Stage Fright Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A struggling actress falls for a guy who is on the run for murder, so she joins the theater production of the victim’s wife and chaos ensues when her dad brings a bloody doll to the show, but the love of her life is actually the police, not the guy on the run, and he’s actually guilty.

🍿 Stage Fright: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Plea for Help

Eve Gill, a struggling actress, is interrupted during rehearsal by her friend Jonathan Cooper, who claims to be fleeing the police. He states he’s covering for Charlotte Inwood, a famous actress and his lover, after she supposedly killed her husband in self-defense. Jonathan asks Eve to help him escape, leading her into a web of deceit and suspicion.

Infiltration and Investigation

Eve, believing Jonathan’s story, decides to investigate Charlotte Inwood. She takes on the guise of ‘Doris Tinsdale,’ a Cockney maid, and infiltrates Charlotte’s household. While gathering information, she encounters Inspector Wilfred ‘Ordinary’ Smith, who is investigating the murder. Eve finds herself attracted to the inspector, complicating her loyalties.

Unraveling the Truth

As Eve delves deeper, she discovers inconsistencies in Jonathan’s story and becomes increasingly suspicious of his motives. A garden party stunt orchestrated by Eve’s father to expose Charlotte further complicates matters. Eve must decide who to trust as she navigates love and deception.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Eve Gill (Jane Wyman): An aspiring actress who gets entangled in a murder investigation while trying to help a friend.
• Jonathan Cooper (Richard Todd): A struggling actor accused of murder, seeking refuge and assistance from his friend Eve.
• Charlotte Inwood (Marlene Dietrich): A glamorous and manipulative stage actress suspected of involvement in her husband’s death.
• Insp. Wilfred O. ‘Ordinary’ Smith (Michael Wilding): The detective investigating the murder who becomes romantically involved with Eve.
• Commodore Gill (Alastair Sim): Eve’s eccentric and supportive father who assists her in the investigation.
• Nellie Goode (Kay Walsh): Charlotte Inwood’s maid, who is bribed and blackmailed during the investigation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Charlotte Inwood: “Don’t confide in me, dear, just pour me some tea.” – Charlotte says this to Eve, disguised as a maid, subtly dismissing any need for personal connection.
• Charlotte Inwood: “It’s as if my mother slapped me in the face.” – Charlotte makes this dramatic statement while trying on mourning clothes, highlighting her theatrical nature.
• Commodore Gill: “Unique.” – Commodore Gill responds to Wilfred Smith with his wit.
• Charlotte Inwood: “I hate rainy funerals.” – Said with dramatic flair, showcasing her disdain for somber occasions.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,437,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $511

💥 Stage Fright Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Stage Fright! I found myself captivated by the characters. Jane Wyman’s performance really resonated with me, I loved the humor, especially the quirky dad. The scene at the garden party with the shooting gallery was amazing! And who can forget that stage scene! I would definitely watch it again, it’s a gem that deserves more recognition!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hitchcock films”
  • “Viewers interested in murder mysteries”
  • “Those who appreciate Marlene Dietrich’s performances”
  • “People who enjoy stories with unexpected twists”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief depictions of violence”
  • “Themes of murder and deceit”
  • “Some suspenseful scenes that might be unsettling for sensitive viewers”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “A masterclass in suspense with a stellar cast, Stage Fright is a compelling thriller where secrets unravel on the London stage. Hitchcock’s direction keeps you guessing, and the performances by Wyman and Dietrich are captivating.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Stage Fright balances suspense and humor in a tale of murder, mistaken identity, and romance. The British setting and eccentric characters add to the charm. The twist ending may divide audiences, but the overall experience is thoroughly enjoyable.
• Roger Ebert: “Hitchcock’s Stage Fright is a solid thriller, but one of his weaker efforts. While the performances are strong, particularly Marlene Dietrich’s, the plot lacks the tension and elegance found in his masterpieces. The film’s humor is hit-or-miss.

Audience Reactions

Alastair Sim steals the show with his comedic brilliance as Eve’s father.: Viewers praise the stellar performances and enjoy the film’s blend of suspense and dark humor.

Marlene Dietrich’s screen presence and captivating performance are highlights for many viewers.: Many viewers enjoy the unique and surprising plot twists.

Overall Consensus: A classic Hitchcock thriller with strong performances, but sometimes criticized for its plot twists. Overall a must see thriller.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Alfred Hitchcock gave Marlene Dietrich considerable creative control over the lighting of her scenes, recognizing her expertise gained from working with cinematographers Josef von Sternberg and Günther Rittau.”
• “The film is known for its ‘lying flashback’ at the beginning, a narrative choice that was controversial at the time as it broke the convention of flashbacks always presenting the truth.”
• “Alfred Hitchcock’s daughter, Patricia Hitchcock, has a brief appearance as Chubby Bannister.”

🖥️ How to Watch Stage Fright?

As of my knowledge cut-off date, ‘Stage Fright’ is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Availability may vary by region, so check your local listings. Physical copies (DVD, Blu-ray) can also be found at major retailers and online.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Stage Fright, you might like these similar films:

• Rope (1948): Another Hitchcock thriller that experiments with narrative and staging, creating suspense in confined spaces.
• Witness for the Prosecution (1957): A courtroom drama with plot twists and turns, similar to the mystery elements of Stage Fright.
• All About Eve (1950): Explores the cutthroat world of theater with complex female characters and themes of ambition and betrayal, akin to Marlene Dietrich’s character.
• Knives Out (2019): A modern whodunit with an ensemble cast, plot twists, and dark humor, capturing the essence of classic mystery films.

🛒 Stage Fright Related Products

• The Complete Alfred Hitchcock: Thrillers: A comprehensive digital collection of Alfred Hitchcock’s greatest thriller films. Includes Stage Fright, offering hours of suspense, mystery, and classic filmmaking.
• Silent Hitchcock: Alfred Hitchcock: Silent Films Collection, a digital collection, Hitchcock’s career began in the silent film era, these early works showcase his burgeoning talent and innovative techniques. This is a digital bundle with high video and audio quality.
• Marlene Dietrich: Her Own Song (Blu-ray): A captivating Blu-ray documentary exploring the life and career of Marlene Dietrich, including her work in Stage Fright. Discover rare footage and insights into this iconic actress.
• Alfred Hitchcock Masterpiece Collection [Blu-ray]: Experience the brilliance of Alfred Hitchcock with this comprehensive Blu-ray collection. Includes Stage Fright and other classic thrillers, offering pristine visuals and immersive audio.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “The Laziest Gal in Town” – performed by Marlene Dietrich

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

STAGE FRIGHT (1987) makes me happy.

Ever get that nostalgic feeling for classic horror? This review of ‘Stage Fright’ (1987) totally nails the vibe of the genre, even if it’s not the exact movie you were looking for, it may lead you to something interesting! Give it a watch, you might discover a new favorite!

✨ Rate