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     Blackmail
1929  NR  DRAMA  1h 24min
CAST— Anny Ondra, Sara Allgood, John Longden, Charles Paton, Donald Calthrop, Cyril Richard
MUSIC— Campbell & Connelly  DIRECTOR— Alfred Hitchcock  BASED ON— Blackmail (play), by Charles Bennett

     Britain’s first talkie was Hitchcock’s first with sound as well, and it’s a prelude to his greatest achievements in the world of cinema. A young woman strays from her beau’s side to seek the arms of another. But when his passion becomes violent she strikes out, killing him in self defense. In a state of panic she covers all traces of her visit and flees the scene, only to leave one damning piece of evidence behind. Her boyfriend, a detective, is assigned the case and discovers to his horror the identity of the murderer. As he privately confronts her with his evidence, another man joins the conversation, slyly hinting that he knows the identity of the killer, presenting evidence that supports his claim. He resorts to blackmail in exchange for his silence (hence the name). But will her conscience let the matter rest? A solid drama that has all the right touches: good story, good performances, moody atmosphere, a memorable score by composers Campbell and Connelly, and a particularly slimy villain who tends to overstay his welcome. A must-see for Hitchcock fans. Also available in a silent version.
OUR RATING— ** ½