A hapless New York advertising executive is mistaken for a government agent by a group of foreign spies, and is pursued across the country while he looks for a way to survive.
Madison Avenue advertising man Roger Thornhill finds himself thrust into the world of spies when he is mistaken for a man by the name of George Kaplan. Foreign spy Philip Vandamm and his henchman Leonard try to eliminate him but when Thornhill tries to make sense of the case, he is framed for murder. Now on the run from the police, he manages to board the 20th Century Limited bound for Chicago where he meets a beautiful blond, Eve Kendall, who helps him to evade the authorities. His world is turned upside down yet again when he learns that Eve isn't the innocent bystander he thought she was. Not all is as it seems however, leading to a dramatic rescue and escape at the top of Mt. Rushmore.
Written by garykmcd
The New York Central 20th Century Limited railcar featured (number 10006) was built by Pullman-Standard in 1939 and was scrapped in 1968. It was named "Imperial State" and featured four double bedrooms, four single compartments and two drawing rooms. The interior of the car seen in the film is actually a set built by MGM studios. When Cary Grant shuts the door, the wall can clearly be seen to move since the whole thing was manufactured out of plywood panels and painted to simulate the look of metal (including small fake rivets).
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Goofs
Continuity:
Following the crop dust scene, Roger goes to Eve's hotel room. She makes drinks for them. His is "scotch, water, no ice." She makes 2 drinks, putting ice in hers - which is on her right. When she finishes, she picks the one with the ice (hers) up with her right hand, and Roger's with her left. She then turns and walks toward Roger. She hands him his drink with her right hand. Hers, with the ice, is in her left hand.
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Quotes
Phillip Vandamm:
Seems to me you fellows could stand a little less training from the F.B.I. and a little more from the Actor's Studio. See more »
Crazy Credits
Right after his credit as director during the opening credits, Alfred
Hitchcock is running toward the door of the city bus just as it slams shut
on him!
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