The Trouble with Harry

In Alfred Hitchcock's paradigm of black comedy and ingenuity, The Trouble with Harry (1955), engrossing cinematography, witty screenplay, and a stellar cast weave a tale that is a dramatic departure from his usual trove of suspense and thrillers. The exceptional quintet of robust performances is led by Edmund Gwenn, John Forsythe, Shirley MacLaine in her captivating film debut, Mildred Natwick, and Mildred Dunnock. Hitchcock ingeniously sidesteps the conventional morbid ambiance associated with lifeless bodies, replacing it with a humorous lightness that exemplifies the narrative's farcical undertones.

Set against the backdrop of a quaint, colorful Vermont town during the fall, the plot orbits around the unexpected discovery of a lifeless body, Harry, on a scenic hillside. The story revolves around how various townspeople, each having a unique connection to Harry, negotiate this perplexing situation. However, instead of panic or dread, their reactions to this grim predicament range from mild annoyance to inconvenient distress, while largely unsuspicious of foul play.

Edmund Gwenn, who delivers a standout performance as Captain Albert Wiles, is a retired sea captain turned hunter who becomes the first to stumble upon Harry's lifeless body in the woods. Panic-stricken, he suspects that he accidentally shot Harry while hunting, therefore making him the likely cause. However, instead of notifying the authorities, the Captain makes the ill-conceived decision to hide the body, which catalyzes a domino effect of comedic misunderstandings.

John Forsythe, who plays Sam Marlowe - an abstract painter and the voice of reason within the otherwise eccentric group, becomes a reluctant accomplice to the Captain. In contrast to the Captain, Sam views the situation with detached amusement, offering misleading advice resulting in more complex problems.

The movie shines when Forsythe shares the screen with the vivacious debutant, Shirley MacLaine as Jennifer Rogers, Harry's ex-wife. Despite her recent widow status, Jennifer isn’t particularly bereaved, which adds to the comical incongruity in the reactions to Harry's death. Jennifer’s insistence on brushing her past with Harry under the rug generates hilarious dialogues and situation comedy.

Mildred Natwick provides another layer of comic relief with her portrayal of Miss Ivy Gravely - a middle-aged, unmarried woman with strong independent ideals. Her chemistry with the Captain manifests into an unconventional romance, with Harry's demise somehow functioning as a bizarre cupid.

The Trouble with Harry is encapsulated by Hitchcock's signature style, with an unusual and engaging storyline, scenic cinematic shots, captivating performances, and an exquisite musical score by Bernard Herrmann that harmoniously accompanies the striking visuals. The film impressively manages to make a grim premise a subject of unending laughter and bewilderment, emphasizing that ‘trouble’ indeed might be an understatement when discussing the curious case of Harry.

All the hallmarks of Hitchcock are blended into this dark comedy, ensuring plenty of laughs and twists for the audience along the way. We are kept guessing right from the start as to Master of suspense's intent, drawing surprise and admiration from many who view it.

This is a richly layered film with peculiar humor, an oddball world, eccentric characters, delivered with Hitchcock’s practice of showing rather than telling. The brilliance of 'The Trouble with Harry' lies in its ability to deliver a masterful satire encompassed with elements of farce, slapstick and comedic irony.

The Trouble with Harry is recognized as an underappreciated film in Hitchcock’s oeuvre. It remains an exemplary cinematic masterpiece encapsulating the director's ability to breathe life and intrigue into a straightforward premise with a seamlessly amalgamated structure of comedy and suspense.

Whether you are a Hitchcock enthusiast, a lover of dark comedy or an individual who appreciates the odd and eccentric, "The Trouble with Harry” is an entertaining romp staging the frivolousness of human nature against the gravity of death, making it a must-watch movie.