The film begins in London, its lights ablaze on a cloudy night. Suddenly, the city darkens. Some people are enraged or scared, while others revel in the abrupt change of pace. One citizen seems suspicious: Mr. Verloc (Oskar Homolka) walks away from the power plant, returning to the cinema where he lives and works. Workers inside the plant discover sand in one of the machine’s gearboxes, the same sand Mr. Verloc washes from his hands at home. Mrs. Verloc (Sylvia Sidney) is unaware of her husband’s activities.
Inversely, Ted (John Loder), the greengrocer working next door, is incredibly interested in Mr. Verloc’s excursions. As the greengrocer bonds with Mrs. Verloc’s younger brother, Stevie (Desmond Tester), we see that he is not what he appears. Ted is an undercover officer hot on the tail of a major conspiracy threatening national security. Mr. Verloc’s attempt to sabotage the power plant may have been laughable but after a visit to a nondescript pet store, his chances of successfully terrorizing London explode.
Originally released as The Woman Alone in the US, Sabotage was one of Alfred Hitchcock’s last British films. For this reason, its original reels are in excellent condition, making the movie a perfect choice for expanding classic film collections. It includes one of the few moments the famed director said broke every one of his rules of suspense, making Sabotage a must-see for Hitchcock fanatics.
The story is straightforward, but watching it unfold is a treat. Attentive viewers will recognize the beginning of the film’s most famous sequence from Quentin Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds, a potential point of interest for some patrons. One critic called Sabotage “a lively, minor Alfred Hitchcock picture” upon release, and his words still ring true today. While one of the director’s more minor films, Sabotage employs many elements typical to Hitchcock and remains an entertaining thriller despite its age. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
Sabotage would fit best in the classic film, thriller, and Hitchcock collections.
What type of college instructor could use this film?
Those teaching film history and filmmaking would be most interested in using this film.