THE LODGER

UK, 1927, 68 minutes, Black and white.
Ivor Novello, June, Marie Ault, Arthur Chesney, Malcolm Keen.
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

Hitchcock had made several films by 1927 but this one is considered his real ‘Hitchcock’ beginning, especially with the opening, the blonde, the curls, the notice for ‘Golden Curls’ and the murder. The film is based on the book by Mrs Belloc Lowndes (which was filmed in 11944 with Laird Cregar and a different downbeat ending than here). It was updated to LA, 2009, in a remake.

Hitchcock relies on foggy London and streets for atmosphere. The Buntings take in a lodger just as the murders start nearby. Their daughter, Daisy, takes a liking to the lodger who acts mysteriously. He is played by matinee idol, Ivor Novello (hence, perhaps the innocent ending). While entertaining in itself, it is interesting to note aspects which were to become the director’s trademarks.

1. The work of Alfred Hitchcock? Previous films? The Lodger as his first crime film? His use of silent techniques?

2. The reputation of Jack the Ripper? 40 years later? The 20th century treatment? The contemporary look of the film? The world of the theatre, fashion and fashion models? Traffic, the police, the press, the radio? The effect of the transition from the Victorian era?

3. The atmosphere, the fog, the bodies, the crowds, their watching? The police, the newspapers, the paper boys and their cries?

4. The Bunting family? Getting the paper, the father reading? The Avengers crimes? The triangle sign?

5. Joe, relationship to the family, the domestic scenes, the comic touches?

6. Daisy, her age, beauty, with her parents, and the house, parents? Her mother, her father, the comic touches?

7. Golden Curls, the girls, the murders, the news, the importance of the fair hair?

8. The lodger, his first appearance, face, scarf, Mrs. Bunting welcoming him, revealing himself? Letting the room? His moving from sinister to nice? Removing the showgirl pictures, the beginnings of suspicion, the close-ups, the window, payment, food in his room? His looking at Daisy, pacing?

9. Joe, on the case, the handcuffs and Daisy, his gung-ho approach?

10. The play, Daisy, attraction, her hair, her mother, the comment on queer, the search in the room?

11. The murders, reaction shots, the crowds, the triangle sign?

12. The kiss, the embrace, suspicions?

13. Daisy, the fashion parade?

14. The police, the map, the points to locate the murders?

15. The steam, the bath, the knob, knocking, the search? The bag, the purchase, Tuesday night, the police?

16. Meeting the lodger, the cars and the chase, the drive, the bridge, the fight?

17. Car owner, the day off?

18. Suspicions on the lodger? His vindication?

19. The Hitchcock touches?