The English film director is still regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of cinema. In his 60+ years as a director, he made over 50 films. Many are still study for the unique techniques he employed. His films were nominated over 46 times for academy awards; 6 won; but he never won the coveted Best Director Award. Hitchcock was often more recognizable than many of his actors due to giving many interviews, his cameos in the films, and hosting a weekly television show. His peers gave him the moniker of the “Master of Suspense.”

One of Hitchcock’s better known films is Strangers on a Train (1951), which was based on a book of the same name written by Patricia Highsmith. Upon publishing the debut novel, Hitchcock wanted to purchase the movie option rights from Highsmith, but to keep the price down, Hitchcock kept his identity a secret. He secured the rights for just $7500.00. Highsmith was reported disappointed in the low price even before she learned that Hitchcock was the producer/director of the project.

In Highsmith’s book, Guy Haines and Charles Anthony Bruno find themselves on the same train. Guy is an architect, traveling back to his hometown at the request of his estranged wife. Bruno is traveling across the country to meet his mother for a vacation. Bruno is a spoiled, wealthy, momma’s boy, who hates his father because he tries to hold him accountable. A drunken Bruno will not give Guy a moment’s peace. In their evening’s conversations, Bruno talks about how to commit the perfect murder by trading the the crimes, therefore eliminating the motives. Bruno would kill Guy’s wife, and Guy would kill Bruno’s father. Guy wants nothing to do with this, but Bruno will not take no for an answer.

In Hitchcock’s movie, the character names and the basic plot is left in tact, but the finer details are changed. Enough is changed to leave the audience to rule on which is better the novel of the movie.