"Notorious": Plot (03:18)
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Francois Truffaut describes the film as quintessential Alfred Hitchcock. A Nazi spy's daughter is recruited to infiltrate a group who fled to Rio de Janeiro. Devlin saves Alicia Huberman after Alexander Sebastian gives her poison.
Political Climate and Background (05:00)
"Notorious" opens with a trial of a Nazi spy in 1946. American Fascists hold a rally in support of Adolf Hitler in 1939. Hitchcock starts working on the film before the end of World War II; "Rebecca" is his first feature film created in the United States.
"Notorious": Development (04:39)
David O. Selznick purchases the rights to a serial based on Marthe Richard's life. The United States interrogates 1,000 German prisoners at Fort Hunt. Hecht and Hitchcock incorporate threats of nuclear bombs into the film.
World War II Ends (03:38)
Hitchcock oversees the edit of "Memory of the Camps, " intended to be shown to the German public. British troops decide not to air the documentary. David Thompson speculates that the cinematic style of "Notorious" is inspired by footage of concentration camps.
Contracts Sold to RKO (03:59)
Selznick sells "Notorious" and the contracts of Hitchcock, Bergman, and Grant. Gregg Tolland shoots background footage in Rio de Janeiro. Hitchcock improvises as little as possible when making a film.
Film Production (06:01)
Hitchcock realizes he needs to reshoot the airplane scene. Bergman describes his directorial style. Experts describe the impact of the kissing scene.
Leading Actor (02:51)
Devlin experiences divergent emotions when thinking about Huberman and tests her repeatedly. Grant's credits include "The Awful Truth" and "Bringing Up Baby."
Leading Actress (02:06)
Bergman portrays Huberman with strength and innocence. Roberto Rossellini exploits the actress' guilt and darkness.
Nuremberg Trials (02:48)
Hecht and Hitchcock predict Adolf Eichman and Josef Mengele will flee to South America. Mary Stone describes her great grandmother's domineering personality reflected in the director's films.
Hitchcock's Cinematic Styles (05:50)
Antagonists smoke in Hitchcock's films. Hitchcock guides the audience's eyes to significant objects and movements. Suspense can only be achieved if the audience has all the facts.
"Notorious" Ending (02:16)
Claude Rains portrays a sympathetic villain. Hitchcock depicts problematic love. The film plays at the Cannes Film Festival in 1946 but fails to secure any prizes.
Impact of "Notorious" (04:41)
Hitchcock is a catalyst for New Wave. The Cold War lasts 40 years. Werner Von Braun joins the National Aviation and Space Administration (NASA); Hitler builds Auschwitz for IG Farben.
New Enemy (03:54)
Disney restores the IG Farben references after the Cold War ends. Hitchcock makes "Torn Curtain," "Topaz," "To Catch a Thief," "North By Northwest," and "Under Capricorn."
Credits: Notorious (Alfred Hitchcock) (00:33)
Credits: Notorious (Alfred Hitchcock)
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