The Lady Vanishes
The Lady Vanishes

The Lady Vanishes

1979Movie97 minEnglish

On the eve of World War II, zany heiress Amanda Kelly travels by train to Switzerland. While passing through Germany, she meets a sweet elderly lady, who suddenly vanishes. Distraught, she questions her fellow passengers who claim that the woman was never there. Unsure if it's all in her mind or if there's a more sinister plot afoot, Amanda teams up with photographer Robert Condon to discover the truth.

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Insights

IMDb5.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes25%
Google Users45%
Director: Anthony PageGenres: Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A young American tourist traveling through Europe witnesses a murder on a train and then finds herself stranded in a small village when the alleged victim disappears. With no one believing her story, she must enlist the help of a cynical and drunk British photographer to uncover the truth before the killer silences her too.

Critical Reception

The 1979 remake of 'The Lady Vanishes' received a mixed to negative reception from critics. While some appreciated the attempt to update the classic Alfred Hitchcock story, many found it lacked the tension, wit, and charm of the original. Performances were often seen as a highlight, particularly Angela Lansbury's, but the overall execution was deemed less effective.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for strong performances by Angela Lansbury and Cybill Shepherd.
  • Criticized for a lack of suspense and failing to capture the spirit of the original.
  • Seen as a competent but ultimately unnecessary remake.

Google audience: Audience reviews indicate that while some appreciated the updated setting and performances, many felt the film was a pale imitation of the beloved 1938 original, lacking the suspense and charm that made the first version so iconic. Some viewers found it entertaining enough as a standalone thriller, but most agreed it didn't live up to its predecessor.

Fun Fact

The 1979 version was directed by Anthony Page, who also directed the 1979 television film 'The Corn Is Green' starring Katharine Hepburn.

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