Welcome to The Best Movies I’ve Never Seen! This is the part of the blog where I work my way through 100 films I’ve never seen that are generally considered to be great. You’re invited to watch along with me if you can find a copy or find it streaming. So grab some popcorn and let’s get started!

Strangers on a Train

1951

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock’s 1951 psychological thriller Strangers on a Train is a wild ride from start to finish. Based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith, the film follows tennis pro Guy Haines (Farley Granger) who has the misfortune of meeting creepy playboy Bruno Antony (Robert Walker) on a train. Bruno proposes that they “exchange murders” – he’ll kill Guy’s unfaithful wife if Guy kills Bruno’s despised father. Guy brushes him off, but the unhinged Bruno proceeds with his half of the “bargain” anyway, throwing Guy’s life into chaos.

This was one of Hitchcock’s first major Hollywood productions after moving from England, and he reunited with his Rebecca cinematographer Robert Burks to create the film’s stunning visuals. From the opening credits’ symbolic criss-crossing feet, to the eerie reflection in Miriam’s glasses as she’s strangled, Hitchcock deployed every trick in his arsenal. The legendary merry-go-round climax is a technical marvel, seamlessly blending shots of actors, miniatures, and rear projection into a heart-stopping finale.

Both leads excel, with Granger as the all-American guy caught in Bruno’s web, and Walker channelling wild-eyed menace as the flamboyant sociopath. Ruth Roman does her best as Guy’s love interest Anne, despite Hitchcock’s lack of enthusiasm for her casting. Other standouts include Patricia Hitchcock as Anne’s sister Barbara, and Hitchcock’s own daughter in a memorable cameo.

While some critics in 1951 felt the premise went too far into melodrama, the film has since been regarded as one of Hitchcock’s best. Its themes of criss-crossing doubles and moral ambiguity were ahead of their time, with Guy and Bruno representing the dual capacities for evil and weakness in all men.

Over 70 years later, Strangers still stands out for its inventive set pieces, psychological gamesmanship, and killer performances. Hitchcock weaves suspense, humor and his signature sinister style into a thriller that’s perfect for first-time viewers or die-hard Hitch fans. So grab your tennis racket and creepy lobster tie, and don’t forget to watch out for strangers on your next train ride. Just maybe stick to small talk about the weather – leave the murder schemes at home.