Plot: What’s it about?
Several individuals at different times came across a dead body, which appeared to have a gone shot wound to the head, laying in the woods one morning. Only one person, Jennifer Rogers (Shirley MacLaine), seemed to know this man. His name was Harry. She didn’t mind one bit, and as a matter of fact, she was delighted to see him dead. One of these individuals from the small quiet little town seemed a bit frightened however. Captain Albert Wiles (Edmund Gwenn) thinks he was the one who killed Harry. How could such a thing happen? Ms. Gravely (Mildred Natwick) came across the body, but she didn’t seem to care either. Sam Marlow (John Forsythe), who strolled through the woods painting scenery, was another who came across the body. All these people came across this body, but nobody seemed to care except for the Captain, only because he thinks that he killed Harry. Come to find out, nobody knew who killed Harry, nor did they know how to get rid of him. This was truly the trouble with Harry.
This story doesn’t waste any time bringing Harry into the picture. One at a time, each character has their moment starring at Harry, but none of them seemed surprised to see him dead. Eventually, they all get together and discuss how they each came across him and what their involvement or relationship was to him. It has great comedy, a dark comedy, listening to the dialect of this cast and the little mystery involved. The story becomes even more interesting when the local deputy notices a sketch of the corpse laying in the shop where Sam kept all his work. What really is going on in this small quiet town. The Deputy is for certain he will find out. Much of the story takes place in the woods where Harry is actually buried and dug up four different times throughout the day.
It becomes very humorous watching each characters motive of burying Harry for good. However, someone seems to keep digging him up. The town Doc becomes involved when he’s asked to find out how Harry actually died. After all, if we knew then maybe there would no longer be any trouble with Harry. How to find out is to watch this dark comedy with Shirley Maclaine’s debut and see how the mystery of a small town unravels itself. Hitchcock develops a contrast which is much different than his other films. He builds unusual comedy around a corpse! This one definitely belongs in the collection simply due to the fact that he offers his first film focused more around humor than mystery.
Video: How does it look?
The Trouble with Harry is presented in anamorphic widescreen with the ratio 1.85:1. The image looks good simply due to the fact of the location and all the bright colors of the trees. Because of the clear bright scenery used in this film, unlike others, the picture over all is pretty good. There are a few spots in the middle that may be noticeable, but overall, it’s a definite compliment. The trailers have a lot to be said for however. If you view the trailers first, don’t think for a minute it’s what you’ll expect in the film itself. You’ll see what I mean.
Audio: How does it sound?
This is another one of those Hitchcock releases that is Dolby Digital Mono. Even though I’m one who loves to experience the full utilization of multiple channels, the sound isn’t bad considering it’s mono. It’s not T2, but for Hitchcock, it’s fine.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This copy actually has a hand full of things including an original documentary on the making of The Trouble with Harry, featuring interviews with cast member, John Forsythe as well as the daughter herself, Pat Hitchcock O’Connell commenting on her parents going to Vermont to make the film. FYI – Here mother brought her back a cook book from there that she still uses! There are also Production notes as well as a Theatrical Trailer and much more (not worth mentioning however). Overall, not bad.
