Considering my posts this week, you’ve probably guessed the feature today is a British film (even though Dark Shadows is American, the gothic residence had heavy English overtones). And in thinking about interiors, I considered many of the movies shot at grand castles and estates but decided on one with a more modest setting. Alfred Hitchcock’s Suspicion was one of my early introductions to the master. While not considered one of his masterpieces, I still always loved this romantic thriller.
Joan Fontaine, on the heels of her performance in Hitchcock’s spectacular Rebecca, earned an Oscar in 1941 for her portrayal of the shy bookworm Lina McLaidlaw. Amazingly, this was the only Academy Award earned by an actor in a Hitchcock film.
A sheltered and “carefully brought up young lady” of a well-to-do family, with, as her father says, “intellect and fine solid character,” Lina is mesmerized by the handsome playboy Johnnie Aysgarth (Grant). Formerly resigned to her spinster status, she realizes he is everything she thought she could never have.
I love the English country sets in this movie. They are quietly stylish and offer so many memorable vignettes. Don’t you feel that perhaps Ralph Lauren has seen this movie on several occasions?
Lina and her parents live in an appropriately reserved Tudor style house reflecting their solid staid style.
Though her father makes his distaste of the gambling, irresponsible Aysgarth exceedingly clear, Lina is smitten and elopes with him anyway.
Home from their continental honeymoon, Johnnie has rented them a charming fully decorated Georgian house he can’t afford.
Complete with staff
who serves tea in the drawing room
and champagne on the terrace. Remember discussing how champagne coupes were popular in the 40s?
As you probably know, Hitchcock began his career as an art director which explains why his movies are so stylish and dependable for not only dramatic cinematography but also fabulous, perfectly appointed sets.
Although there are dark and dangerous plot rumblings, everything still has an elegant and sophisticated veneer. I would love for the above vignette to be a part of my daily routine. Dressing for dinner and anagrams (like scrabble) was de rigueur.
Love the necklace – not so much the shoulders.
Despite the elegant trappings, things proceed rather rapidly downhill from there. Johnnie’s ways start to seem less charming and a bit more sinister. His gambling turns into serious debts and there is talk of his embezzling at his job. Lina’s insecurities start to get the best of her as the classic Hitchcock tension mounts in typical psychological fashion.
As Lina catches Johnnie in lie after lie, we too become suspicious of his actions. And then when Johnnie’s best friend, Nigel Bruce, with whom he has invested, dies mysteriously, Lina is sure her time is measured. (notice the chic what-not?). It’s a wild ride as evidence comes and goes – is Johnnie merely a charming spendthrift or a calculating murderer?
It’s always difficult to watch a Hitchcock film without obsessing over the details. In a romantic scene, I couldn’t help but notice Lina’s hair, thinking how “in” such braided styles are again.
Even when Lina faints from an attack of nerves, I practically gasped when the fabulous embroidery on the back of her dress was revealed.
Whether you are watching a Hitchcock for the suspenseful plot, the stylish setting or both, it is always a treat. I won’t spoil the ending of course, but just know that Hitchcock did change it to suit the studios and regretted it forever after. Happy viewing!
Looks like the perfect movie for a snowy sunday afternoon. We received a beautiful new downy layer today. I hope it lasts for days and days!!
Great selection. I love this movie and never tire of watching. Always some new detail to notice. Have a nice weekend.
Ooh, time to see this one again! Have a great weekend…
Also one of my favorites. I remember the first time I saw this film and I was totally swept up oin the story. Now looking back at the all the details it was truly a brilliant film done by the Master.
Nice post.
Nice ! I enjoyed the house and interior shots
Another wonderful idea for a film to curl up with this weekend – especially if there’s snow on the way! Happy Friday, Q!
xxoo
I adore Alfred Hitchcock and will look forward to watching this on a day that allows. Stay warm.
pve
Too divine! I was certain this was going to be Rebecca! How have I missed this? I will keep my eyes peeled for it on TCM.
Isn’t it? I ADORE Rebecca and have reviewed it before – follow the link in the post at the top!
hi there beautiful!
you are right; ralph lauren must’ve seen this movie several times!:-). while i can’t remember if i’ve seen this film, i’m sure my hubby has. he adores old films and this one is quite stylish too. the designer of that dress that Lina fainted in would’ve been proud, don’t ya think?:-) (not a wrinkle in sight). have a lovely weekend. xx
Oooh, you’ve really drawn me in with this one! Great story line AND great houses I can tell – must add to queue stat. Happy Friday Q!! xxKelly
Thank you for providing me with fabulous material with which to procrastinate!
Haven’t watch this movie in years. Perfect. Hope that I can find it today.
Have a great weekend,q.
Teresa
xoxo
I feel so rewarded for finally taking some time to check in on my favorite blogs this morning and find my dear Cary Grant featured. I often don’t remember if I’ve seen the movie just from the title but as soon as you start giving the detail I know. I do remember this one. Don’t think I’ve seen it since I was a teenager, when all these fabulous details would have been lost on me.
It does seem like this DVD is definitely in Mr. Laurens library! It’s been years since I’ve seen it. Think it’s time to remedy that. I’m not sure what’s on it’s way from Netflix, but have a feeling I’ll be watching a movie or two this weekend.
Hope yours is lovely, Stacey!
You would probably love the old movie “The Awful Truth”, starring Cary Grant and Irene Dunne. It won an Academy Award for best Director in 1937. Great interiors and it’s a hoot!
I of course love The Awful Truth!! Another Cary Grant gem!
We are AS ONE in our taste in movies! Hitchcock, Gary Grant and English style–heaven! Great post.
Synchronicity indeed! You know, I don’t think I’ve seen this one, I must go root in the shed later, we have boxes of old films stashed away in there.
I love, love, love that movie and couldn’t remember the name of it–typical me. I just left my last submission to New Trads at 4:14, again typical. Are you going to the gift show? I will be there, so a rendezvous is in order. Stay warm!
Best,
Liz
Lina must have felt so light and happy to enter the Georgian-style house after growing up in Tudor style! I love those fringe-y, palm-y sofas. And, dressing-up for dinner and a games table! The fainting dress just might be a Schiaparelli? Great post! Happy Sunday ; ) ox
I saw this great film years ago and for the life of me cannot remember how it ended…..
Hope you are having a great weekend Q!
xo Cathy
Just watched the trailer. I am checking netflix as i could not think od anything better than watch this movie again on a lazy sunday afternoon by the fireplace
So elegant and demure! I was looking at the what-not too :)
Thanks for sharing!