hrkepler
'Number Seventeen' is not so classic Hitchcock, but it has its moments and there are plenty of those. The Hitchcockian style of huumor and mystery is all there. Although occasionally out of balance with comedic overtones following with dark shadowy play, the fast pace of the movie and never ending twists and surprises manage to keep the film on track. Hitchcock himself detested the movie and even called it as one of his worst movies, 'Number Seventeen' is still masterful piece of filmmaking. Entertaining edge on your seat ride from beginning to end. The chase scene with train and bus is amazing that one can even call it groundbreaking action film making.
utgard14
Assorted characters bump into each other in a seemingly empty house on a dark and windy night. This is one of Alfred Hitchcock's least popular films, with many even going so far as to call it his worst (I assume they have been mercifully spared viewings of Jamaica Inn, Juno and the Paycock, and Topaz). I actually like it. Not love but like. Yes, I found Leon M. Lion as annoying as everyone else the first time I saw this. But having seen it a couple of times since he bothers me much less than he did originally. It's a good-looking picture with some nice "old dark house" atmosphere going for it and the beginning and ending are sequences worthy of consideration for Hitch's 1930s highlight reel. If you like ODH films, which were certainly very popular in the '20s and '30s, then you will probably enjoy this one. I think if it didn't have Hitchcock's name attached, with the high expectations that come along with that, then it might be more appreciated.
Rainey Dawn
Leave it up to me to enjoy a quirky film like this. It's not perfect but it is certainly entertaining. I like this film - a lot. I've seen this film a few years back, forgot about it and finally ran across it in a film pack - very glad they added this one, it's good to see it again.The film is mainly in a "spooky old house" setting with wailing winds, great shadows, strange characters, a murder(?), a stolen necklace, a great chase, humor splashed about and a story that is simple but good. This is not an Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece but it's a fun one.Try to watch this film without taking it seriously - remember it's entertainment and artful in it's way (the cinematography and directing.) 9/10
GManfred
We're all familiar with an 'old dark house' mystery, but this one takes place in a row house in London that is for sale. In fact, it looks like it has been vacant for years; lots of cobwebs and dust, broken banisters, a corpse or two and expressionist shadows abound. There is also a peculiar cockney with a very pronounced accent loitering about on the second floor who becomes an intricate part of the story - and he gets top billing. His name is Leon M. Lion, and he is also the producer!You have to pay close attention because you are left in the dark very often and, I must confess, this is the second time I saw this film. Didn't think I grasped it the first time. There's lots of confusion regarding identities, and most of the characters are not what they seem. Sometimes the good guys are really bad guys, and vice versa. The plot involves a meeting among crooks regarding a stolen necklace, and Scotland Yard's attempts to intervene.This picture has been unfairly maligned on the website and the IMDb rating, I feel, is unfair. It is an absorbing story which takes place almost entirely on the dimly-lit second floor landing of the vacant house. And, apparently, it is not as vacant as advertised, as several people of questionable intent skulk about. I say give it a chance. It lacks the clarity of later Hitchcock films but still a characteristic example of the work of the Master of Suspense.
AD
