Suspicion1941
Suspicion (1941)
TOMATOMETER
AUDIENCE SCORE
Critic Consensus: Not even notorious studio meddling can diminish the craft and tantalizing suspense of Suspicion, a sly showcase for Joan Fontaine's nervy prowess and Alfred Hitchcock's flair for disquiet.
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Movie Info
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Cast
as Lina McLaidlaw
as Johnnie Aysgarth
as Gen. McLaidlaw
as Beaky Thwait
as Mrs. McLaidlaw
as Mrs. Newsham
as Ethel
as Isobel Sedbusk
as Reggie Weatherby
as Capt. Melbeck
as Winnie, Maid
as Jessie Barham
as Mrs. Fitzpatrick
as Alice Barham
as Phoebe, the Maid
as Jenner, the Butler
as Mrs. Wetherby
as Sir Gerald
as Photographer
as Alice Barham
as Auriol Lee
as Miss Wetherby
as Mr. Bailey
as Reginald Sheffield
as Antique Shop Proprietor
as Postmistress
as Registrar
as Bertram Sedbusk
as Phyllis Swinghurst
as Insp. Hodgson, Inspector Hodgson
as Mrs. Craddock
as Benson
as Ticket Taker
as Hogart Club Bit
as Mr. Webster
as Miss Wetherby
Critic Reviews for Suspicion
All Critics (33) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (32) | Rotten (1) | DVD (3)
At times even the audience believes as the woman does. At other times doubt intrudes. This is where Suspicion shines as especially deft and adroit, and loyal also to Hitchcock precedent for keeping both characters and spectators guessing.
Suspicion is good Alfred Hitchcock-up to the last few minutes. In those final minutes the picture falls apart at the seams.
Alfred Hitchcock's trademarked cinematic development of suspenseful drama, through mental emotions of the story principals, is vividly displayed in Suspicion.
Everyone concedes that this 1941 Hitchcock film is a failure, yet it displays so much artistic seriousness that I find its failure utterly mysterious.
Despite a silly cop-out ending (imposed by RKO), a gripping domestic thriller.
Watch out for that glass of milk!
Audience Reviews for Suspicion
The romance between the two characters is developed in a clumsy way in the beginning, but soon the film grows to become a nice, taut thriller directed with a firm grip by Hitchcock, who builds a gripping suspense that only disappoints in the end with a silly, frustrating payoff.
Super Reviewer
A bookish young woman rashly marries a charming playboy but mounting circumstantial evidence of wrongdoing leads her to fear for her life. In this early project by the master of suspense, Hitchcock takes the formula of the breezy screwball romance and turns it on its head. The early scenes could be from any other romantic comedy from the golden age, but he uses his usual tools of misdirection, doubt and paranoia to slowly build the suspense until the sweet and innocent Joan Fontaine becomes convinced that her new husband is a murderer intent on killing her for her inheritance. There are some classic Hitchcock moments, the highlight being the way he manages to make a glass of milk menacing and it deals with one of his favourite subjects, namely psychology. To a modern viewer, it seems obvious that Johnny is manic depressive. Cedric Hardwicke is on hand to supply some comic relief in his trademark affable old duffer persona and it's all very watchable. It doesn't rank amongst his best however, as Grant is far more comfortable as charming romantic lead than suspected assassin and the conclusion is resolved far too quickly and conveniently making the similar Rebecca a more satisfying experience as a whole.
Super Reviewer
One of many pairings between Hitch and Grant. This one sees Cary play against type as a scheming playboy who sweeps Joan Fontaine's wealthy wallflower named Lina off her feet and into an initially nice romantic marriage. However, she soon becomes suspicious and begins to think that her husbands reputation of being a gold digger might be true, which obviously would make her his next target. The film is rather slow burning, but it's a fairly solid mix of romance, mystery, and suspense. It takes a bit to get into it and really get involved, but once that happens, this is a really enjoyable film. The ending is kinda a mixed bag, but it's a fun ride nonetheless, especially since the film does a great job of towing the line between whether or not Lina's suspicions are true or not. Add in some great production vlaues and special effects, and you've got yourself a winning film. I might be slightly inflating my grade on this one, but even then, this is still a strong movie that you should make a point to check out.
Super Reviewer
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