Director Alfred Hitchcock lets us know from the outset that The Wrong Man is a painfully true story and not one of his customary fabricated suspense yarns, through the simple expedient of walking before the camera and telling us as much (this introductory appearance replaced his planned cameo role as a nightclub patron). The real-life protagonist, musican Christopher Emmanuel Balestrero, is played by Henry Fonda. Happily married and gainfully employed at the Stork Club, Balestrero's life takes a disastrous turn when he goes ...
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Director Alfred Hitchcock lets us know from the outset that The Wrong Man is a painfully true story and not one of his customary fabricated suspense yarns, through the simple expedient of walking before the camera and telling us as much (this introductory appearance replaced his planned cameo role as a nightclub patron). The real-life protagonist, musican Christopher Emmanuel Balestrero, is played by Henry Fonda. Happily married and gainfully employed at the Stork Club, Balestrero's life takes a disastrous turn when he goes to an insurance office, hoping to borrow on his wife's (Vera Miles) life insurance policy in order to pay her dental bills. One of the girls in the office spots Balestrero, identifying him as the man who robbed the office a day or so earlier. This, and a few scattered bits of circumstantial evidence, lead to Balestrero's arrest. Though he's absolutely innocent, he can offer no proof of his whereabouts the day of the crime. Lawyer Frank O'Connor (Anthony Quayle) does his best to help his client, but he's up against an indifferent judicial system that isn't set up to benefit the "little man". Meanwhile, Balestrero's wife becomes emotionally unhinged, leading to a complete nervous breakdown. As Balestrero prays in his cell, his image is juxtaposed onto the face of the actual criminal-who looks nothing like the accused man! Utilizing one of his favorite themes-the helplessness of the innocent individual when confronted by the faceless bureaucracy of the Law-Hitchcock weaves a nightmarish tale, all the more frightening because it really happened (the film's best moment: Fonda looking around the nearly empty courtroom during his arraignment, realizing that the rest of the world cares precisely nothing about his inner torment). Hitch enhances the film's versimilitude by shooting in the actual locations where the real story occured. His only concession to Hollywood formula was the half-hearted coda, assuring us that Mrs. Balestrero eventually recovered from her mental collapse (she sure doesn't look any too healthy the last time we see her!) Watch for uncredited appearances by Harry Dean Stanton, Bonnie Franklin, Tuesday Weld and Charles Aidman. Hal Erickson, Rovi
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Seller's Description:
Condition: GOOD-Disc(s) used with some wear from use. May include minor surface scratches on disc(s), wear to case which could include cracks, scratches, or stickers. Hub and case locks may be broken. Digital codes NOT guaranteed/may be redeemed. All orders ship via UPS Mail Innovations-can take up to 14 business days from first scan to be delivered.
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Fair. May have light surface scratches. Case and cover artwork are included but their condition may vary. If applicable: Digital copy or ultraviolet codes may be expired or not included. Slipcover may not be included.
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Esther Minciotti, Vera Miles, Anthony Quayle, Harold J. Stone, Charles Cooper, John Heldabrand, Doreen Lang, Laurinda Barrett... Good. 1956 Run time: 105. Connecting viewers with great movies since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Used discs may not include digital content. Customer service is our top priority!
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***EXPEDITED SHIPPING IS AVAILABLE WORLD-WIDE***. As for me, I am a "small shop" retiree, prioritizing customer service. All "new" items, unless otherwise noted, are Factory Fresh/Sealed in Excellent Condition and will be mailed expeditiously. "Like New", "Very Good", and "Good" items have packaging conditions reflective of the listing. Not all used items will have inserts. Used discs themselves will be in very good to excellent condition in all cases. Note well: on occasion, discs may become dislodged from the center hub holding it in place within the sleeve. This is not a defect, nor should you presume the item to be damaged. It is not an uncommon occurrence, signaling minor cosmetic consideration solely and, again, does not impact, in 99% of the cases, the quality of the DVD provided. As is always the case, damaged DVDs may be returned for credit within the timeframe provided by ALIBRIS.
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Henry Fonda, Vera Miles, Anthony Quayle, Harold J. Stone, Charles Cooper. Fine in fine packaging. Run time: 105 mins. Originally released: 1956. Ships same day or next business day. Tracking number with every order. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.
Talking about Henry Fonda at his best is just to make a headline because I watched plenty of movies with Mr. Fonda and the word is always - superb. Great classic, black and white with such an emotional content delivered in such a compelling screenplay. A must see. Pay attention to the shot between Fonda and his old son - it is so well done and the lines delivered by the two together. Five thumbs up!