A classic in suspense from Alfred Hitchcock, pitching us right into the action from the start, and baffling most of us to the finish.

There is much for The Master's fans to savour in his smooth handling of the complex tale (based on a story by the authors of The Fiends, Pierre Boileau and Thomas Narcejac).

James Stewart is as assured as ever as the obsessed hero battling against his fear of heights, and Kim Novak's lack of expression in a difficult dual role strangely adds depth to her performance.

The tense key scenes in a bell-tower are brilliantly staged.