The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)

 Alfred Hitchcock's "The Man Who Knew Too Much"


Alfred Hitchcock's 1956 "The Man Who Knew Too Much" is almost a direct remake of his 1934 film of the same name. As stated in an interview with Francois Truffaut in 1967, Hitchcock stated that the first version "is the work of a talented amateur," while the second "was made by a professional." Personally, I couldn't agree more, as I have seen both and very much prefer the 1956 version. 

The film tells the story of an American family vacationing in French Morocco who become involved in a political conspiracy. After their son gets abducted, they must further entrench themselves into the mire of an assassination attempt. These aspects of the film scream Hitchcock, as he often makes films dealing with an everyday man, woman, or group who must get involved in a political conspiracy unsuspectedly. 

The film does not offer much in the realms of thematic depth. It is, however, an entertaining affair. It is far superior to its 1934 version, despite Peter Lorre's incredible performance in the latter. 



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