"What's the difference, we're not invited anyway."
A fire breaks out at a California aircraft factory, killing one of the workers. Two other men were in the factory when it went up in flames... the victim's best friend, Barry Kane (Cummings), and a cranky new worker, Frank Fry (Lloyd). The plant has no record of Fry and the authorities suspect Barry of sabotage.
With his reputation on the line and his name broadcast across the radio, Barry sets out to find Fry before the authorities catch up. Along the way he runs into wealthy Charles Tobin (Kruger) the charismatic leader of the saboteurs... and is helped by model Pat Martin (Lane) who thinks Barry is guilty, but has to stick by him anyway. Culminating in a memorable climax atop a popular American symbol.
A welcome return to suspense for Hitchcock, after his attempt at screwball comedy in Mr. & Mrs. Smith. A lesser known gem, this film continues Hitchcock's theme of the "wrong man," which he used in Suspicion and British film The 39 Steps. This film is very similar to The 39 Steps. In both, the audience knows from the beginning the protagonist is innocent... and he is saddled with a woman who questions his innocence. In fact, in each, there is a moment with the protagonist covers the mouth of the woman to keep her from calling out. And at some point he wears handcuffs.... and many others. This film is also reminiscent of Foreign Correspondent, as it gets a tad bit preachy. There are moments and speeches that have definite audience in mind... reflecting the time they were made.
There are some brilliant sequences... such as Pat's billboards that reflect the action of the scene. I also love the scene in the library where Barry tries to nonchalantly get Pat's attention while convincing the villains he is on their side... Barry keeps casually gesturing to a book titled "Escape." This gag is explored further when Tobin figures out what is happening and makes his own literary suggestion.
The cast is decent... with the villains standing out. Otto Kruger steals every scene as Charles Tobin. And despite only appearing in a few scenes, Norman Lloyd (in his film debut) leaves a mark on the screen. The climax is incredibly suspenseful.... and happens without any background accompaniment.
Decent...
Saboteur (1942) 108 minutes
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: Priscilla Lane as Patricia Martin
Robert Cummings as Barry Kane
Otto Kruger as Charles Tobin
Norman Lloyd as Frank Fry
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