--- title: "The Lady Vanishes: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-lady-vanishes/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/the-lady-vanishes" critics_score: 87 critics_reviews: 12 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # The Lady Vanishes (1938): what the critics said Critics' score 87 from 12 reviews: 12 positive, 0 mixed, 0 negative. The reviews are uniformly positive about The Lady Vanishes, with praise clustering around Hitchcock’s control of suspense and a witty script that makes room for comedy and romance. Critics repeatedly single out the use of confined train spaces, inventive camerawork and an ensemble in which Charters and Caldicott draw particular affection; Margaret Lockwood also earns praise. Several see the humour as pointed political satire, finding British insularity and reluctance to confront danger beneath the mystery and dry exchanges. The differences concern the degree of enthusiasm and which pleasures matter most, rather than any substantial divide over its merits. Variety offers the clearest reservations, noting plot complexities and a turn towards melodrama while praising the direction and performances. Eye for Film places more emphasis on its appeal to admirers of Hitchcock’s early comic work, whereas the broader consensus treats the balance of wit and tension as a central strength. ## Radio Times — David Parkinson Rating 5/5. A close second behind The 39 Steps as the best film of Alfred Hitchcock's British period, this sublime comedy thriller has no wasted frames as the leads search a Balkan express train for the missing woman, with first-class support playing throughout. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-oabn0k/the-lady-vanishes/) ## Time Out — Dave Calhoun Rating 5/5. 7 January 2008. This 1938 Hitchcock is very much of its time in a good way, with debates over appeasement and engagement scribbled lightly all over it while remaining funny, creepy and always entertaining thanks to a witty and playful script. [Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-lady-vanishes) ## The AV Club — Tasha Robinson Rating A. 6 December 2007. The film serves as an ideal introduction to Hitchcock's signature elements like twisty plots, innovative camerawork, and suspenseful sequences where characters overlook obvious clues amid ordinary chatter. It stands out as wryly anti-British satire with dry comedy from blinkered characters and taut, stylish direction that confounds expectations. [Read the review](https://www.avclub.com/the-lady-vanishes-1798203491) ## RogerEbert.com — Brian Tallerico Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 14 August 2013. The critic praises Hitchcock's original as riveting filmmaking that deftly blends romantic comedy, social commentary, and suspense. Comparisons to later remakes only highlight its superior pacing, wit, and influence. [Read the review](https://www.rogerebert.com/features/bbc-the-lady-vanishes-only-strengthens-reputation-of-hitchcock-original) ## Empire — David Parkinson Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 1 January 2015. The critic praises Hitchcock's masterful use of confined train spaces for the kidnap plot and the sparkling dialogue and characters, especially the comic relief from Charters and Caldicott, that make the film mischievously gratifying. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/lady-vanishes-review/) ## Slant Magazine — Arthur Ryel-Lindsey Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 26 December 2007. Hitchcock's film is a lively companion to The 39 Steps, distinguished by its genuine purpose as a comic satire on British insularity and blindness to the rising German threat before WWII. It excels through thrilling visuals, effortless performances, dry English humor, and symbols underscoring the elite's detachment, while remaining entertaining and technically bold. [Read the review](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-lady-vanishes/) ## The Guardian Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 11 January 2008. Hitchcock's 1938 prewar classic blends mystery, comedy and suspense with sublime ease in a re-release that still holds up perfectly. The comic double act of Charters and Caldicott and the film's resonant political message to 1930s Britain stand out as highlights. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/jan/11/romance.thriller) ## The Independent Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 13 January 2008. The critic highlights the film's enduring white-knuckle suspense and witty one-liners that both parody and celebrate British reserve, seventy years after release. [Read the review](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/the-lady-vanishes-u-769819.html) ## The Times — Wendy Ide Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 10 January 2008. As part of a Margaret Lockwood season, Hitchcock's hugely enjoyable 1938 mystery is re-released; Lockwood delights but the cricket-mad duo Charters and Caldicott are the unexpected stars. [Read the review](https://www.thetimes.com/sport/cricket/article/the-lady-vanishes-6wdpmvd6xmr) ## Variety — Variety Staff Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 31 December 1937. The film is described as an eerie and eventually melodramatic story well executed for intense interest, with strong direction by Hitchcock elevating the material despite some plot complexities. The cast, including Margaret Lockwood and Michael Redgrave, delivers effective performances. [Read the review](https://variety.com/1937/film/reviews/the-lady-vanishes-1200411545/) ## /Film — Valerie Ettenhofer Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 15 July 2022. The critic praises it as a delightful, crowd-pleasing thriller and one of Hitchcock's most entertaining early films, highlighting its mix of mystery, comedy, romance, and adventure, along with the charming ensemble cast. They single out the witty script and vibrant performances for making it a fun, timeless classic. [Read the review](https://www.slashfilm.com/929647/the-daily-stream-the-lady-vanishes-is-a-delightful-1938-crowd-pleaser/) ## Eye for Film — Jennie Kermode Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 8 January 2008. The critic notes it has elements of a classic Hitchcock mystery but is best for fans of his early, funny films, balancing paranoia with playful humor that darkens over time. They praise the witty, energetic, and sly qualities, along with Hitchcock's innovative photography. [Read the review](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/the-lady-vanishes-film-review-by-jennie-kermode) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/the-lady-vanishes.md