On a train headed for England a group of travelers is delayed by an avalanche. Holed up in a hotel in a fictional European country, young Iris befriends elderly Miss Froy. When the train resumes, Iris suffers a bout of unconsciousness and wakes to find the old woman has disappeared. The other passengers ominously deny Miss Froy ever existed, so Iris begins to investigate with another traveler and, as the pair sleuth, romantic sparks fly.
The Lady Vanishes exhibits Director Alfred Hitchcock, England's portly master of melodrama, at the top of his form.
– ,
TIME Magazine,
13 Aug 2014
fresh:
Just in under the wire to challenge for a place on the year's best ten is The Lady Vanishes, latest of the melodramatic classics made by England's greatest director, Alfred Hitchcock.
– Frank S. Nugent,
New York Times,
20 May 2003
fresh:
Very much of its time (in a good way), and very enjoyable.
– Dave Calhoun,
Time Out,
9 Feb 2006
fresh:
This is vintage Hitchcock, with the pacing and superb editing that marked not only his 30s style but eventually every film that had any aspirations whatever to achieving suspense and rhythm.
– Don Druker,
Chicago Reader,
19 Jan 2007
fresh:
This film, minus the deft and artistic handling of the director, Alfred Hitchcock, despite its cast and photography, would not stand up for Grade A candidacy.