Here, in one of Hitchcock’s few whodunits, even the actress accused of murder is unsure whether she’s guilty, having blacked out before being discovered with the weapon and a colleague’s corpse. Just one juror (Herbert Marshall) – a thesp himself – believes her innocent, and investigates. A fascinating, multi-layered study of the role played by performance in public and private life, the film (one of several linked to the theatrical world) features fittingly long, carefully choreographed takes – as well as an intriguing, almost audacious take on sexuality.
A grocer's daughter kills a man who tries to sexually assault her. Her boyfriend, a policeman, attempts to cover up the murder. However, a small-time crook witnessed the act and threatens to blackmail the couple. Only Hitchcock's second crime film, Blackmail would sow the seeds for many of his ma...