Hitchcock’s ‘North by Northwest’ withstands test of time

NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959)

By TERRY R. CASSREINO

After the personal, dark romanticism of “Vertigo” and just before the stark horrifying vision of “Psycho,” Alfred Hitchcock helmed one of his finest films – one that stands as fresh today as it was when it played theaters in the summer of 1959.

“North by Norwest” is unlike any other film from Hitchcock.

It boasts a lavish budget, spectacular on-location photography and several suspenseful set pieces that remain among the finest put to film. The original screenplay by Ernest Lehman is airtight and full of great dialog. The musical score by Hitchcock regular Bernard Hermann is a classic.

And, of course, “North by Northwest” features an incredible cast headlined by Cary Grant as his most charming, Eva Marie Saint and James Mason. How could a film like that go wrong? Well, the answer is simple: It doesn’t. “North by Northwest” is perfect.



The film gives Hitchcock an excuse to explore some of his familiar themes: Mistaken identity, a man wrongly accused of murder and a story in which everyone is acting a part rather than being themselves.

Grant stars as Roger O. Thornhill, a successful New York advertising executive, who accidentally stumbles into a dangerous espionage plot when two people mistake him for government agent George Kaplan. As Thornhill’s life turns upside down, he meets a woman, Eve Kendall, who may or may not be tied closely with the film’s antagonists.

CAREY GRANT RUNS FROM CROP DUSTER NORTH BY NORTHWEST

At stake is what Hitchcock referred to as his “MacGuffin,” an object everyone in the film wants but which essentially plays little role in the overall story. The MacGuffin sets the plot in motion and drives the characters’ motivations.

In between the crisp, sexually suggestive dialog are several classic set pieces – probably none more familiar than the nearly 10-minute, wordless sequence in which a crop duster chases Grant through the dry cornfields of North Dakota.

Hitchcock expertly paces the sequence. Grant’s natural acting creates mounting tension to the sequence topped only by the climax a top Mount Rushmore.

And don’t forget the final shot, a classic example of Hitchcock’s biting sexual humor. As Grant helps Saint into his upper bunk on a passenger train, Hitchcock cuts to a shot of the speeding passenger train entering a tunnel.

What can be said about Grant, who shines in his best screen performance?

NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1059)

Jimmy Stewart, who starred for Hitchcock in “Vertigo” and “Rear Window,” lobbied for “North by Northwest.” Hitchcock, though, thought Grant was better suited.

Hitchcock followed “North by Northwest” with “Psycho,” “The Birds,” and a string of less successful thrillers. I’ll always consider “Vertigo,” “Rear Window,” “Psycho,” “The Birds,” and “Frenzy” classic Hitchcock films.

“Vertigo” – with its dark, sad, romantic theme of manipulated love – is his true masterpiece.

At the same time, “North by Northwest” is a different type of film that Hitchcock never attempted again: A non-stop, pure escapist entertainment heightened by themes and ideas the master explored to perfection.

“North by Northwest” is available on high definition Blu-ray disc from Warner Home Video. The film has never looked better than the Blu-ray transfer. You also can find the film on DVD. Highly recommended. Below is the original theatrical trailer.