Marnie is a 1964
film directed by
Alfred Hitchcock.
It is a
psychological drama dealing with the
kleptomania
of Marnie Edgar, played by
Tippi Hedren. The
male lead is
played by
Sean Connery as Mark Rutland, the
wealthy business
owner who
befriends and attempts to help Marnie. The
screenplay
by
Jay Presson Allen is
based on the
novel by
Winston Graham
The main theme of the
movie was the psychological exploration of Marnie and her past in an
attempt to explain her kleptomania. Hitchcock keeps us on our toes
as Marnie has several frightening panic attacks triggered by
lightning, the color red, and knocks on the door. Hedren
gives a very convincing performance as a truly disturbed young lady.
The film was a bit heavy-handed for my taste. I found Rutland's
desire to help and expertise in psychoanalysis a bit contrived. His
character is played as a playboy businessman interested in getting
Marnie into bed, but then he is hiding her from the law and
trying to delve into her psyche. Still it is a Hitchcock
film, wonderfully shot. I completely missed Hitchcock's cameo, which
I wouldn't have if I hadn't been drawn in despite my misgivings.
I understand Hitchcock began the project with Grace Kelly as the
female lead, but she married the Prince of Monaco. She
was still going to play the role until she was convinced that
it wouldn't do for the Princess to portray a compulsive thief.
The film was shelved until Hitchcock found
Tippi Hedren, who first appeared in The Birds.
He later went on to stalk Hedren - he tried to mold her
into another Kelly - but that's another story.
Cast (in credits order)
Tippi Hedren .... Marnie Edgar
Sean Connery .... Mark Rutland
Diane Baker .... Lil Mainwaring
Martin Gabel .... Sidney Strutt
Louise Latham .... Bernice Edgar
Bob Sweeney (II) .... Cousin Bob
Milton Selzer .... Man at Track
Mariette Hartley .... Susan Clabon
Alan Napier .... Mr. Rutland
Bruce Dern .... Sailor
Henry Beckman .... First Detective
S. John Launer .... Sam Ward
Edith Evanson .... Rita
Meg Wyllie .... Mrs. Turpin
rest of cast listed alphabetically
Alfred Hitchcock .... Man leaving hotel room (uncredited)
Louise Lorimer .... Mrs. Strutt (uncredited)
Melody Thomas Scott .... Young Marnie (uncredited)
Tagline: Only Alfred Hitchcock could have created
so suspenseful a sex mystery!
Reference: imdb.com