One of the greatest thrillers ever made, Alfred Hitchcock's 'Rear Window', is set to air on BBC4 tonight at 8pm. The 1954 psychological thriller, based on Cornell Woolrich's short story 'It Had to Be Murder', stars James Stewart, Grace Kelly, and Raymond Burr.
The film earned four Academy Award nominations, including Best Director for Hitchcock. It is widely regarded as one of the British director's finest works and has been ranked among the greatest films of all time, placing 42nd on AFI's '100 Years...100 Movies' list.
The story follows a bored photographer, confined to his apartment with a broken leg, who begins spying on his neighbours and suspects one of them of murder. The film is shot almost entirely from within his room, creating a claustrophobic and suspenseful atmosphere.
Critics have praised the film extensively. The New York Times called it a 'tense and exciting exercise', while Variety described it as 'one of Alfred Hitchcock's better thrillers'. Roger Ebert noted that the film 'develops such a clean, uncluttered line from beginning to end that we're drawn through it effortlessly'.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 99% approval rating based on 134 reviews, with the critics' consensus stating that 'Hitchcock exerted the full potential of suspense in this masterpiece'. Viewers have also been overwhelmingly positive, with one calling it 'what cinema should be' and another praising its 'fantastic cinematography and an incredible performance by James Stewart'.
Don't miss 'Rear Window' on BBC4 tonight at 8pm.
