Lifeboat
 

Has anyone here watched Alfred Hitchcocks 'Lifeboat'. I watched it yesterday and it was not bad. Your thoughts?

Bought it and watched it for the first time about a month ago. Did you stumble on it at Wal-Mart? I did.

Loved the opening, with the ship's funnel. Liked the whole movie, though the German was a bit over the top. Did you spot 'Hitch' (he appears in every one of his films)? I didn't, but the 'Making of' goodies had his daughter showing his appearance. Very sneaky.

I got it at Target. I do not venture to Walmart. The beginning was good with the funnel going under. What do you mean the German was over the top? In what respect? He does become some what of a likable character only to find he has other plans as to direction of navigation. Hitchcock I believe attempts to have the German endear himself to obviously the others on the boat but also the audience. You think he is an ok person but Hitchcock has him keep his compass hidden so you also know he is up to something. The fella that had his leg amputated by the German was a very believable character when he is discussing his dancing. He definitely had the Jersey acsent. What I found funny was everyone with exception of the woman are taken aboard covered in filth and oil. After all are aboard and it moves to the next scene, all the oil is gone. I do not believe it was removed that easily.

I just thought the character was written to be a little too evil. His whole role was fine right up to the part where we find out he's not only a dedicated sailor but he's also a fairly stereotypical nasty nazi. But I agree - the interplay between the actors is what makes the movie, and every one did a great job.

My favorite part was the whole 'attack' scene at the end.

Perhaps at the time the movie was written, the feelings and sentiments were very much alive that the Nazi/uboatmen were very evil. Many who would have watched the movie when it first came out were those that fought in the war. So, the German's character was portrayed as such. In other words, Hitchcock attempted to encompass all of what the allies thought of Germany and the Germans. They were not to be trusted no matter how friendly and helpful they seem on the surface(no pun intended). I'm not sure but it is my best guess. Anyway, he gets his with the shoe to the skull and turned to shark bait. Hitchcock was very clever in having the German navigate to his supply ship. It was a good twist. Personally, I probably would have gone with navigation directions as I know zero about navigating on the sea. But, I'm not that dumb to realize the sun comes up in the east! If the next morning my bow is pointed at the raising sun, I would have known he was pulling a fast one. The ship that was sunk was on the way to England. If my bow was not pointed west with the setting sun...I would have turned the boat and tossed the German captain. I will probably watch the movie again very soon as I miss things on the first go around.