For any cinephile or Alfred Hitchcock aficionado, "Notorious" (1946) isn’t just another entry in the Master of Suspense’s filmography – it’s a cornerstone of his legacy. As Ambler Theater prepares to screen this classic as part of its Hollywood Summer Nights programming, we can dive into what makes "Notorious" an enduring masterpiece.
Set against the backdrop of post-World War II espionage, "Notorious" tells the story of Alicia Huberman (Ingrid Bergman), the American daughter of a convicted Nazi spy, who is recruited by U.S. intelligence officer T.R. Devlin (Cary Grant) to infiltrate a group of Nazis hiding out in Brazil. Her mission: to get close to Alexander Sebastian (Claude Rains), one of the group’s leaders, and uncover their plans.
At first glance, the plot might seem like a typical Cold War spy narrative, but Hitchcock elevates this work with a heady mix of romance, tension and moral ambiguity. The relationship between Huberman and Devlin is a delicate dance of desire and distrust – her past, his icy demeanor, and the dangerous game they’re playing all serve to keep them at arm’s length, even as their bond grows deeper.
Alicia Huberman is a woman with a past. The daughter of a convicted Nazi spy, Alicia is driven both by a deep need for redemption as well as some self-destructive tendencies. She drinks heavily and engages in casual relationships. She makes reckless decisions yet is painfully aware of the consequences of her actions. Her decision to become a spy for the U.S. government is as much about atonement as it is about patriotism. She takes on the dangerous mission of infiltrating a group of Nazis in Brazil, knowing that it will require her to use her sexuality and put herself in harm’s way.
The success of "Notorious" hinges on its three central performances. Ingrid Bergman’s Alicia is vulnerable yet resilient; her internal conflict is palpable in every scene. Cary Grant, known for his suave charm, brings a cold, almost cruel edge to T.R. Claude Rains, as Alexander Sebastian, rounds out the trio with a performance that is both sympathetic and chilling. Sebastian is not your typical villain; Rains plays him as a character who is both dangerous and pitiable, and his eventual realization of Alicia’s betrayal is tragic.
In 1946, Alicia’s sexual agency in "Notorious" was groundbreaking. She’s fully aware of the power dynamics at play, and she wields hers with both confidence and ambivalence. Alicia’s relationship with Cary Grant’s T.R. Devlin is a central site of these power plays. Devlin judges and mistrusts her but is also attracted to her and finds himself unable to deny his respect for her. The chemistry between Bergman and Grant, fraught with mistrust and longing, ratchets the tension of this already superb thriller sky-high.
The film’s exploration of moral ambiguity and the tension between personal and professional loyalties come to a powerful point when Alicia agrees to marry Alexander Sebastian to uncover the Nazis’ secrets. It’s a question of whether Alicia’s sacrifices are entirely patriotic, another reckless, self-destructive decision, or something that she feels she must do to atone for her father. The consequences of these dangerous impulses are explored in "Notorious" in a way that continues to be as relevant as it is riveting.
Whether you're a lifelong Hitchcock fan or new to his films, don’t miss this chance to rediscover "Notorious." It’s a thriller that has truly stood the test of time, and continues to thrill, intrigue, and entertain.
Notorious is screening at Ambler Theater on Wednesday, August 28th at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
