The second half of the film is largely a summarization of Johnny's nervous breakdown, the beginning of which is marked by that fantastic scene with the lights and floating head, and his futile attempts at recovery. These are abruptly brought to a halt with the sighting of a woman named Judy, who closely resembles the “deceased” Madeleine. The conflict between dream and reality is brought to its peak at this point, as we watch Johnny attempt to capitalize on this proffered second chance. This is, perhaps, the very first time in the movie that Hitchcock divulges more information to the audience than to Johnny. We watch, enrapt, as Judy confesses her grievances in a letter she abortively writes, revealing her role in Mr. Elster’s plan.

He takes on a job as a private detective for an old friend, Mr. Elster, who is worried about the strange behavior of his wife, Madeleine. Apparently, Madeleine is haunted by the spirit of her great grand mother, Carlotta, who committed suicide at a young age. Mr. Elster fears that she will succumb to the same dour fate and asks Johnny to “watch her.” Madeleine, however, is a wanderer, and in trailing her, Johnny becomes one as well. As he follows her through museums and graveyards he becomes obsessed with her, she who, at times, takes on the traits of her great grandmother, Carlotta. Hitchcock provides us with the feelings and tone of Johnny’s mood by capturing his wanderings in a sort of unfocused daze and at a gliding, surreal pace. This feeling is enhanced by the eerily melodious musical background. As Johnny’s obsession with the woman grows, the credibility of her claims also appears to solidify; her appearance, her mannerisms, her “hang-outs,” and her speech all seem to confirm her belief that she is, indeed, either possessed by Carlotta or the woman incarnate. At this, point, however, Johnny is no longer the reasonable, detached spectator, and because we are restricted to his viewpoint, neither are we.

The

Some topics in this essay:
Judy Madeleine, Batista Johnny, San Francisco, Lady Vanishes”, Carlotta Hitchcock, Apparently Madeleine, Johnny Hitchcock, Orpheus Eurydice, Alfred Hitchcock, , johnny looking, san francisco, history city,