Notorious Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A boozy dame becomes a honey trap for Nazis in Brazil while her emotionally stunted handler simps from the sidelines, only to realize he loves her when she’s almost dead from poisoned coffee.

🍿 Notorious: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Recruitment and Initial Mission

Following her father’s conviction as a Nazi spy, Alicia Huberman, portrayed by Ingrid Bergman, is approached by American agent T.R. Devlin, played by Cary Grant. Devlin recognizes Alicia’s potential and recruits her to infiltrate a Nazi group operating in Rio de Janeiro. Despite her initial reluctance, Alicia agrees, motivated by a sense of patriotism and a desire to prove her loyalty to the United States. As Alicia and Devlin journey to Rio, their relationship evolves, and they find themselves falling in love. This burgeoning romance, however, is soon complicated by their mission. Alicia’s assignment requires her to seduce Alex Sebastian, played by Claude Rains, an old flame and a key figure within the Nazi network. This creates a complex dynamic of love, betrayal, and duty, setting the stage for the film’s central conflict.

Infiltration and Discovery

Under immense emotional strain, Alicia successfully integrates herself into Sebastian’s inner circle, leading to their marriage. She carefully gathers information on their activities, focusing on a locked wine cellar that seems central to their operation. All the while, Devlin grapples with his jealousy and the moral implications of using Alicia in such a dangerous manner. During a party, Alicia and Devlin manage to sneak into the wine cellar, discovering that the bottles contain not wine, but uranium ore. Their discovery is short-lived, however, as Sebastian grows suspicious and ultimately uncovers Alicia’s true identity. This revelation places Alicia in grave danger, and the film shifts into a suspenseful race against time as Sebastian and his mother devise a plan to eliminate her without raising suspicion among their colleagues.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Alicia Huberman (Ingrid Bergman): The daughter of a convicted German spy, she is recruited by American agents to infiltrate a ring of German scientists in South America.
• Devlin (Cary Grant): An American agent who recruits and becomes romantically involved with Alicia while assigning her dangerous missions.
• Alexander Sebastian (Claude Rains): A German scientist and former flame of Alicia’s, whom she is assigned to seduce to gather intelligence.
• Mme. Sebastian (Leopoldine Konstantin): Alexander’s possessive mother, who is suspicious of Alicia and plays a key role in the unfolding events.
• Paul Prescott (Louis Calhern): Devlin’s superior and a high-ranking American intelligence officer who oversees the operation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Devlin: “I don’t go for that kind of loyalty. I think maybe you’re in the wrong pew.” – Devlin expresses his cynicism about Alicia’s patriotism after her father’s conviction.
• Alicia: “Wouldn’t it be fun if we were in love?” – Alicia flippantly suggests the possibility of romance early in her relationship with Devlin.
• Devlin: “She may be risking her life, but when it comes to being a lady, she doesn’t hold a candle to your wife, sitting in Washington playing bridge with three other ladies of great honor and virtue.” – Devlin defends Alicia’s character to his superior, highlighting her bravery despite societal judgment.
• Mme. Sebastian: “We are protected by the enormity of your stupidity, for a time.” – Mme. Sebastian says this to her son, Alexander, revealing her manipulative nature and low opinion of his intelligence.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $117,060

💥 Notorious Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, ‘Notorious’ is now officially one of my favorite Hitchcock films! The way the tension just builds and builds is insane. I was practically holding my breath during the wine cellar scene. And Ingrid Bergman? Absolutely stunning and so heartbreaking. That kiss scene in Alicia’s apartment? Wow. You can feel the chemistry just jump off the screen. Cary Grant is the perfect stoic hero, though sometimes I wanted to shake him. The ending had me on the edge of my seat!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in espionage and suspense”
  • “Admirers of Alfred Hitchcock’s work”
  • “Those who appreciate strong performances from Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman”
  • “Lovers of film noir.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Mature themes including espionage, betrayal, and poisoning”
  • “Some scenes depicting alcohol consumption”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Hitchcock expertly blends suspense with romance, elevating the spy genre. Grant and Bergman deliver mesmerizing performances, creating palpable tension and emotional depth.
• The New York Times: “A taut thriller exploring themes of trust and betrayal. Bergman shines as the complex Alicia, while Rains delivers a compelling performance as the conflicted Sebastian.
• RogerEbert.com: “A masterclass in suspense and psychological drama. The film’s exploration of human relationships is as compelling as its espionage plot, making it a timeless classic.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman is electric!: The intense chemistry between the leads and the slow-burn suspense were frequently mentioned as highlights.

Claude Rains stole the show as the conflicted and sympathetic villain.: The nuanced performances of the main cast, especially Claude Rains, were widely praised.

Overall Consensus: A classic Hitchcock thriller known for its suspenseful atmosphere, captivating performances, and exploration of complex human relationships.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Original Screenplay)- 1947
2. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actor (Claude Rains))- 1947

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Alfred Hitchcock originally wanted Joseph Cotten for the role of Devlin, but Cotten was unavailable.”
• “The famous long shot that starts high above the ballroom and slowly descends to focus on the key in Alicia’s hand was technically challenging for the time and required careful planning and execution.”
• “To research the effects of poisoning, Hitchcock consulted with a toxicologist to ensure the symptoms displayed by Ingrid Bergman were accurate.”

🖥️ How to Watch Notorious?

Notorious is available for streaming on platforms such as The Criterion Channel. You can rent or purchase it through Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other digital retailers. Check your local listings for potential television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Notorious, you might like these similar films:

• Casablanca (1942): Features a complex romantic entanglement set against the backdrop of World War II, with themes of sacrifice and moral ambiguity.
• Foreign Correspondent (1940): Another Hitchcock film featuring espionage and political intrigue in Europe during the prelude to World War II.
• Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011): A more modern, character driven spy thriller with a focus on deception and moral compromise.
• The Conformist (1970): Explores the themes of betrayal and moral compromise within a fascist regime, similar to the moral complexities faced by Alicia.

🛒 Notorious Related Products

• Notorious (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A must-have for cinephiles, this Criterion Collection edition features a pristine restoration of the film, along with insightful bonus features, including documentaries and essays.
• Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection [Blu-ray]: This collection includes many of Hitchcock’s greatest films, offering hours of thrilling entertainment and a deep dive into the director’s filmography.
• Ingrid Bergman: My Story: A compelling biography that delves into Ingrid Bergman’s life and career, providing a deeper understanding of the actress behind Alicia Huberman.
• Cary Grant: A Brilliant Disguise: Delve into the enigmatic world of Cary Grant, Hollywood’s leading man of charm, wit and charisma in A Brilliant Disguise.

🎧 Soundtrack

Notorious features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Carnaval, Op. 9, Scènes mignonnes sur quatre notes: ‘Chopin'” – performed by Robert Schumann

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Defining Film Noir

Curious about the dark and mysterious world of Film Noir? This video breaks down the genre’s defining elements, using ‘Notorious’ as a prime example. Get ready to dive into the shadows and uncover the secrets behind this captivating cinematic style.

Alfred Hitchcock: The Rules of Visual Storytelling

Prepare to be mesmerized by the cinematic genius of Alfred Hitchcock! This video explores his groundbreaking visual storytelling methods, revealing the secrets behind the suspense and emotional depth of ‘Notorious’ and his other iconic films.

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