I would have to say that there are two distinct advantages to this version over the earlier Hitchcock version, and that is the sound quality and the print quality. They are the only two advantages.
The story was modernized in so far as updating from a new aeroplane engine to a rocket navigation system, and the introduction of a scooter half way through. Otherwise, seems being on the run in the 1950's was much like being on the run in the 30's, oh and Vaudeville was the same in both too.
So where did this miss? I think the delivery of Donat v's Moore and and Carroll v's Elg. Sure Tania Elg has a bonnie face, but I didn't see her fall in love with Moore's Hannay. Hitch played the comedy a little heavier, but that was fine, the film benefited from it.
The scene in the hotel room played almost blow for blow with the original, but there is that touching scene where Madeline gave him the blanket, and then stole it back that was missing.
This was actually the first incarnation of this story that I encountered, and I very much enjoyed it back in the 80's. I later came to know and love the older version, and have enjoyed the much straighter, and truer to the book, 1970's version with Robert Powell as the lead.
I am looking forward to seeing the 2008 and 2011 versions.
No comments:
Post a Comment