Search - The Man Who Knew Too Much on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Content Advisory: Mild Violence, Suitable for Children Movie Release: 1956 DVD Release: 03/06/2001 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: English, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 0 mins Studio: Universal Studios Members Wishing: 24 Genres: Thriller, Political Thriller, Psychological Thriller See Also: The Man Who Knew Too Much

The debate still rages as to whether Alfred Hitchcock's 1956 remake of The Man Who Knew Too Much is superior to his own original 1934 version. This two-hour remake (45 minutes longer than the first film) features more stars, a lusher budget, and the plaintive music of Bernard Herrmann (who appears on-camera, typecast as a symphony conductor). Though the locale of the opening scenes shifts from Switzerland to French Morocco in the newer version, the basic plot remains the same. American tourists James Stewart and Doris Day are witness to the street killing of a Frenchman (Daniel Gelin) they've recently befriended. Before breathing his last, the murder victim whispers a secret to Stewart (the Cinemascope lens turns this standard closeup into a truly grotesque vignette). Stewart knows that a political assassination will occur during a concert at London's Albert Hall, but is unable to tell the police: his son (a daughter in the original) has been kidnapped by foreign agents to insure Stewart's silence. The original script for Man Who Knew too Much was expanded and updated by John Michael Hayes and Angus McPhail. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

James Stewart - Dr. Ben MacKenna
Doris Day - Jo McKenna
Brenda de Banzie - Mrs. Drayton
Bernard Miles - Mr. Drayton
Daniel Gélin - Louis Bernard
Ralph Truman - Insp. Buchanan

Alfred Hitchcock's 1955 release The Man Who Knew Too Much comes to DVD with a widescreen anamorphic transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. English and French soundtracks are rendered in Dolby Digital Mono. Spanish subtitles are accessible, and the English soundtrack is closed-captioned. Supplemental materials include an in-depth documentary on the making of the film featuring interviews with members of the cast and crew, the theatrical trailer, production notes, and a still photo gallery. This is a great disc for any film fan, but Hitchcock enthusiasts will enjoy it the most. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide