The Man Who Knew Too Much (1935)

This version of "The Man Who Knew Too Much" may not be as lavish or have the technical qualities of the James Stewart remake but for plotting, storytelling and suspense, it is much better. The 1934 film is worthy of a higher rating than what it has on this website. I would give the film a 7.6 at least. A British family who are on holiday in Switzerland, befriend someone who is then murdered by a sniper. This occurs at the Swiss hotel during a party scene. No one suspects anything is wrong, until it is too late. It so happens that the murdered man was a secret agent who was on the trail of an international gang of political activists. After he has been silenced, the British family discover that their daughter has been captured by the gang. Peter Lorre gives the best performance in "The Man Who Knew Too Much" but Leslie Banks does well also. Hitchcock wisely keeps the plot fairly streamlined and without any unnecessary subplots to hinder the narrative. The film hardly steps out of the studio but it doesn't matter as the suspense and excitement is sustained effectively. Every scene counts for something as the parents frantically search for their daughter. There are many highlights. Leslie Banks discovering the hideout at a church and taking on all the villains at once. The scene where a gang member masquerades as a dentist and tries to kill Banks. Like the later version, there is a scene based at a theatre where during a concert, the political target for the gang is due for assassination. Hitchcock built up the suspense very well. The climax is very exciting as it comes down to a final confrontation between the police and the gang holding the kidnapped girl. Hitchcock didn't really direct action scenes as such but he does so here. The running time rushes by, which is always a good sign. One of the earliest masterpieces from Alfred Hitchcock.

For historical significance only, not entertainment. At no point in the movie do the characters behave like real humans beings, British or otherwise. Clearly a first work by a new director in a new field of talking movies, aside from seeing how movies were first made by new directors from other countries and the upper limits of bad acting, there is nothing to justify watching this. The directing is atrocious and the editing is worse. The DVD transfer (who? why?) is easily the worst I have ever seen, unequalized volume, washed contrast throughout. Whoever did it clearly knew the value of the movie and realized no expense should be spared...and he didn't.

I thought this 1934 movie better than the Jimmy Stewart, Doris Day 1956 remake. It seemed by 1956 superannuated director and actors--who knew their importance--remade a 1934 movie and really detracted from the film's storyline by their presence. Something like "The Man who Knew too Much" DIRECTED by Alfred Hitchcock and STARRING Jimmy Stewart and Doris Day. Even the 1954 "Dial M for Murder" seems driven by story line and not by the acting of the performers, no matter how excellent their performance was. In 1934, film was still new and so the production values are those of the 1930s and lacks the polish of later movies. (But look at 1935 "Top Hat" for true sophistication and wit that lasts into 2014--still fresh in 2014.) The story, as others have pointed out,has holes in the plot line--but one senses the fun of making such a movie with such a gruesome subject as kidnap and murder that would be a precursor to "Monk" or "The Pink Panther" where comedy plays an important role in the dark doings of murder and kidnapping.And Peter Lorre shines; one wonders why he wasn't asked to play the villain in the 1956 remake.

Sir Alfred Hitchcock later remade this film version but this is worth seeing. Peter Lorre is one of my favorite character actors who plays a villain here. I just love Lorre's voice. Edna Best and Leslie Banks play a couple whose teenage daughter is abducted for ransom. The film might be dated but it is worth watching his earlier work. This film shows the dark side of human nature. The scene in the church where it's first to be authentic but is actually a front turns to be dark comedic in the film. We don't see women involved in such illegal and immoral activities. The cast here are mostly known for British theatrical backgrounds. Nova Pilbeam plays the kidnapped daughter. Hitchcock was known for bring his usual favorite actors and actresses in his films . They may not be leads but they're always welcome to me.