent who must team up with a woman whose past he is so revolted by that he can't see the forest for the trees until it is nearly too late.

The Criterion edition has some very impressive special features, and is a must-have for Hitchcock fans.

Rating:
Summary: I don't think I've ever reviewed this
Review: If I have, it's no matter - I shall do it again. This movie is worth reviewing more than once, I think. Like all Hitchcock films, there is always some new thing to discover about it.

Ingrid steps out of her usual mold here and plays the wild and crazy Alicia, the daughter of a German imprisoned for treason against the United States. She hostesses a wild party the night of his imprisonment, which is crashed by a dashing American agent Devlin (whom we all know is Cary) who enlists her services as fellow agent down in Rio. They want her to get into the house of Alex Sebastian (Claude Rains, who has a mother in his house) and find out exactly what he and his fellow-criminals are up to.

Of course during all this Alicia and Devlin fall in love and the kiss which has become notorious takes place. I don't find it particularly unusual, but I guess maybe for back then it was pretty racy.

The mother I mentioned is a very strange woman - but then most of Hitchcock's mothers are. She lights a cigarette like she's a been a gangstress all her life. I guess in a way she was. Anyway. She calmly does needlework while poor unknowing Alicia suffers from the poison mother is serving her.

Even Alex, who supposedly wants to devote his life to Alicia's happiness, stands by and watches calmly with the true grace and charm of... well, he makes me think of Philip van Damm in North by Northwest. His work means more to him than anything, and even a woman around isn't worth the risk if it's discovered she's an American agent. So he'll conveniently dispose of her and be done with the whole problem.

This is a specimen of a very well-done film. Not many movies have the cinematic excellence of this one. The party scene is one of my favourites. Ingrid wears a lovely black dress and a fascinating hairdo which looks impossible to replicate. The business with the key is pretty tense as well.

Well, I'll end this scattered review and say: Buy this, you won't regret it.