Strangers on a Train (1951) | |
| Director(s) | Alfred Hitchcock |
| Producer(s) | Alfred Hitchcock (uncredited) |
| Top Genres | Crime, Film Adaptation, Film Noir, Mystery, Romance, Thriller/Suspense |
| Top Topics | Book-Based, Psychological Thrillers, Romance (Drama) |
Featured Cast:
Strangers on a Train Overview:
Strangers on a Train (1951) was a Crime - Film Noir Film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and produced by Alfred Hitchcock.
The film was based on the novel of the same name written by Patricia Highsmith published in 1950.
SYNOPSIS
This Hitchcock masterpiece provided the iconic images of the tennis match at which the swiveling heads reveal a dangerous presence, the murder seen in the fallen glasses of the victim, and the crushing, out-of-control merry-go-round. In a brilliantly sinister performance, Walker plays a witty, urbane young madman who offhandedly suggests to tennis star Granger, a man he had just met on a train, that they solve each other's problems by exchanging murders. Though Granger shrugs off the suggestion as insane, Walker persists, stalking the tennis player until Granger nearly succumbs to Walker's plan. After Walker accomplishes his murder of Granger's wife at an amusement park, he redoubles his pursuit of Granger to ensure he fulfills his end of the deal, and threatens to drop evidence that would implicate Granger in his wife's murder. A terrified Granger rushes to retrieve the evidence and clear his name, leading to the climactic struggle on the merry-go-round. A terrific situation conceived by novelist Patricia Highsmith, and developed by famed mystery writer Raymond Chandler (with a polish by Ben Hecht). A primer in film style, gripping plotting, and technical mastery from Hitchcock.
(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).
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Academy Awards 1951 --- Ceremony Number 24 (source: AMPAS)
| Award | Recipient | Result |
| Best Cinematography | Robert Burks | Nominated |
BlogHub Articles:
Book Review: “Criss-Cross: The Making of Hitchcock's Dazzling, Subversive Masterpiece - Strangers on a Train”
By Stephen Reginald on Nov 8, 2025 From Classic Movie ManBook Review: “Criss-Cross: The Making of Hitchcock's Dazzling, Subversive Masterpiece - Strangers on a Train” Title: Criss-Cross: The Making of Hitchcock's Dazzling, Subversive Masterpiece - Strangers on a Train By Stephen Rebello Publisher: Running Press ISBN: 978-0-7624-8639-7 ... Read full article
Strangers on a Train
By Barry P. on Nov 14, 2021 From Cinematic Catharsis(1951) Directed by Alfred Hitchcock; Screenplay by Raymond Chandler and Czenzi Ormonde; Based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith; Starring: Farley Granger, Ruth Roman, Robert Walker, Leo G. Carroll, Patricia Hitchcock and Kasey Rogers; Available on Blu-ray and DVD Rating: **** Thanks to Rebecca ... Read full article
Don’t talk to “Strangers on a Train”
By Stephen Reginald on Oct 16, 2020 From Classic Movie ManDon’t talk to “Strangers on a Train” Strangers on a Train (1951) is a psychological thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock starring Farley Granger, Ruth Roman, and Robert Walker. The film was based on the novel of the same name by Patricia Highsmith (The Talented Mr. Ripley), w... Read full article
Classic Films in Focus: STRANGERS ON A TRAIN (1951)
By Jennifer Garlen on May 17, 2016 From Virtual ViragoStrangers on a Train (1951) brought Alfred Hitchcock back to box office success after the lull that followed Notorious (1946), and today it remains a favorite with the auteur's fans. Hitchcock presents a deliciously twisted thriller in this tale of murder and blackmail, with Farley Granger returning... Read full article
Classic Films in Focus: STRANGERS ON A TRAIN (1951)
By Jennifer Garlen on May 17, 2016 From Virtual ViragoStrangers on a Train (1951) brought Alfred Hitchcock back to box office success after the lull that followed Notorious (1946), and today it remains a favorite with the auteur's fans. Hitchcock presents a deliciously twisted thriller in this tale of murder and blackmail, with Farley Granger returning... Read full article
See all Strangers on a Train articles
Quotes from
Bruno Anthony: I beg your pardon, but aren't you Guy Haines?
Mrs. Cunningham: You know, I read of a case once. I think it would be a wonderful idea! I can take him out in the car, and when we get to a very lonely spot, knock him on the head with a hammer, pour gasoline over him and over the car, and set the whole thing ablaze!
[giggles]
Bruno Anthony: [scowls] And have to walk all the way home? Oh, no.
Mrs. Cunningham: [meek] No? Oh...
Bruno Anthony: No, no. I have the best way, and the best tools.
[raises hands]
Bruno Anthony: Simple, silent, and quick - the silent part being the most important. Let me show you what I mean. You don't mind if I borrow your neck for a moment, do you?
Mrs. Cunningham: [simpers] Well... if it's not for long!
Barbara Morton: Who's the interesting-looking Frenchman with the Darvilles?
Guy Haines: His name's Antony... he's not French.
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Facts about
The train station scenes in Metcalf were filmed at the former New Haven Railroad station, Danbury, Connecticut, which is today the home of the Danbury Railroad Museum.
There were several changes made from the original novel: the character Bruno Antony was named Charles Anthony Bruno and Guy Haines was an architect, not a tennis player. Also, Anne Morton was originally named Anne Faulkner.
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