Today’s movie of the day is the 1954 hit “Rear Window,” a mystery/thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly, this film has an almost perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. It continues to be a success with both critics and audiences. With the depth usually associated with Hitchcock’s work, “Rear Window” is a classic made enjoyable by the growing suspense leading to an exciting climax. Romance is mixed in with this mystery to give the right amount of tension to create a psychological thriller. Even though the setting is simple, Hitchcock uses it as the perfect backdrop for the complex plot and the growth of his characters in this film.

This movie features L.B. Jefferies, a professional photographer who is confined to his apartment due to a broken leg. While recuperating, he begins to watch his neighbors, even giving them nicknames. Soon, Jefferies begins to suspect his neighbor has murdered his wife. He enlists the help of his girlfriend, Lisa Fremont, who is a high-society fashion consultant, as well as his nurse Stella to help him as he attempts to unravel this mystery that is causing him so much distress.

The recipient of four Academy Award nominations, “Rear Window” is ranked number 42 on AFI’s 100 Years 100 Movies list. It was added to the United States National Film Registry in 1997. This film was fully restored in 1998 from its original negatives. The only scene which had to be restored digitally was the first kissing scene.