One can imagine that the 1924 play that this film was based on could be highly regarded for its drama and stage performances. But "Juno and the Paycock" is just too grim a story to be at all good on film. The dysfunction of the Boyle family, in the early 1920s of Ireland after the civil war has broken out, doesn't lend toward much of an interesting story. And, the added visuals of the time, place and conditions that film provides over the stage, clearly makes this a depressing and despairing film. It's hardly anything to be entertaining, or to enjoy the acting.
Alfred Hitchcock directed and helped write the screenplay. It does have some of the contrasting black and white camera work. But it's an early film of his portfolio. And it that lacks the touches and skill of his later mysteries and dramas that propelled Hitchcock to fame as a director.
Alfred Hitchcock directed and helped write the screenplay. It does have some of the contrasting black and white camera work. But it's an early film of his portfolio. And it that lacks the touches and skill of his later mysteries and dramas that propelled Hitchcock to fame as a director.