Young and Innocent (1937) | Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

"Young and Innocent" (1937), directed by Alfred Hitchcock, is a British thriller that follows the story of Robert Tisdall, a young man accused of murder, and Erica Burgoyne, the daughter of a colonel who becomes involved in helping him clear his name. The film blends suspense, romance, and Hitchcock's signature elements of intrigue.

The narrative kicks off with the discovery of a murdered actress on a beach. Tisdall, played by Derrick De Marney, is wrongly accused but manages to escape from the police. Erica Burgoyne, portrayed by Nova Pilbeam, becomes convinced of Tisdall's innocence and joins him in his quest to find the real killer. The two embark on a suspenseful journey, navigating obstacles and uncovering clues to prove Tisdall's innocence.

As they evade the authorities, the film incorporates Hitchcock's knack for creating tension, including a memorable scene featuring a search for the true culprit in a crowded dance hall. The plot is intricately woven, keeping the audience engaged with its twists and turns.

Innocence and Guilt: The film explores the theme of innocence and guilt, with Tisdall wrongly accused and on the run. The innocence of the protagonists becomes a focal point as they attempt to expose the real murderer.

Collaboration of Hitchcock and Nova Pilbeam: Nova Pilbeam, a Hitchcock regular, delivers a convincing performance as Erica. Her collaboration with Hitchcock began with "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (1934), and "Young and Innocent" showcases their continued successful partnership.

Romantic Element: The film incorporates a romantic subplot between Tisdall and Erica, adding a layer of emotional depth to the suspenseful narrative. The chemistry between De Marney and Pilbeam contributes to the film's overall appeal.

Clever Hitchcockian Techniques: Hitchcock employs his signature techniques, including clever camera work and storytelling, to build suspense. The search in the dance hall is a standout sequence that demonstrates his ability to create tension and intrigue.

Supporting Characters: The film features a range of supporting characters, each adding complexity to the narrative. Col. Burgoyne, Erica's father, and other secondary characters play integral roles in the unfolding mystery.

Thriller Elements: "Young and Innocent" showcases Hitchcock's mastery in the thriller genre. The film keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with its suspenseful plot and unexpected developments.

Ingenious Plot Devices: The use of inventive plot devices, such as a particular song in the dance hall scene, showcases Hitchcock's ability to use seemingly ordinary elements to drive the story forward.

Escapism and Pursuit: The film explores themes of escapism and pursuit as Tisdall attempts to elude the police while simultaneously seeking to expose the truth. The cat-and-mouse dynamic adds to the overall tension.

Cinematography: Hitchcock's visual storytelling is evident in the film's cinematography. The director employs creative shots and angles to enhance the narrative and maintain the audience's engagement.

In summary, "Young and Innocent" stands as a testament to Alfred Hitchcock's early mastery of suspense and storytelling. The film combines elements of romance, suspense, and mystery, showcasing Hitchcock's ability to craft a compelling narrative while keeping audiences guessing until the very end. Nova Pilbeam's performance and the clever Hitchcockian techniques contribute to the film's enduring appeal among fans of classic thrillers.

Stars:
Nova Pilbeam as Erica Burgoyne
Derrick De Marney as Robert Tisdall
Percy Marmont as Col. Burgoyne
Edward Rigby as Old Will
Mary Clare as Erica's Aunt
John Longden as Det. Insp. Kent
George Curzon as Guy
Basil Radford as Erica's Uncle
Pamela Carme as Christine Clay
J.H. Roberts as The Gardener