The Wrong Man (1956)
I watched this at the weekend. A Hitchcock film based on a true story of a man falsely accused of armed robbery. It is notable for a few things:
- Some very wonky Hitchcock camera moves, including a scene in the holding cell at the NY police station, where Henry Fonda is being held before he is arraigned. The camera goes round and round his head letting us know, in no uncertain terms, what kind of turmoil is present in Fonda's head.- How such a simple simple story is given such visual power by Hitchcock, a lesson in exposition.
- Anthony Quayle playing Fonda's attorney. Reminded me of what a star he was.
The main reason that the film struck such a chord with me however is just how sad and forlorn Fonda plays it . He is an actor that seemed so vulnerable and had such depth that he was perfect for this. He seems so wronged. It made me think what wonderful casting it was. I can see his face and it pains me still.
Laughing tourist wear Pearly King's cap - Covent Garden 2008



