Man Who Knew Too Much, The (1956, Drama)

Starring: James Stewart, Doris Day, and Christopher Olsen. Music: Bernard Herrmann. Director: Alfred Hitchcock.This movie is a remake of Hitchcock's 1934 movie with the same name. The 1956 version is much more entertaining and appealing compared with the artificial 1934 version, and the director agrees as he said, "Let's say the first version is the work of a talented amateur and the second was made by a professional." This 1956 version is in another class with superb actors like Doris Day and Jimmy Stewart. Hitchcock had doubts about using Day as a dramatic actress, associating her with musicals. However, Hitchcock knew she was the correct choice as he watched her performances, especially the emotional revelation scene. Throughout the filming of this movie, Day was incredibly worried that she was not producing a satisfactory performance for Hitchcock. She commented how Hitchcock paid more attention to camera setups, lighting, and other technical matters than to her acting. Eventually, she confronted him with the dilemma, and his simple response was: "My dear Miss Day, if you weren't giving me what I wanted, then I would have to direct you." Hitchcock was very pleased with Doris Day's acting ability, and so was I. The singing scene was very touching, and had me in tears each and every time I watched it. Even though certain people were not very excited about creating a theme song for the movie it still was made . In fact, Day at first, refused to record the song, calling it "a forgettable children's song". This forgettable song earned an Academy Award and became Doris Day's greatest recording hit:

Que Sera, Sera-Whatever Will Be, Will Be/The future's not our's to see./Que Sera, Sera,/What will be, will be.

This melodic song is addictive as my parents can testify. Yet, there is another accomplishment of this movie because when Doris Day, America's Singing Sweetheart, saw the poor treatment of goats, camels, and other animal extras being used in the Moroccan marketplace scenes, she decided to devote her life to the prevention of animal abuse. She is the founder of the Doris Day Pet Foundation, and advocates for animal rights through the Doris Day Animal League in Carmel, California. Furthermore, who can forget the amazing Jimmy Stewart, playing the calm doctor, who gives us the cheesiest of ending lines:

Dr. Ben McKenna: Sorry we were gone so long, but we had to pick up Hank!

Jimmy Stewart plays this average, oblivious man, who becomes the hero in the end, saving his wife and child from dangerous political assassins. A much-needed improvement from the 1934 version! The musical score was so beautiful, and kept the story moving forward. The Albert Hall sequence was originally composed by Arthur Benjamin for the 1934 version. Hitchcock gave Bernard Herrmann the opportunity to revise the famous concierto, he declined, explaining the deep respect he held for Benjamin's original composition. Even though Bernard did not compose this opera, Bernard Herrmann still appears in the Albert Hall sequence as the conductor. He might not be credited with this appearance but his name does appear on the poster playbill, which can be seen as Doris Day steps out of the taxi at the Albert Hall . Wonderful music! Wonderful singing! Wonderful acting! This movie became known as one of the five infamous lost Hitchcock's because it was lost for 30 years, and Ray released in 1984! Exceptional movie! :-)