From the opening titles and first notes of the musical score, we are plunged into a world of suspense and intrigue. Once referred to as the “first James Bond film,” North by Northwest laid the groundwork for countless action thrillers. The 1959 Hitchcock film stars Cary Grant as the dashing Roger Thornhill, Eva Marie Saint (who appeared with the movie at PCFF 2010) as beautiful, mysterious blonde Eve Kendall, and James Mason as the sinister, charming Phillip Vandamme. Some of the best scenes were filmed on location, including the signature crop-duster scene – eight minutes with almost no dialogue that captivates us from beginning to end as only Hitchcock could do. Nominated for three Academy Awards, North by Northwest is often considered one of Hitchcock’s best films – a gripping, suspenseful classic with many plot twists, beautiful settings, and impeccably-dressed characters. — Leanne von Mittenwald

Rated: NR