Torn Curtain
by Alfred Hitchcock
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Julie Andrews, Paul NewmanDirector: Alfred Hitchcock
Brand: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAIN.
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language); German (Original Language); Norwegian (Original Language); Swedish (Original Language); English (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); French (Dubbed)
Format: Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD-Video, NTSC, Original recording remastered, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.85:1
Running Time: 128 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2006-02-07
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Universal Studios
Movie Reviews of Torn Curtain
Movie Review: much better than the critics say
Summary: 4 Stars
This got really bad reviews when it came out, but seeing it in later years, it really held my interest; and I also like to rewatch it from time to time, which surprises me. Apparently Hitchcock didn't want either Paul Newman or Julie Andrews, which was too bad for all I'm sure. And I think one can sense Paul Newman's unhappiness a bit. Yet Newman is still a compelling leading man. And Julie Andrews, for all the rap that she's "goody goody," is quite charismatic; and I find her very sympathetic as Newman's fiance who is shocked when Newman, with no warning, suddenly defects to East Germany. Even the bad reviews note that the killing of Gromek - which goes on and on, they can't seem to kill him - is a classic scene, upsetting and suspenseful. But there are several other parts of the film that are very exciting too, as others on Amazon have mentioned - especially the bus ride, as Newman and Andrews try to escape; and the theatre scene where a scary looking diva ballerina (well cast) recognizes the couple as wanted by the communists. Anyway, it's entertaining and way better than the original criticism of it indicated.
Summary of Torn Curtain
TORN CURTAIN was Alfred Hitchcock's 50th film and signals a return to the espionage-romance theme the director showcased in such films as SECRET AGENT and THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH. Hitchcock created a distinct look for the film subduing lighting and gauzing the lens to give a more natural less studio-produced feel. Notably it was the strength of studio influence that contributed another change in the look of the film relative to most Hitchcock pictures casting leads that departed from traditional Hitchcock types. Paul Newman and Julie Andrews both at the heights of their popularity when the film was released anchor this cold war spy thriller. An American scientist (Newman) attends a convention in Copenhagen with his fianc e-assistant (Andrews). While there she picks up a message meant for him and is drawn into a complex web of espionage behind the Iron Curtain that he had intended to face alone. Her presence throws all his plans into disarray and the two lovers discover too late that it's easier to get in than to get out again. In one of the film's most memorable scenes Hitchcock shows his audience just how difficult murder can be when opposed by the will for survival.System Requirements:Features: Torn Curtain Rising Scenes Scored by Bernard Herrmann Production Photographs Theatrical Trailer Production Notes Running Time: 128 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre:?DRAMA Rating:?PG UPC:?025192831522 Manufacturer No:?28315Paul Newman and Julie Andrews star in what must unfortunately be called one of Alfred Hitchcock's lesser efforts. Still, sub-par Hitchcock is better than a lot of what's out there, and this one is well worth a look. Newman plays cold war physicist Michael Armstrong, while Andrews plays his lovely assistant-and-fianc?e, Sarah Sherman. Armstrong has been working on a missile defense system that will "make nuclear defense obsolete," and naturally both sides are very interested. All Sarah cares about is the fact that Michael has been acting awfully fishy lately. The suspense of Torn Curtain is by nature not as thrilling as that in the average Hitchcock film--much of it involves sitting still and wondering if the bad guys are getting closer. Still, Hitchcock manages to amuse himself: there is some beautifully clever camera work and an excruciating sequence that illustrates the frequent Hitchcock point that death is not a tidy business. --Ali Davis
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