Blackmail

It can be put down to the gradual transition from silent to sound film that BLACKMAIL exists in both a silent and a sound version, both of which can be seen at the end of August: first, the ‘silent’ version with a live accompaniment by composer and pianist Eunice Martins. A week later, it will be possible to compare this with the longer version set to music, which showcases both Hitchcock’s experimental spirit and his understanding of working with sound to dramatic effect. At the heart of both versions is the young Alice White (played by Czech actress Anny Ondra, who had to be dubbed due to her strong accent), who stabs a man in self-defense. No sooner has her boyfriend, an ambitious police officer at Scotland Yard, decided to cover up the crime, than a blackmailer appears. (mg)