Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

Strangers On a Train
1951
*****
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Cast: Farley Granger, Ruth Roman, Robert Walker, Leo G. Carroll, Patricia Hitchcock, Laura Elliott

Guy hates his deceitful wife and Bruno can't stand his overbearing father. Bruno suggests that they murder each other's pet peeves so as not to have a motive for the crime. Guy takes it as a joke but Bruno proceeds to carry out the plan. This simple story, which is adapted from Patricia Highsmith's novel, results in one of Hitchcock's tightest and tensest thrillers. Bruno is a wonderfully sinister character and the movie contains many unforgettable visual flourishes. The film inspired Danny DeVito's comedy Throw Momma from the Train.