Stage Fright is a delightful thriller (I use the word thriller loosely- this is 1950 we’re talking about here…) by Alfred Hitchcock, full of The Wrong Man themes (common in Hitchcock films), wry British humor, sexual tension, and everything you ever wanted from a Hitchcock masterpiece.

I have seen this film many times, and had forgotten how comical it is. (Comical in a good way, not in an accidentally cheesy way.) If you have seen and enjoyed The Trouble with Harry, you will probably enjoy this one too! 

Jane Wyman’s character is that of an spiring actress who has set out to not only protect her friend who is wanted for a murder he said he didn’t commit, but also to sleuth her way (using disguises and womanly wiles) into helping the police capture the real killer.

Marlene Dietrich is one of my least favorite actresses of the ’40s, but her role as the manipulating temptress is played quite well, if not comedically. I wonder if Hitchcock chose her for the role, knowing she would overact and it would add to the humor of the film? I like to think so. :)