Alfred Hitchcock-You know, I’ve always been fond of you. Often cited as Britain’s first talkie, Alfred Hitchcock's Blackmail follows Alice White (Anny Ondra), a young woman who kills a man in self-defence after he attempts to assault her. As she struggles to cover up her involvement, Alice becomes the target of a blackmailer who knows the truth. This movie is textbook Hitchcock stuff, and the Master of Suspense plays it for maximal tension, imbuing everything with his signature style.
The director also gets technically inventive here, playing with the use of synchronized sound, most notably in the repetition of the word knife, which mirrors Alice’s mounting anxiety. The visually arresting, dialogue-free opening sequence is also memorable. The standout scene, however, is the climax, set in and around the British Museum. Taken together, these elements make Blackmail ahead of its time and miles above most other thrillers of its day.
Once Buried In The Ashes Of History, Retro Classic Movies Rise Again
Welcome to Retro Movie Classics
Step back in time and rediscover the golden age of cinema. From timeless Hollywood masterpieces to unforgettable cult favorites, explore our collection of classic films that have entertained generations. Browse, stream, and relive the magic of vintage movies—all in one place.
