Even though I nearly haven't seen all of Alfred Hitchcock's films, I can almost certainly say that this is one of his lesser efforts – primarily due to the tremendously unsatisfactory, dumb, cowardly and upsetting finale. But, first and foremost, it has to be stated clear that the ending was imposed by production company RKO because they feared any other (and more exciting) denouement would have damaged the reputation of protagonist Cary Grant. And, secondly, even a less memorable Hitchcock is still a very solid and exemplary thriller and there are numerous aspects that make "Suspicion" a worthwhile and even recommended viewing. The script, adapted from a novel by Anthony Berkeley, is quite familiar and rudimentary. Intelligent and independent Lina falls head over heels in love with the irresistibly charming Johnnie Aysgarth and marries him, also because she doesn't want her parents to think she'll be an old spinster. Lina quickly discovers her husband is a swindler, a gambler and a bona fide liar atop, but she's madly in love and blindly forgives him all the little missteps. But when Johnnie sinks deeper and deeper in debt, Lina begins to fear he might even be a murderer. In spite of the clichéd plot, "Suspicion" often is a gripping domestic thriller with a handful of tense highlights and superior performances. The beautiful Joan Fontaine righteously won an Oscar for her stellar performance of the incredibly naive but increasingly nervous damsel and distress, while Cary Grant demonstrates the astonishing – and pretty unique - skill of being charming and despicable at the same time. There are good comical supportive roles for Nigel Bruce (who can still impressively imitate a duck like he did as Dr. Watson in the Sherlock Holmes cycle) and the fake cardboard English countryside when the protagonists are driving their car. Apart from being the good old master of suspense, Hitch also showcases his sinister and pitch-black sense of humor (notably during the scene when Grant receives a pair of antique chairs as a wedding gift) and his expressionist vision (the famous milk-moment).
*edit/update: I just learned that Joan Fontaine passed away at the age of 96; only 3 days after I submitted this review. I really hoped for her to make it to 100, but alas. Rest in peace, Mrs. Fontaine
*edit/update: I just learned that Joan Fontaine passed away at the age of 96; only 3 days after I submitted this review. I really hoped for her to make it to 100, but alas. Rest in peace, Mrs. Fontaine