Plot: This classic suspense film finds New York City ad executive Roger O. Thornhill (Cary Grant) pursued by ruthless spy Phillip Vandamm (James Mason) after Thornhill is mistaken for a government agent. Hunted relentlessly by Vandamm’s associates, the harried Thornhill ends up on a cross-country journey, meeting the beautiful and mysterious Eve Kendall (Eva Marie Saint) along the way. Soon Vandamm’s henchmen close in on Thornhill, resulting in a number of iconic action sequences.
Believe it or not I had never watched Alfred Hitchcock’s seminal North By Northwest before; I saw that it was getting a theatrical re-release for its 65th anniversary so what better way to watch it for the first time than on the big screen?
Renowned for its charismatic leading man, thrilling plot twists, and clever direction, the film remains a timeless classic. Among its many accolades, the film is especially celebrated for its groundbreaking action sequences, which not only left viewers on the edge of their seats but also set the stage for the modern action and espionage genres, particularly influencing the legendary James Bond series.
You may wonder why I am talking about an old movie like this however, North by Northwest features several action scenes that have become etched in cinema history. One of the most memorable moments occurs at the Mount Rushmore climax, where protagonist Roger Thornhill (played brilliantly by Cary Grant) faces life-threatening danger while navigating the iconic monument. The tension in this scene is palpable, with Hitchcock’s ability to blend suspense and visual storytelling, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Another standout moment is the infamous crop-duster sequence. In this scene, Thornhill finds himself alone in a vast field, suddenly ambushed by a low-flying airplane that seeks to eliminate him. The sheer absurdity and tension of being chased by a plane in such an open space introduced a new level of excitement and creativity to action scenes, showcasing Hitchcock’s unique ability to create suspense from seemingly everyday settings.
The influence of North by Northwest on the James Bond franchise cannot be overstated. Released just a couple of years later, the first Bond film, Dr. No, borrowed from Hitchcock’s formula of suave protagonists, sophisticated villains, and high-stakes scenarios. The charm and wit of Cary Grant’s Thornhill can be seen in Sean Connery’s portrayal of James Bond, as both characters navigate complex plots filled with deception, intrigue, and dramatic chases. The scene on the train between Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint is sensual and playful with their flirtation once again laying the foundations for 007.
James Mason has one of the most recognisable voices in cinema history and he was perfectly cast as the mysterious villain Phillip Vandamm which I believe was the inspiration for a certain action star. Martin Landau is also memorable as the nasty henchman Leonard who has a final showdown with Grant on Mount Rushmore.
Some may find the film a little slowburn by today’s standards which I find is the case with a lot of Hitchcock movies, but this is arguably his best picture (that I’ve seen, at least) and I was never bored for a second.
Overall, North By Northwest still holds up as an entertaining, tension-filled spectacle with a charming lead in Cary Grant, James Mason in great villain form and some of the most iconic set-pieces of all time.