Original interpretation — not a still from the production
The Côte d'Azur as travel brochure, crime caper and flirtation, in that order.
The Continental Verdict
Essential
Hitchcock made this one for pleasure and it shows. The plot is a trifle; the film is really about Cary Grant in a striped Breton top on a terrace above Cannes, and about the Corniche drive that would later cost Grace Kelly her life — a coincidence that gives the picture an unintended shadow.
As a document of the Riviera before mass tourism it is unmatched: the villas, the markets, the flower-strewn costume ball at the Villa Sanbuc.
Why Watch It
The Gentleman Factor
Grant's ease is the thing. Nobody has ever worn casual clothes with more authority.
Look Out For
- The rooftop opening
- The picnic above Monte Carlo
- The masked ball finale
The Locations
Cannes, Nice, Monaco, Saint-Jaume and the Grande Corniche.
More from the travel pages →The Cars
A sunflower-yellow Sunbeam Alpine on the Corniche.
More from motoring →The Wardrobe
Edith Head: the striped jersey, the grey flannel, Kelly's ice-blue chiffon.
More on style →The Soundtrack
Lyn Murray, all light.
Into the music room →Watch Next
Where to Watch
Prime Video; the Paramount Blu-ray restores the VistaVision colour.
For the Collection
Also in Riviera Cinema
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