Dvd/150: THE LODGER: A STORY OF THE LONDON FOG (Alfred Hitchcoock, 1927)

Hitchcock's first genuine classic sometimes betrays it's stage origins but his bravura direction and visual panache make it a constant pleasure.

London is gripped by a serial killer targeting blonde women.  A mysterious man arrives at the lodging house of the Buntings and their daughter Daisy, seeking a room.  Although his odd behaviour unsettles her parents and persistant policeman boyfriend, Daisy finds herself drawn to him.  What is his secret and is Daisy in peril?

Hitchcock's interest in German Expressionist cinema is shown in his use of tilted angles, shadows and light and it's fascinating to see ideas and motifs appear that were to become well-known in his later films such as THE 39 STEPS, VERTIGO, REAR WINDOW and even PSYCHO.

Although performing styles have changed, I liked June Tripp's feisty Daisy and Marie Ault and Arthur Chesney as her parents. Ivor Novello's neurastheic Lodger has aged less well.

Shelf or charity shop?  It can happily lodge on my shelf...