Number Seventeen Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of people with bad mustaches chase each other around an old house and a runaway train, all because of a necklace that ends up with a homeless guy.

🍿 Number Seventeen: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Open House

A man, drawn by a light, enters a vacant house labeled ‘Number Seventeen.’ Inside, he encounters Ben, a seemingly harmless vagrant, and discovers a dead body. The atmosphere is thick with mystery and shadows, setting the stage for a series of strange encounters. The initial scenes emphasize the unsettling ambiance of the house.

Intruders and Secrets

More characters arrive, each with hidden agendas. Rose Ackroyd, claiming to search for her father, falls through the roof. A telegram reveals the presence of jewel thieves planning to meet at the house. Identities become blurred as suspicion and mistrust grow. The house acts as a focal point for converging secrets and lies.

The Runaway Train

The thieves attempt to escape by train, but chaos ensues. The train speeds out of control after the driver is incapacitated. A wild chase develops as the authorities attempt to intercept the runaway train. Miniature model effects contribute to a suspenseful, albeit dated, action sequence. This segment significantly increases the pace of the film.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ben (Leon M. Lion): A seemingly harmless, opportunistic tramp who stumbles upon a jewel heist and surprisingly ends up with the stolen necklace.
• Barton/Forsythe (John Stuart): An undercover detective investigating a jewel robbery, who poses as someone else to infiltrate the gang of thieves.
• Nora Brant (Anne Grey): A seemingly deaf-mute woman associated with the thieves, who is secretly capable of speech and plays a key role in the unfolding events.
• Sheldrake (Garry Marsh): One of the jewel thieves and a central figure in the heist, who hides the necklace and becomes suspicious of the other members.
• Brant (Donald Calthrop): A member of the gang of thieves involved in the robbery of a diamond necklace.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ben: “Will you see me safely home, guv’nor, if I gives you a nice wedding present, eh?” – Ben says this at the end of the movie after revealing he has the stolen necklace, offering it as a wedding present.
• Nora Brant: “I’m coming back.” – Spoken when Nora reveals she is not a mute and is going back to help her friends.
• Detective Barton: “You can’t be Barton because I am.” – Said to Doyle, who is impersonating Barton, revealing Barton’s true identity.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £10,000 (estimated)
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Number Seventeen Reviews

Personal Review

As a Hitchcock fan, I found ‘Number Seventeen’ a quirky yet interesting watch. The plot is definitely a bit of a mess, but the moody atmosphere and the train chase scene at the end are vintage Hitchcock. I especially enjoyed Leon M. Lion’s portrayal of Ben; he added a much-needed comedic touch.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Hitchcock completists”
  • “Fans of early cinema”
  • “Viewers interested in experimental filmmaking”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Outdated special effects”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “While ‘Number Seventeen’ is far from a Hitchcock classic, it’s still an amusing film with intentional comedy, a steady pace, and some pretty effective use of miniatures for the 1930s. Recommended for fans of pre-noir thrillers and British comedy.
• IMDB: “‘Number Seventeen’ is probably could have been a much better movie if the plot and characters had been developed more carefully, but it is still pretty entertaining as it is. While probably only of particular interest to those who are already Hitchcock fans, there should be enough of Hitchcock here to satisfy those who are.

Audience Reactions

The train and bus chase at the end, even with the dated effects, was surprisingly exciting and suspenseful.: Viewers enjoyed the spooky atmosphere of the old house and the surprising twists, despite the sometimes confusing plot.

Overall Consensus: ‘Number Seventeen’ is a flawed but interesting early Hitchcock film, best appreciated by fans of the director or those interested in early talkies.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Alfred Hitchcock considered this film a low point in his career, referring to it as a ‘disaster’.”
• “The film was based on a stage play, and Hitchcock felt constrained by the source material.”
• “The miniature train and bus chase sequence was considered innovative for its time, despite its obvious limitations.”
• “Hitchcock included elements of parody and farce, knowing the source material was weak.”
• “Hitchcock’s wife, Alma Reville, co-wrote the screenplay.”

🖥️ How to Watch Number Seventeen?

As an older film, “Number Seventeen” may not be readily available on major streaming platforms. Check services like The Criterion Channel, which often feature classic films. You might also find it available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV. Given its age, physical media (DVD or Blu-ray) might be the most reliable way to view it, available through online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Number Seventeen, you might like these similar films:

• The 39 Steps (1935): Another early Hitchcock thriller with a convoluted plot and suspenseful chase sequences.
• The Old Dark House (1932): A group of travelers seeks shelter in a strange, old house inhabited by a mysterious family. Set in a single location with a dark, suspenseful atmosphere.
• The Lady Vanishes (1938): Features a missing person mystery on a train, similar to the train chase sequence.
• Murder! (1930): Another early Hitchcock crime thriller exploring themes of justice and suspense, offering a glimpse into his developing style.
• Knives Out (2019): A modern whodunit with a complex plot, an ensemble cast of suspicious characters, and surprising twists.

🛒 Number Seventeen Related Products

• Alfred Hitchcock: The Ultimate Filmmaker Collection (Blu-ray): Contains a wide selection of Hitchcock’s most iconic films, offering a comprehensive look at his career.
• Vintage Movie Poster – Number Seventeen (Reproduction): A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, perfect for fans of classic cinema and Hitchcock.
• Hitchcock: The Definitive Biography: A detailed biography that delves into Hitchcock’s life and career, providing insights into his filmmaking process and influences.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “I Don’t Need a Television” – performed by Harry Shalson

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Books of 1-2 Kings Summary: A Complete Animated Overview

Ever wondered what all the fuss is about with 1 and 2 Kings? This animated summary breaks it down in just under 9 minutes! Honestly, it made the whole story way easier to understand, you should check it out.

Book of Jeremiah Summary: A Complete Animated Overview

Feeling lost in the Book of Jeremiah? This animated overview is a game-changer! It simplifies the complex themes of judgment and prophecy, so you might finally know what the movie is referencing.

✨ Rate