80. 'Rear Window' (1954)
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It's all so simple. A man with a broken leg is passing time during his
recovery by watching his neighbors through the window. He sees humanity in its
many dimensions — a lonely spinster, a frustrated composer, a possibly slutty
dancer, a couple of newlyweds and, most notably, a man caring for his invalid
wife.
When the wife disappears, the man wonders — was she murdered?
And so creates the setup for one of Alfred Hitchcock's best movies, starring
Jimmy Stewart as L.B. "Jeff" Jeffries, the photographer with a broken leg,
Raymond Burr as the menacing and possibly murderous neighbor, and an utterly
gorgeous Grace Kelly as Jeff's girlfriend,
Lisa.
Bing: Watch a trailer for 'Rear
Window' | Photos of Grace Kelly
The movie is an intense ride, building in suspense until an ending as
dramatic as, say, the popping of a camera flashbulb in the darkness.
Jimmy Stewart, who starred in four Hitchcock movies, said this one was his
favorite. And the director, known for his cameos, can be spotted futzing with
the clock in the songwriter's apartment. Eight-time Oscar winner Edith Head
designed the costumes. In all, the movie earned four Oscar nominations, making
this one a must-see for anyone in search of a thrill. — Martha
Brockenbough
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(James
Stewart, Grace Kelly in "Rear Window"/Courtesy Everett Collection/Rex
Features) |
