Family Plot (1976)

A decent Hitchcock

The last ever Hitchcock film is a good movie, but lacks the cutting edge that his best movies always have. Contrary to some reviews I have read I thought the cast were fine and William Devane, Karen Black and Bruce Dern have all done many other interesting films. No doubt that Al Pacino would have been better though!

The main problem with the film is that is never really decides what it wants to be. There's some light black comedy and a bit of suspense but nothing really ever grabs you like his best films. The screenplay is by Ernest Lehman who wrote North By Northwest and its perhaps no coincidence that we get a scene from that great film recreated here (and played for laughs) when a car goes out of control going down a mountain road.

Look out for Hitchcocks very brief cameo appearance its one of his best.
So its no masterpiece, but entertaining enough, and its still Hitchcock. So at the right price buy it! November 12, 2007

STILL A CLASSIC - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

1976. The last movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock won the 1977 Edgar Allan Poe award. What a satisfaction ! FAMILY PLOT is one of these films I watch every three or four years or so. Our young directors so full of themselves should do the same. October 13, 2007

Highly Underrated, Classic Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchock's Family Plot is not only his last movie, but highly enjoyable and the final chapter to a career full of brilliant filmmaking.

Barbara Harris shines as Blanche Tyler, a phony psychic who hits it big when one of her wealthy clients offers her $10,000 to track down her dead sister's adopted child who is the last remaining heir to the millions she will pass along. With the help of her boyfriend George (Bruce Dern), the two set out to find the nephew, going by the name Arthur Adamson (played brilliantly by William Devane), who has blossomed into a prominant jeweler, diamond thief, and murderer. Eventually Blanche and George track down Arthur and his girlfriend Fran (Karen Black), but with a chilling conclusion that is pure Hitchcock magic.

The film delights with its strong lead performances and witty dialogue. Although obviously not Hitchcock's best work, the film is solid, and keeps the viewer enthralled throughout.

The DVD contains a digitally remastered version of the film, with improved audio and video from its original state. The bonus features on the disc include an imformative 48-minute documentary entitled "Plotting Family Plot," which chronicles the making of the film from pre-production to casting and filming. It also includes behind-the-scenes footage and stills as well as interviews with cast members Bruce Dern, Karen Black, William Devane, composer John Williams, and Hitch's daughter Pat Hitchcock O'Connell. In addition, there are two original theatrical trailers for the film, some storyboards for the car chase scene, and production notes, photographs, and posters.
July 14, 2007

This is the way the master ends, not with a bang but a giggle

So Alfred Hitchcock, the master of horror and suspense, ended his career with a...comedy?

'Cause that's what it is. This movie has none of the horror of Psycho, very little of the suspense of North by Northwest, none of the twistedness of Spellbound--and so if you go into it expecting any of that, you'll be sorely disappointed. If you go into it expecting a bit of looniness and a chance to chuckle now and then without having to think very hard, though, it actually turns out to be a decent movie.

Not one of the master's best, certainly, but then again, even an off day for Hitchcock was better than many directors' bests. Worth considering, at least as a rental. March 7, 2007

Out with a bang.......

Poor ol' Hitch. He didn't go out with a bang. I was looking forward to this film so much, considering it was his last film. I thought it would be interesting to see how his style would hold up in 1976 compared to his prime of the 40's, 50's, and early 60's. Even Frenzy from 72 was a far superior film, actually one of my favorites. But I must say I was highly disappointed in this pitiful film. The only good part was the down the hill in the car scene. And Barbara Harris is pretty entertaining lady. Other than that, it was quite hideous. "Frenzy" should have been his last flick for sure. The question is, "Is it a comedy or suspense?" Well, unfortunately, neither, because it's not funny, suspenseful, or even interesting at all. No disrepect though because he is still one of the greatest directors ever..... October 31, 2006

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