3 out of 5

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

A train. She sees a lady disappear. No one believes her or even remembers the lady. Shots are fired. …As I slowly educate myself in film by trying to watch anything and everything, I become both more cynical and more appreciative at the same time. I got worried when rating this movie that I was being too harsh on ol Hitchy, with all of my modern weariness, but in reading the other reviews, I see Im still sort of on the same page as many: that The Lady Vanishes is fun and entertaining, but sort of breezy fare, without the true resonance of some of Hitchcocks other films. What is notable is the blend of two genres in the film – comedy and action. Notable because its not a blend, but rather one half of the film dedicated to each style. (According to the commentary on the Criterion disc – which is absolutely worth listening to – Hitchcock was trying to surprise his audience by keeping the suspense for which was known absent from the more slap-sticky portion of the movie.) Anyhow, it looks brilliant, with charming characters and great moments, but the action seemed a little contrived (..and it was, as it wasnt in the book) and the ending sort of peters out. But hey, Michael Redgrave and a really great, sloppy, natural fight scene. Beep.