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The Man Who Knew Too Much

Alfred Hitchcock accomplished several things as a film director. One of his most impressive moves was remaking his own movie, “The Man Who Knew Too Much.” In the second reincarnation of the film, James Stewart portrays the role of Dr. Benjamin McKenna, husband to Doris Day’s “Jo” Josephine Conway McKenna. During a family trip to Morocco, the McKenna’s encounter a strange series of events and become involved in a mysterious international espionage event of proportions greater than they planned for. A man is killed and Dr. McKenna is the prime suspect for association, his son is kidnapped in the meantime and the man whom he thought was his friend ends up holding him as long as he keeps his mouth shut. The plot is to kill an ambassador during a concert at Albert Hall, the McKenna’s travel to London to find their son, but in order to do so they must first save the life of the ambassador.

The mystery of the film does not rely on gore or overexposure of the murders. Instead, in traditional Hitchcock fashion, espionage plays a greater part of the film, people are watching, but the protagonists are always unaware. The McKenna’s are driven to do the right thing and put others before themselves. The film focuses on both husband and wife to develop a character that is not entirely reliant on the other. Dr. McKenna tries to take the initiative but it is Mrs. McKenna who, by using her wits, finds the kidnappers, without help from the police. The director, unlike filmmakers nowadays, relies on the wits of the common populace and not the over-educated forensic team of the FBI or whatnot.

The simplicity of the American family and the will to do whatever to rescue the young boy is motivation enough for the couple. Like many of his films, Hitchcock uses the camera to its fullest, from the close up of the cymbals in the opening sequence to the long shot of the entire opera during the assassination scene, to the medium shot of the family in the bus. The medium shot clearly depicts the family as a close and loving unit. The togetherness that holds them together is broken as the plot develops in the film.

The intrigue of the story, acting and singing abilities of the actors, and the supporting cast, provide a well-rounded mystery film for fans and newcomers. The film also won an Academy Award for its original song, “Whatever will be, will be (Que Será, Será),” and Doris Day sings it beautifully in the film.

Written by: Arnoldo Rivas

Reviewers Rating: 8
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