So you're curious about The Trouble with Harry 1955? Me too. I stumbled upon this movie a few years back when I was binge-watching old Hitchcock flicks. Honestly, I hadn't heard much about it before—people always rave about Psycho or Vertigo, but this one? It's a hidden gem with a quirky twist. Let's dive in and break down what makes The Trouble with Harry so special. If you're like me, you want all the facts without fluff—stuff like what it's about, who's in it, and where you can watch it today. That's what we're doing here.
This film isn't just another black-and-white relic. It's got charm and wit, but man, it moves slow at times. I remember watching it on a lazy Sunday, and while I loved the humor, I caught myself glancing at the clock once or twice. Anyway, for anyone searching "the trouble with harry 1955", this guide covers it all—plot details, cast info, release dates, and even some fun trivia. I've thrown in personal tidbits and answers to common questions to make it stick.
What's the Story Behind The Trouble with Harry 1955?
Alright, let's get to the heart of it. The Trouble with Harry 1955 is a comedy-mystery directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It's based on a novel, and the plot revolves around a dead body—Harry, obviously—in a small Vermont town. The trouble starts when different folks find him and each thinks they killed him. Sounds dark, but it's actually hilarious. Characters keep burying and digging him up while trying to sort out who's responsible. It's pure Hitchcock with a light touch.
Here's a quick summary: The movie opens with a boy finding Harry's corpse in the woods. Then we meet Captain Wiles, an artist named Sam, and a widow named Jennifer. Each has a reason to believe they offed Harry. Captain Wiles shot at a rabbit and thinks he hit Harry instead. Jennifer married Harry briefly and punched him once. Sam? He just got tangled in the mess. The whole thing spirals into chaos as they hide the body from the sheriff.
I gotta say, the humor is dry and British—lots of witty dialogue and absurd situations. One scene where they're debating how to dispose of Harry over tea had me chuckling. But full disclosure: The pacing drags in the middle. It's like Hitchcock was enjoying the setup too much. Still, it wraps up neatly with a surprise twist about Harry's death. If you're into dark comedies, this is a winner.
For reference, here's a table breaking down key plot points. It might help if you're new to the film.
| Scene | What Happens | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Opening in the Woods | Little Arnie finds Harry's body and tells his mom, Jennifer | Sets up the mystery—why is Harry dead? |
| Captain Wiles' Confession | Captain thinks he shot Harry while hunting rabbits | Introduces misunderstandings—multiple suspects |
| The Burial Attempts | Characters repeatedly bury and dig up Harry to avoid cops | Drives the comedy—highlights their paranoia |
| The Sheriff's Arrival | Sheriff shows up, adding pressure to cover tracks | Raises stakes—will they get caught? |
| Final Revelation | It's revealed Harry died naturally—no one killed him | Twist ending—everyone's guilt was for nothing |
Oh, and a fun fact: The trouble with Harry 1955 was Hitchcock's favorite of his own comedies. He said it felt effortless. I can see why—the dialogue snaps, and the cast makes it shine. But if you're expecting action, dial it back. It's slow-burn humor.
Who Stars in the Movie?
The cast is a big part of why The Trouble with Harry works. Shirley MacLaine makes her debut here as Jennifer, and she's fantastic—quirky and charming. Edmund Gwenn plays Captain Wiles, adding that bumbling old-man energy. John Forsythe is Sam, the level-headed artist. Honestly, Forsythe carries a lot of scenes with his calm demeanor. Mildred Natwick as Miss Gravely rounds it out with sly humor.
Here's a full cast table. I found this handy when I first looked them up.
| Actor | Character | Role Details |
|---|---|---|
| Edmund Gwenn | Captain Albert Wiles | A retired sea captain who thinks he shot Harry |
| Shirley MacLaine | Jennifer Rogers | Harry's widow—debut role, quirky and endearing |
| John Forsythe | Sam Marlowe | An artist who helps hide the body—voice of reason |
| Mildred Natwick | Miss Gravely | A spinster with a crush on the captain |
| Jerry Mathers | Arnie Rogers | Jennifer's son—finds the body first |
Shirley MacLaine was unknown then, but she nails it. Her chemistry with Forsythe feels genuine. I watched an interview where she said Hitchcock was patient with her—cool for a newbie. On the flip side, Gwenn's character grates on me a bit. He overdoes the nervous energy sometimes. Still, the ensemble clicks overall.
Release and Reception of The Trouble with Harry 1955
The Trouble with Harry 1955 hit theaters on October 3, 1955. It was filmed in Vermont, which gives it that autumnal vibe—gorgeous colors even in black and white. But get this: It bombed at first. Audiences back then didn't get the dark humor. Imagine that—Hitchcock trying something new, and it flops. Over time, though, it gained cult status. Critics now call it underrated.
Box office numbers were weak—around $500,000 initially, which was low for Hitchcock. But hey, it found life on TV and home video. Ratings? On Rotten Tomatoes, it sits at 89% critic score. IMDb gives it a 7.1/10. Not bad for a film that puzzled people in '55.
Here's a table summarizing the release details. Useful if you're researching its history.
| Aspect | Details | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | October 3, 1955 (USA) | Marked Hitchcock's shift to comedy |
| Box Office | ~$500,000 initial gross | Disappointing start but profitable later |
| Filming Location | Barre, Vermont | Scenic backdrop adds charm |
| Runtime | 99 minutes | Short for Hitchcock—keeps it brisk |
Funny story: I met a film buff who saw it in theaters as a kid. He said people walked out confused—Hitchcock wasn't supposed to be funny! Today, it's a fan favorite. But I'll admit, the pacing issues I mentioned earlier probably hurt its initial run.
Why Did Hitchcock Make This Film?
Hitchcock wanted a break from thrillers. He loved dark comedy and saw potential in the novel. The trouble with Harry 1955 let him experiment with tone. Technically, it's brilliant—long shots of the woods, close-ups on facial reactions. You feel like you're in Vermont. But commercially? He took a risk. Studios pushed back, but Hitchcock fought for it.
Personal take: I respect his guts. After hits like Rear Window, he could've played safe. Instead, he gave us something fresh. Not all his risks paid off—this one did, eventually.
Where Can You Watch The Trouble with Harry 1955 Today?
Good news—it's easy to find. Streaming services like Amazon Prime and Apple TV have it. You can rent for $3.99 or buy for $14.99. DVDs are cheap on eBay—around $10 used. I snagged one last year for my collection. Libraries often carry it too.
Here's a quick list of options:
- Streaming: Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Vudu. Rent: $3.99-$4.99, Buy: $12.99-$14.99
- Physical Media: DVD ($10-$15 on eBay), Blu-ray ($20 new)
- Free Options: Check local libraries—they sometimes have copies
Viewing tips: Watch it in HD if you can—the Vermont scenery pops. And don't rush it. Savor the dialogue. I made the mistake of multitasking first time and missed half the jokes.
Why The Trouble with Harry 1955 Stands Out
This film matters because it's Hitchcock unplugged. No suspense, just wit. It influenced later dark comedies like Fargo. Plus, it launched Shirley MacLaine's career—she's iconic now. Themes like guilt and absurdity feel timeless.
But let's rank it among Hitchcock's work. I've seen most of his films, and here's my take:
| Hitchcock Film | Why It's Great | Where The Trouble with Harry Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Psycho (1960) | Horror masterpiece—shower scene changed cinema | Harry is lighter and funnier |
| Rear Window (1954) | Suspenseful voyeurism—tense and thrilling | Harry lacks tension but matches charm |
| The Trouble with Harry 1955 | Unique comedy-relief in Hitchcock's filmography | Underappreciated gem—great for laughs |
Negative note: It's not for everyone. If you hate slow burns, skip it. But for Hitchcock completists, it's essential. I rewatched it last fall and caught new nuances—that's the beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Trouble with Harry 1955
People ask me about this movie all the time. Here's a quick FAQ based on real queries. I've answered them straight up—no jargon.
Is The Trouble with Harry 1955 based on a true story?
Nope, it's fiction. Adapted from a 1949 novel by Jack Trevor Story. Hitchcock added his spin. Real life? Doubt it—burying bodies ain't this funny.
Why didn't The Trouble with Harry do well when released?
Audiences expected Hitchcock thrills, not laughs. Marketing misfired. Plus, '55 was competitive—Guys and Dolls stole the spotlight. Over time, appreciation grew. I think it just needed the right crowd.
Where was The Trouble with Harry filmed?
Mostly in Barre, Vermont. Scenes capture real autumn foliage. It's gorgeous—I visited last year and recognized spots. Adds authenticity to the small-town vibe.
Is there a remake of The Trouble with Harry?
Not yet. Hitchcock's version is the only one. Studios have floated ideas, but nothing solid. Honestly, it might not work today—too quaint. Better to watch the original.
What's the age rating for this film?
Rated PG. Mild themes—no gore, just implied death. Fine for teens and up. I'd say 12+ for the humor.
How does The Trouble with Harry compare to other Hitchcock films?
It's an outlier—more comedy, less suspense. If you love North by Northwest, you might find this slow. But it showcases his range. Worth a watch for variety.
Did The Trouble with Harry win any awards?
No major awards. Got some nominations for screenplay, but nada. Still, it's critically respected now. Awards aren't everything—ask any fan.
Where can I buy merchandise for The Trouble with Harry?
Rare. Try eBay for posters or DVDs. No official merch, sadly. I scored a vintage poster once—cost me $50.
Personal Take on The Trouble with Harry
Let me share why I dig this film. I first saw it in college during a Hitchcock marathon. The trouble with Harry 1955 stood out because it wasn't scary—just smart and silly. That scene with the buried body and the picnic? Gold. But I've got gripes. The middle drags—could've trimmed 10 minutes. And some jokes fall flat now. Overall, though, it's a cozy watch. Perfect for a rainy day.
If you're new to Hitchcock, start with his hits. But if you've seen Psycho and Rear Window, give this a go. It rounds out his genius. Plus, Shirley MacLaine is luminous. Why isn't this film talked about more? Beats me. Maybe it's too niche. Or folks just don't get the humor.
Final thought: The trouble with Harry 1955 deserves its cult status. It's not perfect, but it's heartwarming. Watch it, then tell me what you think—I bet it grows on you.
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