Rich and Strange

Rich and Strange, also known as East of Shanghai, is a captivating British production from the early 1931, directed by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock. The film stars Henry Kendall and Joan Barry as the lead characters, Fred and Emily Hill, alongside Percy Marmont who plays the role of a mysterious and charming commander.

Rich and Strange is a unique addition to Hitchcock's extensive filmography -not for its suspense or thriller elements, which this master of horror is well-known for- but as a vastly different genre piece that explores themes of marital ennui, middle-class routine, and the yearning for a life beyond the mundane. It beautifully juxtaposes the premise of ordinary folks being lifted into an extraordinary situation through an unexpected inheritance that takes them on a journey they never thought they’d experience.

Fred and Emily Hill, a middle-aged London couple, are shown initially going through the monotonous routine of a middle-class life, stuck in life’s daily grind and longing for more than what their regular settings have to offer. Their prayers for escape from routine life are answered when a wealthy yet estranged uncle leaves them with a substantial inheritance. This sudden windfall propels the duo out of their humdrum existence in suburban London and sets them on a global adventure, sailing east of Shanghai, as they navigate the exhilarating, complex, and at times, unfamiliar territory of the wealthy class.

True to Hitchcock’s style though, their journey is not all smooth sailing. As the couple traverse new locations and meet new people, including the enigmatic Commander Gordon (Percy Marmont), it takes a toll on their relationship as their once simple desires and dynamic begins to evolve. The exotic and wild locations which were once a dream become a place of both adventure and adversity, testing the strength of their relationship and their resilience.

The film uses a blend of both silent and sound era techniques, playing with the transition period in cinema of the time, which Hitchcock uses to elevate the storytelling. Rich and Strange is as much a statement about the modern life of its time as it is about thematic motifs like love, companionship, and the consequences of desires.

The performances of the lead actors bring a degree of realism to the narrative. Henry Kendall impresses as the frustrated Fred Hill, who craves excitement and novelty. Joan Barry, on the other hand, portrays the character of Emily Hill with a sense of poise and depth, and beautifully captures her transformation through their escapades. Meanwhile, Percy Marmont brings a mysterious allure to his role as a commander, striking a fine balance between charm and conjured intrigue.

The effectiveness of Rich and Strange lies in its sophisticated narrative, which deftly transitions home drama to refined farce, before concluding with Hitchcock’s traditionally suspenseful denouement. It allows the audience to journey vicariously through Fred and Emily from their quaint, quiet life to their newly acquired wealth, and the unexpected escapades it accords. However, it also speaks to the deeper human psyche about our yearning for the extraordinary amidst the ordinariness of life, and the struggles that lurk below the glossy veneer of sudden wealth and fame.

The film may not contain the quintessential Hitchcockian suspense elements, but it certainly builds upon complex themes in a mature, intriguing fashion. It’s an illustrative showcase for Hitchcock's storytelling prowess and his nuanced direction. Rich and Strange showcases Hitchcock’s early propensity to repurpose genre conventions to fit his unique cinematic style making it an interesting exploration for Hitchcock enthusiasts and cinephiles alike.

In conclusion, Rich and Strange is a fascinating tale of unexpected fortune as two middle-class individuals thrust into a world of sudden wealth and adventure, and the ensuing complexities that shake the foundation of what they have understood to be their 'normal' life. The film is a delightful immersion, dutifully strung with Hitchcock’s early strokes of cinematic genius, offering an introspective look at Hitchcock's pivotal transition phase as a director.