''Suspicion'' (1941 movie)- Review

Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
Released: 1941
Country: United States

Genres: Romantic-drama, Mystery, Psychological Thriller

Cast: Cary Grant, Joan Fontaine, Nigel Bruce, Cedric Hardwicke, May Whitty, Heather Angel, Auriol Lee, Leo G. Carroll

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Review

Cary Grant and Joan Fontaine star in Hitchcock's romantic thriller ''Suspicion'', which, with little humor and comparatively limited thrills, may not one of the most memorable Hitchcock films, but it is an emotional journey. Just like Hitchcock's earlier ''Rebecca'' (also starring Fontaine), ''Suspicion'' depends on the emotions of the main character. We have Lina, a woman who, after marrying a wonderful man, Johnny Aysgarth, slowly comes to learn that her husband may not be the wonderful, charming man she thought he was.

Based on the novel ''Before the Fact'' by Francis Iles, ''Suspicion'' tells the story of Lina (Joan Fontaine), who, after meeting the handsome Johnny Aysgarth (Cary Grant), falls in love with him, and despite her father's disapproval (as Johnny seems not to have a very innocent past), they marry. Slowly, she comes to learn that her husband is not the person she thought. He is under huge debts, attends races, and sells two precious chairs that her father had given her as a wedding gift. Gradually, more vices and faults of Johnny are learned by Lina, and among them, there might even be a murder.

''Suspicion'' is quite an above-average entertainer that can keep the viewer's attention till the end. But however, the climax didn't quite please me. The climax scene should have been more well-written. But other than this, it can be said that the entire film is quite well-written and has an emotional depth. Excellent performances are given by Cary Grant, Joan Fontaine (who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in this film) and Nigel Bruce. Bruce plays Beaky, a friend of Johnny who knows quite a lot about Johnny's history and plays a very significant role in the film. The score is not unforgettable, and the cinematography is alright. Overall, this is not certainly one of the best Hitchcock films, but certainly a good film.

3.5 out of 5!