I Confess DVD

This lesser known Hitchcock murder drama, based upon the play by Paul Anthelme, is compelling for its stark photography and symbolism. With I CONFESS, Hitchcock puts a moral twist on the theme of an innocent man charged with a crime he didn't commit. Montgomery Clift plays a pious young priest who hears a confession from a murderer and later finds himself accused of the crime. He is then torn between his vows of silence and his need to clear himself of the charge.

I CONFESS, from the play by Paul Anthelme, is based on a premise custom made for Alfred Hitchcock's fascination with the dilemma of an innocent man accused of a crime. Montgomery Clift plays Father Michael Logan, a priest who hears the confession of a murderer and soon finds himself framed for the crime. Circumstantial evidence mounts, painting an ever more damning picture of the priest's crime while he is bound by his priestly vows not to reveal what he has learned in confession. If other Hitchcock dramas such as SABOTEUR follow the plight of the innocent man through breakneck pursuits, I CONFESS succeeds on the strength of Clift's ability to convey the real anxiety of the moral dilemma he faces and the effects of the widening chasm between pious intentions and social disgrace. Strong performances are also given by O.E. Hasse as the bitter and murderous gardener Otto Keller and by Anne Baxter as the woman whose faith in Father Logan also threatens scandal.

Filmed in Quebec, Canada. Hitchcock cameo: Hitchcock crosses at the top of a staircase as the film begins. Hitchcock originally wanted Anita Bjork (Miss Julie) to play the role given to Anne Baxter. Louis Verneil sold the original play to Hitchcock. The film is based on the 1902 play NOS DEUX CONSCIENCES by Paul Anthelme.

I Confess Reviews:

"Considered by the French New Wave critics and theaters as one of Hitchcock's greatest films..."-- Susan King, Los Angeles Times

This is the only Roger Dann video.

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