Downhill (1927)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Starring Ivor Novello, Norman McKinnel, Annette Benson, Robin Irvine, Isabel Jeans, Lilian Braithwaite, Ben Webster, Jerrold Robertshaw, Sybil Rhoda, Ian Hunter.

Hitch and Novello reteam after The Lodger for this dramatic exercise in desperation. Title indicates the direction of student Novello’s fortunes after he’s accused of an indiscretion by waitress Benson, which he doesn’t deny to protect a classmate. The story, based on a stage play co-written by Novello, is a standard-issue melodrama, and Hitch indulges in some heavy-handed instances of symbolism, but he confirms his chops as a visual storyteller by developing a clear narrative with minimal assistance from intertitles. His German Expression-influenced style shines through in the last few reels, particularly in an effective nightmare sequence. Spoiled by an implausible (and pointless) happy ending. Given an alternate title for its initial American release: When Boys Leave Home.

60/100