45. Strangers on a Train (1951) - Alfred Hitchcock

Strangers on a Train (1951) - Alfred HitchcockA psychotic socialite confronts a pro tennis star with a theory on how two complete strangers can get away with murder... a theory which he plans to implement Strangers on a Train is probably the Hitchcock movie with the best concept. Two strangers meet on a train, both have problems with their family life back home. One guy comes up with the idea of "exchanging murders" where they will each kill the person causing the problems in the other person's life. It would be the perfect crime. No-one would suspect either of them, because they would just be strangers to their victims and would have airtight alibi's of being miles away from the deceased. Problem is, our lead character Guy Haines can't go through with it and doesn't really want to kill anyone. The other guy on the train, Bruno Anthony doesn't take the hint, and goes through with the murder anyway and now expects Guy to go through with his murder to repay the favour. Hitchcock is truly at his best with some of the set pieces in this film. A tense sequence at the carnival both near the beginning and one at the end must rank as some of the director's finest work. I still find it incredible how he managed to shoot the last sequence with a child trapped under a merry-go-round going round a 100mphs!! The movie relies on the scenes involving the two leads and their relationship to each other. The dialogue and humor of the film shouldn't be understated and Bruno Anthony plays a fantastic bad guy because you can't help but watch the film liking him and you can see why he charms all the members of Guy's family that he comes in contact with. Great movie and one that is all to forgotten about when people talk about the legendary director. Still 3 more Hitchcock movies to come!!!