Number 17

Number 17 is a British thriller film directed by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock in 1932, acclaimed for his distinctive suspenseful and psychological cinematic approach. It stars prominent actors of the era including Leon M. Lion, Anne Grey, and John Stuart. Although not considered as one of Hitchcock's most notable works, Number 17 offers an intriguing premise and a compelling story that draws on the director's characteristic style and flair for suspense.

The plot of Number 17 revolves around a deserted house in London and the intrigue and mystery that unfolds within its dark and draughty corridors. Our attention is first captured by a group of people who come across this seemingly abandoned number 17 house, each having their individual motives that are as unclear as the shrouded London night.

The protagonist of the story can be said to be none other than the character played by Leon M. Lion, a vagrant named Ben. He stumbles upon the mysterious number 17 casually looking for a place to rest and finds himself swiftly plunged into a tangle of crime and suspicion, complicated even more by the arrival of the other characters adding layers to the already thickening plot.

Anne Grey portrays the elegant and seemingly distressed damsel known as 'The Girl', while John Stuart gives a meticulous performance as the captivating character of Barton. Both make their way into the story, each bringing forth their unique brand of trouble and suspicion.

From this point on, as is typical of Hitchcock’s style, the story rapidly transforms into a whirl of suspense, mystery, and mayhem, taking the audience on a thrilling journey. The characters' stories start to intertwine, secrets are cryptically revealed, and the true nature of the seemingly deserted house begins to unfurl. Number 17 may now not be the unoccupied, silent residence it appeared to be, but instead a silent witness to shady business and past acts.

As the story progresses, the audience is introduced to grave robbers, stolen jewels, a runaway train sequence, amongst other elements that ratchet up the suspense and leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Hitchcock's deft handling of these aspects make the movie a turbulent ride through a cascade of thrill moments and unexpected plot twists.

Number 17 also features one of Hitchcock's earliest experiments with sound, which was still being pioneered in the British film industry during the early 1930s. Throughout the film, Hitchcock masterfully uses sound to enhance the suspense and further engage the viewer - a sign of the pioneering techniques that the director would later be known for.

The film showcases Hitchcock’s knack for tension-building and expert storytelling, utilising his signature style of visual storytelling. The spine-chilling scenes create a somber atmosphere, enticing the spectators into this story of treachery, misunderstandings, and false appearances which keep them guessing till the very end. Cleverly plotted and competently acted, the movie excels in its depiction of the shadowy world that keeps unveiling its complexities as the viewers proceed.

In conclusion, Number 17 is a noteworthy gem from the prolific career of Alfred Hitchcock. The film cleverly combines elements of horror, drama, suspense, and even a bit of light-hearted comedy into an unforgettable cinematic experience. Despite its early place in Hitchcock’s filmography, the film foreshadows many stylistic and narrative elements that would later become quintessential to his unique cinematic style. Number 17 is, therefore, a must-watch for any Hitchcock enthusiast or anyone who appreciates classic suspense thrillers.