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Torn Curtain

Play trailer Poster for Torn Curtain PG 1966 2h 8m Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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63% Tomatometer 32 Reviews 52% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
American physicist Michael Armstrong (Paul Newman) shocks his friends and family by defecting to East Germany to work with the Soviets during the height of the Cold War. Even his fiancée (Julie Andrews) is surprised by the move, but when she follows him behind the Iron Curtain, she discovers that her husband-to-be isn't a spy, but a double agent working to discover Soviet nuclear secrets. As they plot a way to escape back to America, his cover is blown, putting both of their lives in jeopardy.
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Torn Curtain

Critics Reviews

View All (32) Critics Reviews
TIME Staff TIME Magazine Alas, good Hitchcock touches no longer make a good Hitchcock film, and Curtain falls, more redolent of mothballs than mystery. May 7, 2020 Full Review Penelope Houston Sight & Sound The chase is just cat and mouse with a clawiess cat. Not, of course, that Hitchcock's own claws are quite sheathed. Apr 2, 2020 Full Review Kevin Maher Times (UK) Much of the film is stunning. Rated: 4/5 Aug 10, 2017 Full Review Mattie Lucas From the Front Row Coming on the heels of Marnie, ostensibly a film about Hitchcock's own desire to possess and ravage Tippi Hedren, (it) feels especially toothless, as if (he) was somehow exhausted from the film that might have (been) his ultimate cinematic exorcism. Rated: 2.5/4 Jan 2, 2024 Full Review Yasser Medina Cinefilia Having seen it now, I realize that it is a dull and rather pathetic political thriller in which Hitchcock predictably fiddles with the clichés of the spy formula without any surprise. Full review in Spanish Rated: 5/10 Apr 24, 2022 Full Review Ian Cameron The Spectator It certainly deserves an honourable place among his second-division works, like Strangers on the Train. May 7, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (520) audience reviews
Blu B A Minor Hitchcock Classic but defintely has it's flaws. Mainly it revolves around the acting which isn't bad, but is the weakest thing. Which is crazy given these are two of the biggest stars of the 60's. But they just don't have really any spark or chemistry together at all. Julie Andrews in this is just alright and kind of forgotten about at certain points but has her purpose more often than not. Newman can be a bit wooden and emotionless in this at times but he isn't bad. Same can be said for the supporting cast. This needed more emotional performances. The music isn't bad but it can be a bit boring and generic at times. Everything else is pretty solid though. The first half is where most of the problems are. This is a slow burn the entire way for better or for worse. It makes perfect sense and does stay focused on Armstrong for the most part as well. The setting is memorable it has some good action/suspense scenes and really doesn't get bogged down in politics that much. It finds it's stride in the 2nd half when the plot escalates and the escape happens which is well done overall. It's just outside of the main plot, the main characters especially Andrews is just not that interesting and the chemistry isn't anything special which is what a lot of the first half focuses on. This defintely isn't for everyone though. It can be a bit too slow and boring and sometimes dry for some. But if your a big Hitchcock fan, fan of any actors in this, or love Cold War Thrillers than give this a try. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/14/24 Full Review Toni A Torn Curtain (1966), directed by Alfred Hitchcock, stands out with its exceptional cinematography, capturing the suspense and tension characteristic of Hitchcock’s style. The action sequences are engaging and well-executed, contributing to the film’s overall intrigue. This film is a commendable addition to Hitchcock’s illustrious body of work. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/08/24 Full Review harwee h Solid film, but at this point, you can tell that Hitchcock was recycling his own tricks (shovel and knife, anyone?). However, contrary to the initial critical reception, which was not very positive, I find it to be a significantly better film and believe that it stands on its own merit Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/01/24 Full Review Audience Member One of the worst movies Hitchcock made! So boring..the only reason I held on was because Paul Newman was in in and I adore him…they could have used a prettier and better actress than Julie Andrews! I also hoped it would get better, but sadly it didn't … Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 12/21/23 Full Review steve d some of the worst work from all involved. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Liam D One of Alfred Hitchcock (Stage Fright, The Paradine Case) weakest movies still has great lead performances by Paul Newman (Silent Movie, Hombre) and Julie Andrews (The Tamarind Seed, Trail of the Pink Panther) Rated 3 out of 5 stars 10/26/22 Full Review Read all reviews
Torn Curtain

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Movie Info

Synopsis American physicist Michael Armstrong (Paul Newman) shocks his friends and family by defecting to East Germany to work with the Soviets during the height of the Cold War. Even his fiancée (Julie Andrews) is surprised by the move, but when she follows him behind the Iron Curtain, she discovers that her husband-to-be isn't a spy, but a double agent working to discover Soviet nuclear secrets. As they plot a way to escape back to America, his cover is blown, putting both of their lives in jeopardy.
Director
Alfred Hitchcock
Producer
Alfred Hitchcock
Screenwriter
Brian Moore
Production Co
Universal Pictures, Alfred J. Hitchcock Productions
Rating
PG
Genre
Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 5, 2016
Runtime
2h 8m
Sound Mix
Mono
Aspect Ratio
35mm
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