The Lady Vanishes

"In Which I Read Vintage Novels" continues "Vintage Movie Week" with a review of one of my favorite Hitchcock films — and, for me, a favorite Hitchcock qualifies as a favorite among all films. The Lady Vanishes was one of Hitchcock's pre-WWII British films. The special effects require a willing suspension of disbelief and it has been re-made several times but, even so, this original is by far the most enjoyable version. The Criterion Collection is about to release a restored Blu-ray DVD of it. From Suzannah's description:

.... It's a snowy night in the little mountain country of Mandrika and a little village hotel is stuffed to the rafters with people trying to get back to England and points west. The train is delayed, so its passengers are forced to try to find a room to themselves: Iris Henderson, an American socialite returning home; Gilbert, a young musical eccentric who won't take any nonsense; Miss Froy, a sweet little Miss-Marple-type who won't stop chattering about her governessing jobs; Caldicott and Charters, two Englishmen very disgruntled about possibly missing the next big cricket game; and many others.

Nothing odd happens right away. But the next morning, on the train, Iris wakes after a nap to find that the friendly Miss Froy has vanished without a trace. Even more disturbing is the fact that every other person on the train denies having ever seen her. Is Iris surrounded by conspirators, or has she gone mad?

The Lady Vanishes is another excellent vintage movie, full of humour and mystery. .... [more]

In Which I Read Vintage Novels: Vintage Movies: The Lady Vanishes