Rear Window (1954) - Full Reaction

I just watched this and figured I'd give you some answers in case other have not. The killer, Raymond Burr, had his mistress impersonate his wife and write the postcard. He buried his wife's head in the garden and then moved it to the hat box. It was a common trope in plays and movies of the period for killers to keep their victim's severed head in a hat box. Grace Kelley had a way too short acting career as she quit to marry the Prince of Monaco. She was in two other Hitchcock films, Dial M for Murder with Ray Milland and To Catch a Thief (one of my favorites) with Carey Grant.

Jonathan Hintz

I am glad I went back to watch your full-length reaction; it's one of those movies I never get tired of. I love Jimmy as an actor, and Grace Kelly is so beautiful. James Stewart and Alfred Hitchcock have collaborated on four movies, and they all are great. You should watch The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) if you ever want to watch another good James Stewart and Alfred Hitchcock movie.

Eddie Perkins

Before air conditioning was available or common, it was quite a common sight to see someone sleeping on their balcony or fire escape in hot weather. Thomas Sowell talks about how common the practice was when he was younger in Harlem and elsewhere.

TheToweringOtakunt

Finally got to watch the full reaction of this as I watch all my spooky season films. Another fabulous Hitchcock film with beautiful costumes by Edith Head. Grace Kelly was truly gorgeous and a phenomenal actress. You should watch her in To Catch A Thief, another Hitchcock film. I always feel like his concerns about wanting to do right by her are justified but then they give him a few mean lines ("he never ends up marrying her") that are just unnecessary. Their relationship evolves so well as she realizes and proves that she really can be a part of his life while still being feminine.

China Andronicus

Just watched your reaction to "Rear Window". This is my favorite Hitchcock film, and your reaction was as I expected! Grace Kelly was indeed the epitome of beauty, class, and sophistication in 1950s Hollywood. It would have been a delight to see more of a work had she not married Prince Ranier. Hollywood's loss was indeed Monaco's gain! Two other wonderful Hitchcock films in which she stars are "To Catch a Thief" and "Dial M for Murder". By the way, you were wondering what was buried in the flowerbed. There's a quick mention of a hatbox after Thorwald's subdued, suggesting the hatbox contained Mrs. Thorwald's head!

Steve R.

Thorwald had no choice but to confess at that point after being seen trying to murder Jeff. Also don't know if this has been pointed out but when Grace Kelly points to the ring behind her back she wasn't just telling Jeff that she had the ring it was a subtle hint to him that she wanted to marry him.

This was fascinating! Sweet! And a fun trip down memory lane. Thanks for sharing!

Jon Johns

I’m so glad you watched this. This movie is in my Top 5 all time greats, i must have seen it 7-8 times in the last couple of years. I certainly have a huge crush on Grace Kelly! I think it might have been a finger or hand in the flowerbed, it’s connected to the ring in some way. ‘To catch a thief’ is just as stunning as this. Definitely add it to your watch list! If you’re growing to like Jimmy Stewart I would recommend ‘The Man who knew too much’ which is another Hitchcock movie and ‘Harvey’ for a bit of comedy.

Biggman83

Remembering Miss Torso https://vimeo.com/216042246

Grinznmore

Grew up with the old movies for tv entertainment on Sat and Sun afternoons. I’ve seen thousands and it warms my heart when anyone “discovers” some of the greats! “Rear Window” is a Hitchcock staple, but by no means his best. I knew you’d be wowed by Grace Kelly (so iconic). Jimmy Stewart was a superstar for what seemed like a century and never disappointed, as was Cary Grant, Henry Fonda, & John Wayne. I agree with another of the comments here - wait till you meet George Bailey! Movies have just about done it all and then started over, time and again. It was all done to great effect in the silent era, the b&w era, technicolor, the various decades continue. Today, the stories are cgi heavy but great sci-fi, suspense, horror, comedy, tragedy, rom-coms, you’ll find as far back as you’re willing to watch and fall in love with! 🎬

Doubting Thomas

For the quintessential Hitchcock experience I cannot recommend any other movie To Catch a Thief starring Cary Grand and Grace Kelly. It will become an all time favorite of yours suspense and romance.

Jason Mangen

Next time I watch this, I’m going to have my binoculars out.

Grinznmore

This was great! I love old movies but I never would have watched this on my own, just based on the Hitchcock name.

Hannah Mather

I forgot to mention that Hitchcock always made a cameo in all his movies. You can see him browsing through the music of the composer upstairs.

3dbadboy1

It was intentional that all the action took place in and from the viewpoint of one apartment, so it might seem like a stage play. From Wikipedia: "Rear Window is a 1954 American mystery thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and written by John Michael Hayes based on Cornell Woolrich's 1942 short story "It Had to Be Murder"."

MikeLL

I was thinking of Stewart's WWII service when Jeffries commented with the detective about their "three years in a cockpit." The audience at the time would have been aware also.

MikeLL

There was a little bit of audio bleed-through of Cassie's movie into the reaction, made a little bit of an echo with my copy that was playing. Maybe the laptop's speakers were playing the movie sound too? Only a minor thing, still a great reaction.

Planner

I believe this was a stage play converted to movies. If you're interested in another classic stage play thriller made for movies, try watching Wait Until Dark with Audrey Hepburn. It's more intense than this was.

3dbadboy1

They don't figure out every part of the murder until Scrappy Doo comes on the scene. C'mon, you know it felt like you were in a Scooby Doo mystery. Grace Kelly was Daphne and you were Velma. Wonderful reaction Cas. Now you need to move on to North by Northwest. Bring sis along, she needs to discover the wonder of Hitchcock.

softshoes

Loved your reaction, Cassie! It was great to see you smiling, chuckling and getting so immersed! I think Hitchcock is your kind of suspense-mystery filmmaker. He has the right blend of suspense, romance and humor! And yes, back then, many landlords did not permit overnight guests. The set for this film had real, working apartments with electricity and running water. Some of the actors stayed in them during filming. I suspected you’d have a girl crush on Grace Kelly! Weren’t her outfits spectacular? My favorite is the green linen suit with the white halter blouse and the netted white hat. She was the epitome of feminine elegance of that time. Hoping you’ll watch another Hitchcock film, like North by Northwest or To Catch a Thief soon!

Catherine LW

So many piercing blue eyes in this movie. If you like James Stewart now, just wait until you meet George Bailey. Haven't read through all the comments here, but I'm surprised that among the other Hitchcock recommendations I've seen, Strangers on a Train is yet to get a mention. Definitely one my favourite Hitchcock films.

Jay

The head was in the flower bed. Once the dog started digging, Thorvaldsen dug it up and put it in a hatbox. He confessed quickly because they would find the head.

Steve Harris

Aaaargh. Every time I unpause one screen, it pauses the other. There really ought to be an app for this.

Stephen Riggs

Kudos to Edith Head for those beautiful clothes. Trivia. Stewart was a Brigadier General in Air Force Reserve.

Grinznmore

AFI lists Stewart as No. 3 greatest Male Film Legend of all time. No. 1 is Humphrey Bogart, No. 2 is Cary Grant.

Catherine LW

Brilliant comment. Rear Window was indeed about voyeurism.

MikeLL

I LOVE hearing this, makes me so happy! Yes, watch with your wife <3

Cassie

I am not worthy!! haha

Cassie

I concur

Cassie

I need to see all of these now after loving the 2 i have seen!

Cassie

hahahha oh no! I need to go make sure I didn't embarrass myself too much ahah

Cassie

what a crazy story! I need to go read about her now!

Cassie

Yes, already need to watch it again! I wish Carly could have watched this one with me!

Cassie

I need to watch it again to catch more!

Cassie

NO WAY!! I love that haha, it deserves more respect than my red vine ;) Thanks Allen!

Cassie

PS - Speaking of the great director Hitchcock also reminded me of another favorite director of old classics you migh be interested in exploring --- Billy Wilder. A few suggested favorites of mine would be Stalag 17 (nominated for Best Director Oscar, as well as Best Actor winner for William Holden, who didn't even want the part!) , Some Like It Hot (with Marilyn Monroe) and one of the great film noire classics, Double Indemnity!

Bill Poulter

Thank you so much, Cassie, for your reaction video of my absolute favorite of the many Hitchcock hits! It would have been a great film even without Grace Kelly but I, just like you, fell in love the first time I saw her! By the way, whenever you take a trip to Philadelphia to run the "Rocky steps" at the Art Museum, you might include in your itinerary a visit to her childhood home...also in Philadelphia. Here is a link which includes a story of her upbringing and a virtual tour of her childhood home. https://www.today.com/home/grace-kelly-s-childhood-home-philadelphia-opens-public-t128765

Bill Poulter

I think most critics will agreed that Jimmy Stewart is a top 10 American actor of all time. My top three films of his 1939 Mr Smith goes to Washington 1954 The Glenn Miller Story and a particular Christmas movie sound like you be watching pretty soon

William Fortner

Storytelling at it’s finest. There is one apartment that you don’t see. The one you’re sitting in. What a creative weave of humor and suspense. A totally immersive experience. Of course, we know the murder was acquitted with the help of the iconic lawyer, Perry Mason.

Grinznmore

Dial M for murder is one of my favourite Hitchcock-movies.

Björn Von Knorring

Grace Kelly later married Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956 (two years after Rear Window was released) and became Princess Grace of Monaco. She retired from acting and devoted her life to charity work. Before this, she completed 11 films, including two with Hitchcock - "Dial M for Murder" and "Rear Window." You should totally check out "Dial M. for Murder" (released the same year as Rear Window!) She was great in the western "High Noon" as well!

Michael Jung

I wish Patreon comments let us upload pics, gifs, and clips…

Catherine LW

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james flack

For another movie starring Grace Kelly in a different type of character with a love triangle story, consider HIGH SOCIETY, with 2 other legendary actors, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. This was Grace Kelly’s last Hollywood film before she left acting forever, and married to become Princess of Monaco. (Also in Color)

N M

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james flack

When you realize that Rear Window was on some level a commentary on how moviegoers enjoy watching other people's lives on the big screen, so it had us watch Jimmy Stewart watch other people ... and now we're having fun watching Cassie watch a movie about Jimmy Stewart watching other people. The world just keeps getting more meta...

Michael Jung

Cassie, never worry about liking Jimmy Stewart in a movie. He always played a good guy.

Catherine LW

Well one thing that you have to remember is that this was very unique for its time. This was suspenseful and shocking at the time. Today you’ve seen so many movies over the years that have copied different techniques suspense and camera techniques and storylines from Hitchcock that it’s no longer a big deal. Like Citizen Kane. There’s a ton of technical movie making that we’re firsts in that movie that todays watcher wouldn’t think twice about it. But back then it was genius

Krusty “Topher”

So glad Cassie enjoyed this movie and it was a reaction that I had high expectations for, and it fulfilled them all. Hitchcock believed suspense involved giving the audience more information than the characters had. Thus the long scene of Jeffries watching Thorwald going in and out at 2:30 and 3 in the morning. Then Jeffries falls asleep and we see a women leave the apartment with Thorwald, the missing information. If he had seen the woman he might have never thought that Mrs. Thorwald was murdered and the audience thinks that Jeffries could be wrong. But this was the girlfriend who posed as Mrs. Thorwald and accepted delivery of the trunk upstate. This movie still holds up after all these years. Cassie, I laughed when you said about James Stewart, “He has a unique voice.” When I was growing up, every professional impersonator and every celebrity impersonator did an impression of his voice, he was more impersonatred than any other celebrity. I think we might see some more Mr. Stewart in just a little while, I'm glad to hear you are warming up to classic cinema, the rewards are bountiful.

MikeLL

I for one think you are right and we are not alone. I think Rear Window is the perfect introduction to Hitchcock, but Vertigo is a masterpiece.

MikeLL

There's a reason I've for a long time called Tom Hanks the James Stewart of our generation.

MikeLL

I’ve never understood exactly what makes this movie so universally praised. Watched it with my whole family a while back for the first time, wanting to introduce them to Hitchcock. iTunes description said something like “one of the most shocking endings in all of cinema”. Had high expectations. When the movie was over, we were all scratching our heads and laughing. No twist, no surprise. Not scary. Corny climax. What am I missing that nearly everyone else is seeing?

JC762

Isn't that Henry Fonda in Mr. Roberts?

Mr Jordan

Dial M For Murder is an excellent film!

Daniel

I would love to see you watch Dial M for Murder and To Catch a Thief which are other Alfred Hitchcock movies with Grace Kelly in them.

Trembling Colors

Looking forward to watching this one tomorrow. In the future, I would love to see you react to one of my favorite classic Jimmy Stuart films “Mr Roberts”. I think you’d really enjoy it.

Stephen Aech

Cassie, you keep doing your thing. I don't know if I would have ever watched this movie - just Hitchcock's name is enough to turn me off of it just because, well, I'm not into horror or death (still haven't watched Psycho). But, Jimmy Stewart, Grace Kelly, and Raymond Burr and 98% Rotten Tomato meter, I thought I would give it a chance and watch it with you. I loved it, and I might even recommend it to my wife - I have 46 hours left on the VUDU rental. It's a bit slow, but it's an intentional slow, and like most older movies, it doesn't spoon feed you, you have to think about what's going on. Thanks for introducing this to me!

Damon Corrigan

I wonder why everyone forgets about Elizabeth Taylor. She was gorgeous!

Catherine LW

The elegant Ingrid Bergman; The glamorous Grace Kelly; The exquisite Audrey Hepburn; -- Top three natural beauties of that time.

navghtivs

It’s coming up! Can’t wait!

Catherine LW

That bold kiss Grace Kelly plants on Cary Grant was quite stunning. I love the bemused and mildly surprised look on his face!

Catherine LW

Cassie’s a Grace Kelly! She’s our Grace Kelly.

Krusty “Topher”

Yes it’s kind of a ripoff if several suspense movies. Rear Window, maybe a bit of primal fear, etc. A few others I remember thinking at the time but it’s been a minute since I’ve seen it. I love Amy Adams but I thought it was average

Krusty “Topher”

Every lady YouTuber thought Norman Bates was charming in the beginning. 😉

Robin Craft

I think what John Rhys Davies said about when he met Grace Kelly is appropriate: luminous

Wu Sha Ling

Cassie, rural movie queen... In big cities, people watch the entire world thru their windows... Courtyards shared are more common in the past, but they do still exist. Can someone confirm that a recent movie with Amy Adams "Woman in the Window" has a plot that involves watching stuff from her window? I've not seen it, so I don't know.

Jon Johns

I haven't seen all of Hitchcock's films but the ones that I have... Psycho, The Birds, Vertigo, Rear Window, North by Nothwest and Dial M for Murder, I have really enjoyed. He was indeed a master of suspense.

Robin Craft

"I'm in love with Grace Kelly" ... You and everyone else!!

David

Cassie, your mocking imitation of Doyle swishing around his drink in that snifter glass absolutely killed me :)

Uncle 'Traveling' Matt

Grace Kelly, what a beautiful woman, in France we saw her often after her choice to become princess of Monaco. A choice that she probably regretted since Prince Rainier did not want her to make a comeback in the cinema. With her beauty and her talent what a pity to finish her life making collages of leaves (very beautiful)! and her death.... very sad! For the movie, just a masterpiece, nothing to do with the one of 2021.....

Grégory Gautier

Vertigo is MUST now. To me it's slightly better

Shehab Dawoud

Fun reaction, Cassie. Grace Kelly was almost too beautiful.. You asked about what was buried in the garden, and it was implied that it was her head. He removed it after the dog got too curious, and he put it in a hatbox. The person that witnesses saw leaving to the train station was his girlfriend, which implies that she was helping him with his plan to kill his wife.

Johnny

Grace Kelly was Alfred Hitchcock's ultimate muse. To Catch a Thief is one of my fav Hitchcock films and I think it's one of the most underrated Hitchcock films. It's in Cassie's ballpark. Romance, mystery, and thriller.

G

Wait just a minute. Sorry I didn’t check your upcoming list (I’m on my phone and in a rush and sorry!) but you not recognizing Jimmy Stewart means you’ve never seen ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and Alex above said there’s another movie with him coming up and if it’s that I’m SO excited because that’s my favourite Christmas movie and one of my favourite anything movies and you haven’t seen it and if it’s not on the list it MUST be because you will lose your mind with how much you will LOVE it!

CJGardner

Never been a Hitchcock fan ( don't hate). But I've always liked this movie

nick bell

This would be an amazing reaction!

Alex Villarreal

North By Northwest is a RIDE! Suspense, action, mystery, kissy kiss. Eve Marie Saint and Cary Effing Grant! Chase scenes! Comedy relief! Action! Guns! Airplanes! Trains! Automobile crashes! Innocent man! Mount-flippin-Rushmore!!!

Jon Johns

A supremely favourite movie. Its worth watching multiple times, you can pick up on lots of small details you never noticed before. Very glad you decided to cover this one.

Luetin

Loved your reaction when you first saw a close-up of Grace Kelly! :)

N M

Lots of film buffs on here who already know this, but for any newbies: see if you can spot Hitchcock's cameo, which he makes in all his films. I think Hitchcock's TO CATCH A THIEF with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly would be one that Cassie would really love. Suspense, romance, mystery plot, and lots of fun humor.

Alex Villarreal

When Grace Kelly first appears around the 16-minute mark in the film, looking straight into the camera, full close-up, absolutely perfect. Now that's how you make an entrance.

Mr Jordan

My favorite movie set of all time. So incredible. All the little details.

djKENTO

This may be the month Cassie becomes a James Stewart fan. There's a movie on the upcoming schedule that may cement that.

Alex Villarreal

Jerry Goldsmith composed the Universal Pictures theme you are conducting with your Red Vine. He also composed the soundtrack for Psycho II and a lot of other great movies. Great reaction Cassie!

Allen Bond