Becoming Hitchcock: The Legacy of Blackmail

Matt Roush says...

TCM explores the formative years of legendary director (and personal obsession) Alfred Hitchcock in England with a series of films, starting with Laurent Bouzereau’s 2024 documentary that identifies themes and cinematic techniques that Hitchcock would carry with him to Hollywood (at 8/7c). Becoming Hitchcock focuses heavily on the 1929 film Blackmail, which bridged the silent and sound eras and is considered England’s first full-length sound feature. The film was shot in a silent version, with separate takes to prepare for an innovative use of sound. TCM screens both versions of Blackmail, the silent edition at 9:15/8:15c and with sound at 12:15 am/11:15c. The tribute continues overnight with 1930’s Murder! at 2 am/1c and 1931’s The Skin Game at 4 am/3c. More movies follow next Wednesday.

What's Worth Watching (Jan 15)