Strangers on a Train (1951) | |
| Director(s) | Alfred Hitchcock |
| Producer(s) | Alfred Hitchcock (uncredited) |
| Top Genres | Crime, Film Adaptation, Film Noir, Mystery, Romance, Thriller/Suspense |
| Top Topics | Book-Based, Psychological Thrillers, Romance (Drama) |
Featured Cast:
Strangers on a Train Overview:
Strangers on a Train (1951) was a Crime - Film Noir Film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and produced by Alfred Hitchcock.
The film was based on the novel of the same name written by Patricia Highsmith published in 1950.
SYNOPSIS
This Hitchcock masterpiece provided the iconic images of the tennis match at which the swiveling heads reveal a dangerous presence, the murder seen in the fallen glasses of the victim, and the crushing, out-of-control merry-go-round. In a brilliantly sinister performance, Walker plays a witty, urbane young madman who offhandedly suggests to tennis star Granger, a man he had just met on a train, that they solve each other's problems by exchanging murders. Though Granger shrugs off the suggestion as insane, Walker persists, stalking the tennis player until Granger nearly succumbs to Walker's plan. After Walker accomplishes his murder of Granger's wife at an amusement park, he redoubles his pursuit of Granger to ensure he fulfills his end of the deal, and threatens to drop evidence that would implicate Granger in his wife's murder. A terrified Granger rushes to retrieve the evidence and clear his name, leading to the climactic struggle on the merry-go-round. A terrific situation conceived by novelist Patricia Highsmith, and developed by famed mystery writer Raymond Chandler (with a polish by Ben Hecht). A primer in film style, gripping plotting, and technical mastery from Hitchcock.
(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).
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Academy Awards 1951 --- Ceremony Number 24 (source: AMPAS)
| Award | Recipient | Result |
| Best Cinematography | Robert Burks | Nominated |
BlogHub Articles:
Book Review: “Criss-Cross: The Making of Hitchcock's Dazzling, Subversive Masterpiece - Strangers on a Train”
By Stephen Reginald on Nov 8, 2025 From Classic Movie ManBook Review: “Criss-Cross: The Making of Hitchcock's Dazzling, Subversive Masterpiece - Strangers on a Train” Title: Criss-Cross: The Making of Hitchcock's Dazzling, Subversive Masterpiece - Strangers on a Train By Stephen Rebello Publisher: Running Press ISBN: 978-0-7624-8639-7 ... Read full article
Strangers on a Train
By Barry P. on Nov 14, 2021 From Cinematic Catharsis(1951) Directed by Alfred Hitchcock; Screenplay by Raymond Chandler and Czenzi Ormonde; Based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith; Starring: Farley Granger, Ruth Roman, Robert Walker, Leo G. Carroll, Patricia Hitchcock and Kasey Rogers; Available on Blu-ray and DVD Rating: **** Thanks to Rebecca ... Read full article
Don’t talk to “Strangers on a Train”
By Stephen Reginald on Oct 16, 2020 From Classic Movie ManDon’t talk to “Strangers on a Train” Strangers on a Train (1951) is a psychological thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock starring Farley Granger, Ruth Roman, and Robert Walker. The film was based on the novel of the same name by Patricia Highsmith (The Talented Mr. Ripley), w... Read full article
Classic Films in Focus: STRANGERS ON A TRAIN (1951)
By Jennifer Garlen on May 17, 2016 From Virtual ViragoStrangers on a Train (1951) brought Alfred Hitchcock back to box office success after the lull that followed Notorious (1946), and today it remains a favorite with the auteur's fans. Hitchcock presents a deliciously twisted thriller in this tale of murder and blackmail, with Farley Granger returning... Read full article
Classic Films in Focus: STRANGERS ON A TRAIN (1951)
By Jennifer Garlen on May 17, 2016 From Virtual ViragoStrangers on a Train (1951) brought Alfred Hitchcock back to box office success after the lull that followed Notorious (1946), and today it remains a favorite with the auteur's fans. Hitchcock presents a deliciously twisted thriller in this tale of murder and blackmail, with Farley Granger returning... Read full article
See all Strangers on a Train articles
Quotes from
Bruno Anthony: I admire people who do things.
Guy Haines: Doesn't that bloodhound ever relax? He sticks so close he's beginning to grow on me - like a fungus.
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Facts about
Raymond Chandler seems to have gone out of his way to behave disagreeably to Alfred Hitchcock. When Hitchcock arrived at Chandler's home for a story meeting, Chandler hollered from his window, "Look at the fat bastard trying to get out of his car!"
This is the movie that determined the location of Carol Burnett's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 1951, she was working as an usher when this film was playing at the Warner Theatre on Hollywood Blvd. A couple arrived late, and Burnett, having already seen the film, advised them that it was a wonderful film that should be seen from the very beginning. The manager of the theatre very rudely fired her for this. Years later, when Carol Burnett was asked where she would like to have her star placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, she requested that it be placed in front of that theatre.
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