North by Northwest (1959)

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Starring: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason

A New York City advertising executive goes on the run after being mistaken for a government agent by a group of foreign spies, and falls for a woman whose loyalties he begins to doubt.

Roger Thornhill is an advertising executive. When he gets kidnapped and is taken to a mansion, the kidnapper, Lester, addresses him as George Kaplan. Roger soon realizes there’s been a case of mistaken identity, and after a night which almost cost him his life, he manages to escape. However, the police is not convinced of his story, and accuses him of murder not long after.

Roger soon finds himself on the run from the police and from Lester’s men. In order to find out who the kidnappers are, Roger assumes the identity of Kaplan, but gets into far more trouble than he bargained for. Boarding a train, he meets Eve Kendall, who surprisingly helps him despite knowing he is accused of murder. As the story develops, it becomes clear there is more to Eve than meets the eye.

This adventure thriller is presented in a unique way where mystery, suspense and humour blends perfectly. The film also takes many interesting twists and turns, with action along the way and a good climax at Mount Rushmore. Cary Grant makes a credible hero and likeable character.

‘North by Northwest’ earned $9.8 million at the box office on a $4.3 million budget. It received Oscar nominations for Best Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Art Direction-Set Decoration – Color.

Would I watch it again? Yes, maybe.