Hitchcock that is.
The American Cinematheque presents HITCHCOCKIAN: THE MASTER & HIS DISCIPLES at the Egyptian Theatre (January 5 – January 22, 2006), a series devoted to Hitchcock classics along with screenings of films that owe more than a pairing nod to his master of suspense.
Included are early gems like Carol Reed’s NIGHT TRAIN TO MUNICH (which even borrows the two comic actors, Basil Radford and Naunton Wayne, from Hitch’s earlier train-themed THE LADY VANISHES!); suave entertainments like Stanley Donen’s CHARADE (which uses Hitch favorite Cary Grant), outright parodies (Mel Brooks’ deranged comedy HIGH ANXIETY), feverish updates (Brian De Palma’s surreal BODY DOUBLE), and even a few surprises (can anyone spot the Hitch connection in Chris Marker’s wondrous LA JETEE? Hitch’s most famous film, PSYCHO, inspired a veritable flood of twisted thrillers in the early 1960’s – there is one of the best (and most overlooked), Seth Holt’s devious SCREAM OF FEAR from Britain’s Hammer Films (film buffs, be sure to check out other Hammer “psycho’s” such as MANIAC, PARANOIAC, NIGHTMARE, HYSTERIA and FANATIC – !) Also screening are several films that are not available on video including: Fritz Lang’s WW II thriller MAN HUNT (1941); Hammer Studios’ SHADOW OF A CAT (1961) and THE SNORKEL (1958); and the only film directed by legendary graphic artist and film title designer Saul Bass, PHASE IV (1974). And of course, there’s the sheer pleasure of Hitch’s unmatchable originals: VERTIGO, REAR WINDOW, TO CATCH A THIEF, THE BIRDS, NORTH BY NORTHWEST …so enjoy!! All screenings are at the Lloyd E. Rigler Theatre at the historic 1922 Egyptian (6712 Hollywood Boulevard between Highland and Las Palmas) in Hollywood.
For more info, visit the American Cinematheque website.
