The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)

Gillette finds Hitchcock’s thriller suspenseful and engaging throughout, despite saying some passages linger too long. He singles out the Albert Hall concert sequence for its inventive, dialogue-free buildup and dramatic climax.

Newman finds Hitchcock’s remake an equally compelling thriller, despite its slower pace than the original. He praises the sustained suspense and the performances of James Stewart and Doris Day.

Variety considers the film a good thriller, though it says the footage runs a little long. It praises the sustained suspense and the strong performances, especially James Stewart and Doris Day as distressed parents.

The URL identifies a New York Times review of Hitchcock’s 1956 film. The article text is inaccessible, so its verdict and specific praise or complaint cannot be determined.

Parkinson finds the remake more technically accomplished than Hitchcock’s earlier version, though its extra length is not always well spent. He praises the finale’s added suspense and criticizes the inclusion of “Que Sera, Sera” as a concession to Doris Day fans.

The critic finds the 1956 film uneven and overlong, despite its technical brilliance. The Marrakesh visuals and suspenseful set pieces are singled out as especially effective.

McCarten finds the remake sluggish and its family and performances irritating, judging it inferior to Hitchcock’s earlier film. He concedes that Marrakech provides some attractive views, but says postcards could do the same job.