Alfred Hitchcock never used Marilyn Monroe as one of his famous Hitchcock blondes. If he had they probably would have made a movie much like Niagara. Henry Hathaway directed this film but it definitely has a Hitchcock feel to it. It's certainly not the typical Marilyn Monroe film. Here Marilyn gets to show off some serious acting chops as she plays a femme fatale.
While Monroe, as per usual, commands most of the attention it could be argued that the more important role in the film actually belongs to Jean Peters. Peters plays Polly Cutler who, with her husband Ray, is taking a delayed honeymoon to Niagara Falls. When the young couple arrives they find that the cabin they have reserved is still occupied by another couple, George and Rose Loomis, so the Cutlers end up staying in another cabin nearby. The two couples will soon see their fates intertwine in rather dramatic fashion. It is obvious right away that there are serious problems in the Loomis marriage. George, played by Joseph Cotten, seems to be rather unstable. The much younger Rose, played by Monroe, wants out of the relationship. In fact we soon learn she plans to have her husband killed and run off with a young lover who we never really see or know that much about. The Cutlers are determined to mind their own business and enjoy their honeymoon but they will be swept up in everything that is swirling around them.
While Monroe does very well with her role and of course looks spectacular Peters matches her stride for stride. The story mostly unfolds from Polly's perspective and Peters creates a very sympathetic, compelling central character. Monroe's the femme fatale, Peters is the innocent and beautiful girl you fall in love with. So Monroe is terrific. Peters is terrific. Cotten is as well. Unfortunately there is one actor whose performance leaves much to be desired. Max Showalter plays Polly's husband Ray as a total goofball. The way he delivers his lines, the constant silly facial expressions, the shameless mugging for the camera...none of it works. The filmmakers dropped a clown into what is otherwise a tense, atmospheric thriller and the character sticks out like a sore thumb. Showalter's performance distracts and definitely detracts from the overall experience. But all in all the good outweighs the bad with this film. There's plenty of suspense, some moments of great tension and even a big action scene tossed in. The acting performances, with the one notable exception, are excellent and the film always looks terrific. The falls and all the surrounding scenery are shot beautifully. And if Niagara Falls aren't enough of a natural wonder for you there's Marilyn too. It's not a perfect film but as Hitchcock Lite it works well.
While Monroe, as per usual, commands most of the attention it could be argued that the more important role in the film actually belongs to Jean Peters. Peters plays Polly Cutler who, with her husband Ray, is taking a delayed honeymoon to Niagara Falls. When the young couple arrives they find that the cabin they have reserved is still occupied by another couple, George and Rose Loomis, so the Cutlers end up staying in another cabin nearby. The two couples will soon see their fates intertwine in rather dramatic fashion. It is obvious right away that there are serious problems in the Loomis marriage. George, played by Joseph Cotten, seems to be rather unstable. The much younger Rose, played by Monroe, wants out of the relationship. In fact we soon learn she plans to have her husband killed and run off with a young lover who we never really see or know that much about. The Cutlers are determined to mind their own business and enjoy their honeymoon but they will be swept up in everything that is swirling around them.
While Monroe does very well with her role and of course looks spectacular Peters matches her stride for stride. The story mostly unfolds from Polly's perspective and Peters creates a very sympathetic, compelling central character. Monroe's the femme fatale, Peters is the innocent and beautiful girl you fall in love with. So Monroe is terrific. Peters is terrific. Cotten is as well. Unfortunately there is one actor whose performance leaves much to be desired. Max Showalter plays Polly's husband Ray as a total goofball. The way he delivers his lines, the constant silly facial expressions, the shameless mugging for the camera...none of it works. The filmmakers dropped a clown into what is otherwise a tense, atmospheric thriller and the character sticks out like a sore thumb. Showalter's performance distracts and definitely detracts from the overall experience. But all in all the good outweighs the bad with this film. There's plenty of suspense, some moments of great tension and even a big action scene tossed in. The acting performances, with the one notable exception, are excellent and the film always looks terrific. The falls and all the surrounding scenery are shot beautifully. And if Niagara Falls aren't enough of a natural wonder for you there's Marilyn too. It's not a perfect film but as Hitchcock Lite it works well.