The film is set in the aftermath of World War II. Alicia Huberman (Bergman), the American daughter of a convicted Nazi spy, is recruited by government agent T. R. Devlin (Grant) to infiltrate an organization of Nazis who have escaped to Brazil. Devlin convinces Alicia to marry Alexander Sebastian (Rains), a wealthy Nazi sympathizer, in order to gain access to his inner circle.
Notorious is a classic example of a Hitchcockian thriller, with its suspenseful plot, complex characters, and visually striking cinematography. The film's most famous scene is the "vinegar glass" scene, in which Alicia is forced to drink poisoned wine. The scene is notable for its use of shadows and suspenseful music, and it has been praised by critics as one of the most iconic scenes in film history.
Notorious was a critical and commercial success, and it won three Academy Awards: Best Cinematography, Best Black-and-White Art Direction, and Best Original Screenplay. The film is considered one of Hitchcock's best works, and it has been ranked on many lists of the greatest films ever made.
Here are some of the things that make Notorious a great movie:
The acting is superb, with Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, and Claude Rains all giving tour-de-force performances.
The story is suspenseful and engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the audience guessing.
The cinematography is stunning, with Gregg Toland's use of shadows and light creating a truly memorable visual experience.
The music is haunting and evocative, perfectly capturing the film's mood and atmosphere.
I especially enjoyed the shots from the plane as it lands in Rio de Jeniro, having had this experience several times.
Notorious is available on YouTube
Mel Ulm
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