Cannot Believe I Never Saw This Film Before

Hey folks,

I know there are many films I have never seen, but considering this was a Hitchcock film that featured Cary Grant and Joan Fontaine, it is difficult to realize I never saw it in all my years. There are some films I may have forgotten, but I am pretty sure this was not simply a memory loss thing.

Many folks (mostly young ones?) today frequently complain about a film being boring when it is more plot and dialogue driven rather than filled with chase scenes and other action oriented interests. Like many other older folks, I am more inclined to appreciate a good story plot that is dialogue driven, and it is rare when I am likely to describe such a film as being boring. I can listen to good dialogue and watch interesting characters all day without being bored.

Having said that, I feel almost ashamed to admit I thought this film was boring. Perhaps disturbing would be a better choice of adjectival description. Cary Grant played a despicable character - almost amoral to me. The character of Johnnie was so terrible to me, it was uncomfortable to watch right from the start. Johnnie had no consideration for others, and had no problem with expecting others to pay his way through life.

Like many others, I prefer to see Cary Grant playing a good character, but that is not the reason I disliked this story. I simply have a problem finding interest in stories that revolve around characters like Johnnie.

Was the acting good? Absolutely. I thought all the actors did well in portraying their characters. I simply did not like the theme of the story where the main character had no redeeming value as a human being. For those who do like the film, please do not think my intention is to change your opinion of the film.

Because of my personal "issues" with the film, I am pretty sure I would have remembered it if I had seen it over 60 years ago.

Best wishes,
Dave Wile