The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)

This Movie Can Only Be Described With One Word.

How sad is this?

Boring

Absolutely brilliant

What a sad commentary on an above average couples perceptions of the world, going into a Muslim country completely unaware of the customs and norms, going around embarrassing themselves and looking like ignorant fools. The son almost seems mentally handicapped, even with his use of a few big words. Hitchcock had a narrow view of the world and it shines through in this film. Doris Day seems to be 1/3 spy 1/3 mother and 1/3 stage act, none of it seeming natural. Her automatic distrust of a dark skinned person and her immediate trust of a white couple show some pretty standard white biases that seem to be lost in the translation, not understanding they are out of place, but just relying on their american privilege. Hank Hank Hank, as the stupid son runs off uncontrolled. These people are just too dumb to be involved with spies, odd how they were singled out. The story just makes no sense, the idea this is Hitchcock's 2nd time around with this story doesn't speak well to his story telling skills, over blown in my humble opinion. His aristocratic view point is painted all over this film, a time capsule of ignorance and bigotry

Was that how husbands treated their wives in the 1950's? This tells the story of an American couple on holidays in Marrakesh. The family stumbles an international conspiracy ring involving multiple murders. What disturbed me was how Ben handles the kidnapping of his son by first keeping it from his wife and then bullying her to take pills before telling her what happened. It's like he doesn't trust her to remain calm. He has no respect for her career and seems at times annoyed at the fact that she even had a life before Mrs McKenna and doesn't seem the least bit interested in moving to New York to help her promote her career. It's like she's expected to bow down to his will and be happy with that. Even though Jo does prove resourceful in discovering the location where her son is being held captive.Not one of my favourite Hitchcock movies but worth a watch.

I'm not quite sure why Alfred Hitchcock remade his classic film "The Man Who Knew Too Much." The 1934 version is an absolute joy from beginning to end and I wouldn't change anything about it. The 1956 version is rather slow in places and is too long. I can understand why it is enjoyed, seeing as the film has James Stewart and Doris Day involved. I don't dislike the 1956 version at all but it can't maintain the suspense. There are some boring bits which could have been edited before release. The opening of the above version is set in North Africa instead of in Switzerland and there is a lot more in the way of location shooting. I thought it a good idea to base and shoot some of the film in London. James Stewart and Doris Day are good as the parents who frantically search for their captured son after stumbling onto a sinister plot to assassinate a visiting diplomatic. I did enjoy the climax of this version though, it is good.

Where do I start: When I was just a little boy, I asked my mother what will I watch? Will it be scary, will it be funny…and here is what she said to me. Watch, "The Man Who Knew Too Much – Too Much", the flick was directed by Hitchcock and the ending will scare the pants off. But it did not – did not…yet…still ended up being loads of fun. Ah well - what will be will be. Meh – I can do this so long and then I lose track. Two of my favorite stars tackle this masterpiece head-on, escorting it to the big screen; delivering a spine-tingling white-knuckle ride of a masterpiece. I have always liked James Stewart and Doris is – well – just plain outstanding. For some, "Que Sera Sera," might have been over-sung, but I didn't think so. She has such a beautiful voice, and this was designed for her songbird voice. OK – enough babble. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. As in all the Alfred Hitchcock productions I have seen, this does not disappoint. The acting is superb and the directing is ahead of its time. I highly recommend this thriller to everyone.