While I'm not as enthusiastic about this Hitchcock film as some of the others here, I do appreciate the chemistry between ROBERT DONAT (as the man on the run) and his reluctant, but charming, partner who shares the handcuffs with rightful indignation, MADELEINE CARROLL. Both were still in their prime and make an interesting duo.
However, it's the kind of story that we've seen countless times since--and even Hitchcock himself has repeated it with stories like NORTH BY NORTHWEST or SABATEUR. Furthermore, my favorite man on the run stories were THIS GUN FOR HIRE (with Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake) and MINISTRY OF FEAR (with Ray Milland on the run the moment he steps outside of an asylum into an even crazier world).
Nevertheless, as the story progresses from an entertaining opening at a British Music Hall and the spy theme is quickly developed, which leads to the chase that occupies most of the film, it's clear that Hitchcock is in his element. He himself had an absolute fear of authorities such as the police and it's clear from the clever camera-work and point of view of the film's leading character that he is able to transmit this fear and loathing to the viewer.
Summing up: Not the best of Hitchcock and it's absolutely necessary to view this one in a good print. Many of the public domain copies are hard to watch and liable to alienate you from the film's gripping suspense.
However, it's the kind of story that we've seen countless times since--and even Hitchcock himself has repeated it with stories like NORTH BY NORTHWEST or SABATEUR. Furthermore, my favorite man on the run stories were THIS GUN FOR HIRE (with Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake) and MINISTRY OF FEAR (with Ray Milland on the run the moment he steps outside of an asylum into an even crazier world).
Nevertheless, as the story progresses from an entertaining opening at a British Music Hall and the spy theme is quickly developed, which leads to the chase that occupies most of the film, it's clear that Hitchcock is in his element. He himself had an absolute fear of authorities such as the police and it's clear from the clever camera-work and point of view of the film's leading character that he is able to transmit this fear and loathing to the viewer.
Summing up: Not the best of Hitchcock and it's absolutely necessary to view this one in a good print. Many of the public domain copies are hard to watch and liable to alienate you from the film's gripping suspense.