Suspicion

Get ready to be swept away...

Suspicion (1941), is a gripping and thought-provoking film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. This movie delves into the topics of trust, love, and fear, all while keeping you on the edge of your seat in suspense. Based on the novel Before the Fact by Francis Iles and adapted for the screen by Samson Raphaelson, Joan Harrison, and Alma Reville (Hitchcock’s wife), this film is a must-see if you’re looking for an emotionally charged movie to watch!

Lina McLaidlaw (Joan Fontaine), a shy woman from a wealthy family, and Johnnie Aysgarth (Cary Grant), a charming playboy, unexpectedly cross paths on a train and sparks start to fly. Despite her parents' concerns about his reputation, Lina is captivated by Johnnie's charm, and they hastily tie the knot. It’s not long, however, before Lina begins to fear Johnnie as she learns he is really an unemployed gambler who is well versed at deceit and borrowing money.

Johnnie & Lina meet on the train

As Lina's suspicion of Johnnie intensifies upon learning of his previous attempt to purchase untraceable poison, she becomes increasingly afraid that he plans to kill her for the life insurance payout. She’s also visited by two detectives questioning her about Johnnie’s friend Beaky’s (Nigel Bruce) death. The tension reaches its climax when Johnnie offers her a glass of milk late at night, causing her to fear it may be laced with the poison.

The glowing glass of milk & with good friend Beaky

This film is a thrilling psychological ride that captivates you and explores the twists and turns of Johnnie's schemes. As you get deeper into Lina's growing terror and suspicions, you are left unsure of Johnnie's hidden motives.

Fontaine's performance as Lina won her an Academy Award for Best Actress, portraying a transformation from naive love to fear and suspicion. Grant's atypical casting as Johnnie utilized his charm to capture both attraction and alarm.

The scenes with the glowing glass of milk carried up the long staircase by Cary Grant, are a testament to Hitchcock's skill in giving ordinary objects an ominous presence.

Hitchcock was forced to change the conclusion because the studio wanted to maintain Cary Grant's reputation as a leading actor. There was a lot of debate as many thought that changing the ending would diminish the tension that grew throughout the film. However, Hitchcock brilliantly blended suspense and emotion into a film about the trust and tension within a relationship. Joan Fontaine and Cary Grant delivered memorable performances in this classic suspenseful film.

Great quote:

“Well, well. You're the first woman I've ever met who said yes when she meant yes.”

Film Trivia

• Hitchcock appears about 45 minutes in, mailing a letter at the village post office.

  

  Hitchcock mailing a letter in the film

• In the scene where Johnnie brings a glass of milk up to Lina, Hitchcock had a light hidden in the glass to make it appear more sinister.

• A big, latticed window casts a spider's web-like shadow across the actors.

  

  The lattice shadows add intrigue

• The dog in Suspicion is a Sealyham Terrier named Johnnie, who was owned by Alfred Hitchcock. In his movie The Birds (1963), he walks out of the pet store with Sealyhams on a lead.

  

• Suspicion was set in the fictional Tangmere-by-the-Sea, West Essex, England, but was filmed on the Big Sur coastline in California.

Full Cast of Suspicion:
Cary Grant as Johnnie Aysgarth
Joan Fontaine as Lina McLaidlaw Aysgarth
Cedric Hardwicke as General McLaidlaw
Nigel Bruce as 'Beaky' Thwaite
Dame May Whitty as Mrs. McLaidlaw
Isabel Jeans as Mrs. Newsham
Heather Angel as Ethel (the Maid)
Auriol Lee as Isobel Sedbusk
Reginald Sheffield as Reggie Wetherby
Leo G. Carroll as Captain Melbeck

Film Details:
Also Known as: Before the Fact
Genre: Suspense/Mystery, Classic Hollywood Drama, Psychological Thriller
Release Date: Nov 14, 1941
Premiere Information: Los Angeles opening: 20 Jan 1942
Production Company: RKO Radio Pictures, Inc.
Distribution Company: RKO Radio Pictures, Inc.
Country: United States
Screenplay Information: Based on the novel Before the Fact by Francis Iles (London, 1932).

You can stream Suspicion on Prime Video, Criterion Channel, AppleTV, and Tubi.

Flicks & Forks food choice to go along with this film…

This recipe is from my mom’s recipe box and I can remember her preparing and serving this appetizer at the dinner parties she and my dad had over the years. I’ve updated the cooking process from frying the kielbasa pieces to using a slow cooker but everything else is the same. I’ve added a dipping sauce recipe if you’d like a little more enhancement! Use some retro toothpicks for a vintage feel.

These are great to munch on while watching old movies. Enjoy a glass of wine along with these bites for a fun evening of Flicks & Forks!

Honey Mustard Kielbasa Bites

Ingredients

• 2 pounds kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp of minced garlic from a jar)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

• Combine honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir until well blended.

• Place the sliced kielbasa in the slow cooker.

• Pour the honey mustard mixture over the kielbasa slices, ensuring they are evenly coated.

• Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.

• Once done, stir once more to coat the kielbasa before serving.

Creamy Mustard Dipping Sauce

• ½ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup dijon mustard

• 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)

• 1 clove garlic, finely grated (optional)

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Thanks so much for reading! I hope you’ll enjoy Suspicion (1941)!
Cheers,
…Jill