The Lady Vanishes

There is no denial that Alfred Hitchcock did a marvelous job in the film “The Lady Vanishes” written in 1938. With his ability to orchestrate a story that reflects the lifestyle of the 1930’s we can only sit back and marvel what it could have been like to sit on the train with Mrs. Froy. In the following essay I will be commenting on how society has changed since 1938, how it has remained the same, and how are movies different?

First, as I reflect on the film “The Lady Vanishes” much can be said about the eloquence of fashion, and the innocence of language which society produced in 1938. With the clothing trend finding its place in the populace, each garment represented the eloquence and character of each individual. With neatly pressed shirts and colorful ties, the public square seemed like the round table of an executive conference. Fashion seemed to symbolize the honor, respect and regard that individuals had for themselves and others in society. In the other hand, the conduct, behavior, and language of the 1930’s emulated the fluency and politeness which cuddled the people of its time. With words like “madam” used to address the women, and “sir” to address the men a suitable essence filled the atmosphere.

Secondly, there are certain elements of a society that remains foundational. In scope of the film “The Lady Vanishes”, Alfred Hitchcock portrays a society full of lies, violence, and deceit. Perhaps the images are not as gruesome as depicted on today’s television screen, but still resemble the deceitfulness found in the hearts of those eloquently dressed (people). I would contend that there is always “good” and “bad” in human nature, and even though we have evolved into an advanced society we still are bound by the decaying value of human morality.

Thirdly, reflecting on the making of the film “The Lady Vanishes” Alfred Hitchcock unintentionally launches us back into time when black and white films were an innovative “pass time”. With the absence of color on the big screen we are forced to view drama and movie making from a different point of view. With little emphasizes given to skin color, even though I didn’t view a colored person on the film, we notice that the ability of the actor and the plot of the story is what gave films its dye. It wasn’t about the gruesomeness of the story, the corruption of the social arena, or the amount of vulgarities that can be spoken in a matter of ninety minutes that attracted viewers; it was about the simplicity that path the way for a good story line.

Finally, in view of the changes in society since the 1930’s, there are certain qualities found in earlier generations that seem more inviting. Certainly, they weren’t absent of the festering depreciation of moral behavior, but it is my contention that it was to a lesser degree. With fashion, eloquence, speech, and simplicity being the elements that mirrored the populace, I sit back and wonder what could it have been like to sit with Mrs. Froy on the train as she “vanished”?