Stage Fright

A fairly routine thriller, noted chiefly for its cheating flashback, though with much more to enjoy than its detractors - including Hitchcock - make out. The plot involves a young RADA student (Wyman) trying to clear a boyfriend (Todd), who claims he's been framed for the murder of his mistress' husband. Along the way, the heroine disguises herself as a maid, falls in love with the investigating detective (Wilding), and discovers that her friend is actually guilty. The proceedings are enlivened mainly by two good comic performances, from Dietrich at her most blatantly vulgar as the musical comedy star/mistress, and Sim as the heroine's droll father. There are also some good set pieces towards the climax, notably the garden party and the theatrical dénouement in a theatre.