Suspicion (1941)

Suspicion Poster

Wealthy, sheltered Lina McLaidlaw is swept off her feet by charming ne'er-do-well Johnnie Aysgarth. Though warned that Johnnie is little more than a fortune hunter, Lina marries him anyway and remains loyal to her irresponsible husband as he plows his way from one disreputable business scheme to another. Gradually Lina comes to the conclusion that Johnnie intends to kill her in order to collect her inheritance.

Title: Suspicion (1941)
"Suspicion" is an exhilarating 1941 thriller film directed by the well-known Alfred Hitchcock based upon the novel 'Before the Truth' by Francis Iles. The movie stars actors Cary Grant as Johnnie Aysgarth and Joan Fontaine as Lina McLaidlaw Aysgarth, with her impressive performance making her the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Plot
The movie revolves around a rich however shy female, Lina McLaidlaw, who falls for the lovely rogue, Johnnie Aysgarth. In spite of initial resistance due to cautions about his womanizing and betting routines, Lina catches Johnnie's charismatic charm and the 2 ultimately get wed.

After their marriage, Lina discovers Johnnie's befuddling fact - his elegant way of life is not moneyed by work, however by obtaining cash and engaging in gushes of lies. The turning point in the plot is when Lina starts to harbor suspicions about Johnnie's nontransparent acts, leading her to question whether he is simply a lovely rascal or a cold-blooded murderer.

Key Elements
The film is imbued with Hitchcock's trademark suspense and atmospheric stress. As Lina ends up being progressively suspicious, the audience is likewise ushered into her growing fear and skepticism which is aesthetically stressed through thoroughly managed cinematography; particularly, the iconic radiant glass of milk scene.

Characters
Cary Grant's character Johnnie is a charming however mystical figure, showcasing a vibrant and intricate character that keeps us thinking throughout the movie. Joan Fontaine, on the other hand, portrays a mentally and psychologically tormented wife with exceptional depth, truly earning her an Oscar for her performance.

Conclusion
By contrasting Lina's preliminary innocence and eventual horror, Hitchcock accomplishes a powerful sense of suspense. The movie effectively presents the psychological drama of a female caught in her own anxiety and doubt. Nevertheless, the initial ending of the film, which implicates Johnnie as a killer, was altered due to studio interference, making the ending ambiguous and leaving the audience in thriller.

"Suspicion" is a psychological thriller that brilliantly showcases Hitchcock's proficiency in the craft of suspenseful storytelling. It likewise underscores his capability to dive deeply into the human mind, making it a film classic worth revisiting.

Top Cast

  • Cary Grant (small)
    Cary Grant
    John D. 'Johnnie' Aysgarth
  • Joan Fontaine (small)
    Joan Fontaine
    Lina McLaidlaw Aysgarth
  • Cedric Hardwicke (small)
    Cedric Hardwicke
    General McLaidlaw
  • Nigel Bruce (small)
    Nigel Bruce
    Gordon Cochrane 'Beaky' Thwaite
  • May Whitty (small)
    May Whitty
    Mrs. McLaidlaw
  • Isabel Jeans (small)
    Isabel Jeans
    Mrs. Newsham
  • Heather Angel (small)
    Heather Angel
    Ethel the Maid
  • Auriol Lee (small)
    Auriol Lee
    Isobel Sedbusk
  • Reginald Sheffield (small)
    Reginald Sheffield
    Reggie Wetherby
  • Leo G. Carroll (small)
    Leo G. Carroll
    Captain George Melbeck
  • Billy Bevan (small)
    Billy Bevan
    Ticket Taker (uncredited)