Unless you’re very new to this blog, you know that Alfred Hitchcock is my favourite movie director and has been for a long time. There’s something so unique to his films and their delivery that I can’t compare with any other director’s style, and that’s why his work is so special. On this blog, I’ve explored Hitchcock from all sorts of angles because there is just so much to say. One of the best examples of how deep we can dig is this entry on the role of water in his films.
Consequently, when Maddy from Classic Film and TV Corner announced she was hosting her Master of Suspense Blogathon again, I once again thought of the plethora of Hitchcockian subjects I still hadn’t explored. And then I thought, why not discuss my favourite Hitchcock characters? Some of his films are my favourites precisely because of these characters. When I made the list, the final countdown was… 40… I thought maybe I should cut it. And then, I thought these characters are so unique in their own kind that I only managed to cut to 35. Confession: I didn’t rank them because that would have been too difficult since, as I said, they all have their distinct personality. So, instead of going in order of preference, I’ve decided to go chronologically. HOWEVER, I will note the characters that are my very favourite and could be labelled in my top 5 to situate my tastes.
These are all sorts of characters: villains like heroes, main characters like supporting ones. Sidekicks, the outsiders. Everything is here.
Before going further, remember that these are my very personal choices and the characters that reason with me personally. So, spoiler alert, some iconic Hitchcock characters won’t be on the list, but that’s not because I think they aren’t well-written. Far from it! And remember that five more could have made the list…
Without further ado, let’s go!
The 20s… 🌾
Harminta “Minta” Dench (Lillian Hall-Davis) in The Farmer’s Wife (1928)
I kick off things with a rather unusual choice. But you see, I’ve always loved Minta Dench. She’s maybe a bit docile, but her kindness and compassion are infectious and make us want to be more understanding like her. Honourable mention to the underrated Lillian Hall-Davis, who portrayed her with a beautiful sensibility. As a matter of fact, her performance is one of my very favourites in a silent film.
The 30s…🔫
Sir John Meunier (Herbert Marshall) in Murder! (1930)
Ah! Murder! Can you think of a more Hitchcockian film title? Well, maybe a film called Suspense. Anyway, Murder! was my introduction to Herbert Marshall, who instantly became a favourite, and it paved the way for Hitchcock towards his signature style. Sir John Meunier is that character whom we admire as he is able to think for himself and dares to doubt a situation and inquire more. If we could compare him to a better-known character in film history, it would be Juror #8, portrayed by Henry Fonda in 12 Angry Men (Sidney Lumet, 1957).
Captain Edgar Brodie / Richard Adshenden (John Gielgud) in Secret Agent (1936)
It’s been a while since I watched this film, so not everything is fresh in my memory. However, I remember that Brodie, introduced in the first scene, immediately made me think I was in for a treat with such a character. He has class and, I mean, just look at that little smile.
The General (Peter Lorre) in Secret Agent (1936)
The General is far from perfect when it comes to his actions, but, to be honest, one of the main reasons he’s a favourite of mine is mostly because he makes me laugh a lot. He’s that character who can act goofy to hide his true nature and is composed of many layers.
Erica Burgoyne (Nova Pilbeam) in Young and Innocent (1937)
Erica is that typical character who is, at first, reluctant to help a man wrongly accused of murder. Then, she finally sees reason and chooses to work with him instead of against him. She becomes a true sport and ally to Robert Tisdall (Derrick De Marney). As I said in my complete review of the film, Erica has difficulty admitting she likes someone but will give heart and soul for him, which makes her a very complex character that could have been developed in many different ways.
Iris Henderson (Margaret Lockwood) in The Lady Vanishes (1938)
Iris Henderson is one of Hitchcock’s characters with the best development as the film progresses. You’ll learn in screenwriting lessons that a character needs to evolve from point A to point Z. And Irish Henderson, a very well-written character, is the best example. I personally like her in all the steps of the film. So, Iris is a complete character that you need to know for her flaws and qualities while remembering that the qualities surpass the flaws. Yes, she’s a bit snobbish but has a heart of gold.
Gilbert (Michael Redgrave) in The Lady Vanishes (1938)
Ok, ok. There we have it. We had to come to it eventually. Let me introduce THE character. Yes, Gilbert (he doesn’t have a known last name) is my favourite Hitchcock character. Numero uno. Even better, he’s my favourite film character of all time! And I owe a lot to him for The Lady Vanishes to be my favourite Hitchcock film (it was hard not to choose all the characters for that top list). As soon as he’s introduced, playing his clarinet while people (Iris) in the inn are trying to sleep, you know he’ll brilliantly contribute to the comic side of the film. He’s independent and likes to live his own way. He also has some of the best quotes. Honestly, when I’m watching the film, there are many scenes with him that I have to watch twice and even more because I adore them so much.
Charters and Caldicott (Basil Radford and Naunton Wayne) in The Lady Vanishes (1938)
Technically, that’s two characters, but if you know Charters and Caldicott, you know they can’t go without one another. Oh yes, they have first names: Hawtrey Charters and Sinclair Caldicott. Only they could have such names. The two chaps, who bond over their mutual obsession for cricket (it’s all that matters for them, but they always manage to get into situations that imply spies and such), were so popular with the audience that saw The Lady Vanishes that they redone their roles in three other films (that are not sequels to The Lady Vanishes): Night Train to Munich (Carol Reed, 1940), Crook’s Tour (John Baxter, 1940) and Millions Like Us (Sidney Gilliat and Frank Launder). We mostly like them for their absurdity, especially with their love for cricket and such sports. I mean, when they learn that war is declared in Night Train to Munich, Charters’s first reaction is to wonder what will happen to his golf club. In The Lady Vanishes, they first pretend they haven’t seen Miss Froy (the vanished lady) because they surely don’t want to miss the test match in Manchester. They are deliciously two of a kind! And perhaps my favourite on-screen duo.
Dr Hartz (Paul Lukas) in The Lady Vanishes (1938)
Talking of favourite, we go on with another Lady Vanishes character: Dr Hartz. The latter is surely my favourite Hitchcock villain. He first approaches the protagonists in a reassuring way, trying to explain to Iris the psychological trouble that might have caused her to imagine Miss Froy. His famous one-liner, “Most interesting!” is impersonated by Gilbert in one of my favourite moments of the film. Dr Hartz is that perfect villain who always keeps his temper and laughs a lot but has devilish ideas that make him truly terrifying if you think of it.
The 40s…🗽
Beatrice Lacy (Glady Cooper) in Rebecca (1940)
Beatrice Lacy, Maxime de Winter’s sister, doesn’t have the biggest role in the film. However, I’ve always liked her, from my perspective from the film and the novel by Daphné du Maurier. I just like how self-assured she is and really isn’t afraid to say what she thinks. She’s extra honest, and you know what to expect from her. She and Major Giles Lacy (Nigel Bruce) form a pretty sympathetic pair.
John Jones (Joel McCrea) in Foreign Correspondent (1940)
John Jones, whom during most of the film has to pretend he’s called Huntley Haverstock, a name he’s not too enthusiastic about (honestly, it sounds like the name of a friend of Sinclair Caldicott), is that famous foreign correspondent, who’s sent to Europe during the war to report on the conditions. I like how he sort of very easily develops a chemistry with the people he encounters. He knows what he’s doing and has the flair a journalist like him needs. While that might be more related to Joel McCrea’s performance itself rather than the character, I also like him for his tactful delivery. And also his intelligence (that scene with the phone towards the end is brilliant).
Frank Fry (Norman Lloyd) in Saboteur (1942)
Like Dr Hartz, this is another Hitchcock villain that might not be as well-known as Norman Bates, but oh boy! He does deserve a mention! Frank Fry (the saboteur) is only seen at the beginning and towards the end. He’s not the only antagonist, as he works for someone, but he’s the one we remember the most. I mean, look at this face. That is the smile and gaze of satisfaction of a true villain! No wonder this is still one of Norman Lloyd’s most discussed and well-remembered roles.
Charlie Newton (Teresa Wright) in Shadow of a Doubt (1943)
Ok, spoiler alert. I also had to try not to put too many characters from Shadow of a Doubt on my list. Charlie Newton is that young lady who’s bored with the world and develops a new taste for life once she and her family receive the visit of her beloved uncle Charles Oakley. The two have a special and unique connection that is hard to explain. But things fall apart when Charlie learns that her uncle is suspected of murder. She, therefore, finds herself at the centre of a considerable conflict of interests and herself a victim of her uncle’s murderous pulsions. I like Charlie because she truly lives her emotions and has a distinct personality that makes her such a lively character. And on all occasions, we can’t help but feel compassion for her and be fulfilled by her joy or sadness.
Charles “Uncle Charlie” Oakley (Joseph Cotten) in Shadow of a Doubt (1943)
Another villain with a memorable gaze! Well, I mentioned him briefly in the previous paragraph, so you know what’s the deal with him. Uncle Charlie is another one of those very well-written Hitchcock villains that don’t seem to be completely black. There is a grey zone to his personality, and just like Charlie, we almost hope he’s not really a bad guy. Well, no luck, really. It’s the kind of villain that perfectly contributes to the idea of disturbing the peace in a quiet and boring place, a bit like the birds in The Birds.
Detective Fred Saunders (Wallace Ford) in Shadow of a Doubt (1943)
Fred Saunders has always been a favourite. I mean, he’s just there with his camera. He and Detective Jack Graham (McDonald Carey) make the Newtons believe they want to do a news report on a typical middle-class American family. In reality, they want to take pictures of the suspected Charles Oakley. Saunders has more than a trick in his bag to reach his mean (although that big camera with a flash isn’t subtle).
Herbie Hawkins (Hume Cronyn) in Shadow of a Doubt (1943)
I couldn’t pass over Herbie Hawkins. This guy is just SO RANDOM. I’m sure he’s one of the characters people remember the most in the film, even tho he’s in reality not that important. He’s a friend of Mr Newton (Henry Travers), and the two often meet at the Newtons’ to discuss murder methods (it’s their weird way of relaxing). The thing is, Herbie always arrives unannounced in rather unconventional moments, when the Newtons are having dinner, for example. You feel he doesn’t live far away and probably doesn’t have much to do with his evenings. There’s a lot of drama and seriousness in Shadow of a Doubt, so a comic relief like Herbie Hawkins is well-appreciated! My best friend thought he was very adorable, haha.
Constance “Connie” Porter (Tallulah Bankhead) in Lifeboat (1944)
Ok, look at that photo. SHE HAS HER TYPEWRITER ON A LIFEBOAT. Connie Porter is the definition of badass. Well, she’s put in her place on a few occasions and ends up losing most of her belongings. However, the contrast she creates with the other characters is just unforgettable. Like Beatrice Lacy, she’s very sure of herself and a beautifully strong and independent career woman. How could it be any other way when portrayed by Tallulah Bankhead??
Dr Constance Petersen (Ingrid Bergman) in Spellbound (1945)
I conclude the 40s chapter with another huge favourite of mine: Dr Constance Pertersen, my favourite Hitchcock female character and one of my very favourite characters, all films considered! Constance Petersen is just one wonderful and magical woman. She doesn’t hesitate to do things her way to help the man she loves but is always very careful and knows how to approach tricky situations. As a female doctor in the 40s, she has to evolve in a very manly world and manages to do so with her impressive strength of character and will to help JB (Gregory Peck). She’s a very persuasive person. That is one of the many reasons that contribute to the fact that, for me, Ingrid Bergman is a feminist icon. She’s no damsel in distress. And let’s not forget to mention that smile!
The 50s…📸
Barbara Morton (Patricia Hitchcock) in Strangers on a Train (1951)
Barbara Morton, played by Hitchcock’s own daughter, is kind of the doppelganger of Myriam, the victim of Bruno Anthony. She’s the younger sister of Ann Morton, Guy Haines’s new love interest. Barbara is a lovely character who lights up the screen each time she’s there. There’s a contagious pep about her. Of course, she is troubled when she suspects Anthony sees her as his previous victim. I love how well she manages to help Guy and Ann in the plan to prove that Anthony is the man truly responsible for Myriam’s death. Patricia Hitchcock, although she mostly played supporting parts, had a true talent for giving her character the vibe of a person you would like to have around at a party.
Bruno Anthony (Robert Walker) in Strangers on a Train (1951)
Talking about Bruno Anthony, there he is! Yes, he’s a villain, but his theory of swapping murders more precisely makes him an evil genius. Sure, an elegant but mostly troubled man, he acts as the perfect psychopath (in my opinion, even better than Norman Bates). He has many noteworthy moments, but my favourite is when he bursts a little boy’s balloon with his cigarette after the latter points him with a plastic gun. It perfectly shows what a cool guy he is lol – Yeah, I’m being sarcastic. There’s also this scene where he accidentally drops Guy’s lighter inside a manhole. He HAS to take it back because it’s his only tool to incriminate Guy Haines. Although we should root against him for the sake of Guy, we surprise ourselves, hoping he will get it back! We become accomplices!
Chief Inspector Hubbard (John Williams) in Dial M for Murder (1954)
The guy combs his moustache in a very distinctive manner. What’s not to like? Inspector Hubbard is a detective who knows how to work with tact and doesn’t hesitate to change his view on a tricky situation if he discovers things don’t seem right. Are you trying to kill your wife, Tony Wendice? Well, there’s no such thing as the perfect murder!
Lisa Fremont (Grace Kelly) in Rear Window (1954)
Of course, I HAD to include one of Grace Kelly’s characters! I also love Frances Stevens from To Catch a Thief (especially her sense of mockery), but even more Lisa Carol Fremont! Things are difficult for Lisa and Jeff (James Stewart – stocked in a wheelchair with a plastered leg) as they see their future as partners in a rather different light. They are the perfect representation of “opposites attract”. When Jeff suspects his neighbour to have killed his wife, Lisa isn’t too interested at first and understandably thinks Jeff is being delusional. However, a particular event makes her change her mind. This very sudden transition of character has always been very satisfying to watch! I love the new Lisa, who’s now an acolyte to Jeff, trying to help him discover more about Lars Thorwald (the neighbour). Portrayed below is one of my favourite Lisa moments: she goes down the street to put a letter in Thorwald’s mailbox. She does that little awkward hello to Jeff, who’s observing her with his binoculars. And let’s not forget to mention that, at some point, she practically risks her life for the sake of this homemade investigation!
Stella (Thelma Ritter) in Rear Window (1954)
Stella is a bit similar to Lisa. At first, she’s not too impressed and interested in Jeff’s fantastic story. Then, she eventually develops an unavoidable curiosity about what’s going on. She completes the trio of observers and embarks on Jeff’s theory. Stella is Jeff’s nurse, a very down-to-earth person and is probably the Hitchcock character with the best one-liners. She steals the show on many occasions and is the embodiment par excellence of the film’s dark humour!
John Robie “The Cat” (Cary Grant) in To Catch a Thief (1955)
John Robie is a former jewel thief who finds himself in a rocambolesque adventure when thief crimes occur again on the French Riviera. Of course, accusations are pinned on him, but he’s innocent and has to prove it. It’s hard not to associate this character with the adjective “cool”. He’s elegant, knows his way around and has a lot of charm. And, I mean, his nickname is The Cat. How stylish is that! The character can also make us think of Roger Thornhill in North by Northwest (also portrayed by Cary Grant), who’s also a deliciously satisfying character. However, if I had to choose only one Cary Grant role in a Hitchcock film, it would certainly be John Robie!
Jessie Stevens (Jessie Royce Landis) in To Catch a Thief (1955)
Jessie Stevens is France’s mother who’s always there and doesn’t mind her own business, but she’s hilarious, and something is endearing about her. She has a tremendous sense of humour and is that wealthy lady you feel you could never spend a dull moment with! She has a contagious laugh and puts her cigarette out in an egg yolk. One of a kind!
Josephine “Jo” Conway McKenna (Doris Day) in The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
Jo McKenna is the kind of character that truly makes us feel the love a mother can have for his child. She becomes the true heroine of the film at some point and works in perfect symbiosis with her husband, Ben McKenna, after their son, Hank, has been kidnapped. She’s a powerful character who goes through many emotions and makes us live poignant moments. Doris Day played her with lots of power, always with her faithful touch of sun and liveliness.
Dr Benjamin “Ben” McKenna (James Stewart) in The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
Just like it would be impossible to skip a Grace Kelly character and a Cary Grant character from a Hitchcock film, it’s unthinkable to skip one portrayed by my favourite actor, James Stewart. Ben McKenna, although he’s a bit clumsy at times, is certainly the most likeable of them all for me. As I said, he works brilliantly with Jo to find his son and defy the bad guys. On a lighter note, he often puts himself in awkward situations that make him a bit clumsy but also funny. He IS the man who knows too much and really has the talent to be in the wrong place at the wrong moment. I love he is impressively able to keep calm during a crucial and deliciously suspenseful scene towards the end.
Marjorie « Midge » Wood (Barbara Bel Geddes) in Vertigo (1958)
Here we get to another huge favourite: Midge Wood, admirably portrayed by Barbara Bel Geddes. I wish she would have made more films with Hitchcock! I could easily label Midge as my favourite supporting character in Hitchcock’s filmography. Aside from the fact that she’s the sanest character of the lot, I love her sense of creativity (that bra she designed is a clever masterpiece) and how she tries to help Scottie, who’s living in a world of delusions, obsessed with Madeleine. She’s a real pal to him and probably the only person who truly understands him.
Phillip Vandamm (James Mason) in North by Northwest (1959)
Vandamm isn’t necessarily my favourite Hitchcock villain, but he’s certainly worthy of mention. A man of style, he’s that elegant devil who thinks of the most creative ways to reach his means and get rid of Thornhill. I mean, you feel he sort of makes things a bit complicated, but we go along with him. And also, can we mention his voice that makes us melt? Ok, James Mason is more to blame for that than Vandamm himself!
The 60s… 🐦
Lila Crane (Vera Miles) in Psycho (1960)
Although Psycho is without the shadow of a doubt (see what I did there?) the most well-known Hitchcock film, personally, it’s not necessarily my personal favourite. However, there’s something about Lila Crane that makes the second half of the film – what follows the plot twist (yeah, the shower scene) – very engaging. You feel that, of the two Crane sisters, Lila is the one who probably constantly brought Marion to reason and helped her avoid mistakes. Only, this time, it’s too late, and she isn’t really on time to save her sister’s fatality. However, she goes to Bates Motel with Sam Loomis to find out what happened to her sister. You feel she cares and doesn’t want to let the situation slip through her fingers. My favourite Lila moment is her facial expression when she connects all the dots towards the end.
Mitch Brenner (Rod Taylor) in The Birds (1963) *
Mitch Brenner is that guy who feels very maritime and sort of a small-town guy with big dreams. He’s kind of endearing and wears the best sweaters, to be honest. I love his connection with most of the characters, as he seems to find a special and unique bond with each one of them.
And then, the 70s… 👔
Barbara Jane “Babs” Milligan (Anna Massey) in Frenzy (1972)
In my opinion, it’s impossible not to like Babs! She’s the friend and lover of Richard Blaney, who’s wrongly accused of being a serial killer but is the only one who believes in his innocence. In a way, Babs and Blaney have a connection similar to Dr Petersen and J.B. in Spellbound. She seems to be someone who cleverly analyses a situation and sees through people in a good way. I won’t spoil too much of the film if you haven’t seen it, but there’s a particular flashback moment (something very quick) that proves she is one clever girl! And, in a way, it’s kind of thanks to her that the true killer is unmasked.
Chief Inspector Timothy Oxford (Alec McCowen) in Frenzy (1972)
Ok, I have difficulty putting the finger on the precise reason why I love Oxford, but he is one of my very favourite Hitchcock characters. I love all the scenes from Frenzy where he’s involved. I simply like the way he is. A bit similar to Chief Inspector Hubbard in Dial M for Murder, he’s capable of rethinking tricky cases and does what he thinks is best. It’s the kind of detective you want to have on your side.
Fran (Karen Black) in Family Plot (1976)
Fran’s character introduction is one of the most iconic of Hitchcock’s filmography. She has a mission, and, for its complete duration, she’s dressed like a blond spy like in the picture below and doesn’t speak a word to keep her identity secret. She and Arthur Adamson are a couple of villains who find a rather creative way to make a fortune. While I don’t feel any sympathy for Adamson, there’s something kind of likeable about Fran. You feel she’s following him in his crazy plans but, eventually, isn’t really willing to anymore. She’s not necessarily a true villain and has grey zones and wonders what’s the purpose of their actions. I could compare her to Lucy Drayton in The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956).
Blanche Tyler (Barbara Harris) in Family Plot (1976)
Can you think of a better way to wrap up things with the character who appeared in the final shot of Hitchcock’s filmography? I don’t think so! Blanche is an endearing impostor, a “fortune teller” who isn’t really one but manages to get by. She and her companion, George, find themselves looking for the heir to an important fortune after a consultation with a wealthy old lady, and things become complicated. Blanche has an energy that contributes a lot to the dynamism of the story, and while it’s not necessarily Hitchcock’s best film, it’s certainly one worth seeing, and characters like Blanche Tyler make it so!
***
Ok, that was quite a marathon through Hitchcock’s characters! What I like about that is I feel that someone else’s list could be completely different. I mean, with over 40 films, there are A LOT of characters to choose from. Plus, Hitchcock’s films have this strong point of having relevant protagonists and relevant supporting characters. If we go through this entry, the following characters could be classified as such: favourite male protagonist: Gilbert (The Lady Vanishes); favourite female protagonist: Dr Constance Petersen (Spellbound); favourite supporting character-male: Timothy Oxford (Frenzy); favourite supporting character – female: Midge Wood (Vertigo); favourite villain: Dr Hartz (The Lady Vanishes). Honourable mention also to Charters and Caldicott, who are hard to categorize. Sure, they are supporting characters, but I feel they are very much the main characters of their own world and story.
As always, it was a pleasure to write something revolving around Hitchcock! A huge thanks to Maddy for hosting this blogathon! Please make sure to click here to read all the entries!
See you!
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