The Man Who Knew Too Much

The Man Who Knew Too Much

Year: 1935

Runtime: 75 min

Language: English

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

MysteryThrillerCrime

While vacationing in Morocco, Ben McKenna and his family become entangled in a dangerous situation after a brief interaction with a mysterious man. Following his sudden death, Ben and his wife discover they are caught in a complex assassination plot, and their young son is kidnapped as leverage. Ben must use his instincts and courage to unravel the conspiracy and rescue his son, all while evading those who want him silenced.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Man Who Knew Too Much (1935)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Man Who Knew Too Much (1935). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The specific time period is not explicitly mentioned, but the film’s elements suggest a contemporary setting relative to its release in the late 20th century. This is a time marked by political tensions, particularly related to the Cold War and espionage activities.

Location

London, United Kingdom, Des Moines, Iowa

The movie primarily takes place in London, a vibrant city known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and diverse culture. Des Moines, the capital of Iowa, serves as Wallace's starting point, symbolizing his ordinary life before he becomes embroiled in an extraordinary adventure.

🌆 City 🌍 International

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:35

Main Characters – The Man Who Knew Too Much (1935)

Meet the key characters of The Man Who Knew Too Much (1935), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Wallace Ritchie (Peter Lorre)

Wallace is an unsuspecting everyman thrown into a dangerous world of espionage. His comedic naivety contrasts sharply with the serious situation around him, making him both a relatable and entertaining protagonist. Throughout the chaos, he demonstrates resourcefulness and a surprising knack for quick thinking.

🕵️‍♂️ Spy 🎉 Adventurous

Lori (Nova Pilbeam)

Lori is a complex character who walks the line between danger and allure. Initially introduced as a call girl, she reveals a depth of cunning as she navigates her own dangerous circumstances. Her evolving relationship with Wallace contrasts personal ambition with mutual survival.

💋 Romantic Interest 🎭 Cunning

Sir Roger Daggenhurst (George Curzon)

Daggenhurst is the primary antagonist, intricately involved in the assassination plot against dignitaries. His cold demeanor and high stakes make him a formidable opponent. Driven by political motives, his actions set the prevalent tension throughout the narrative.

👔 Antagonist 🏛️ Politician

James Ritchie (Hugh Wakefield)

James, Wallace's brother, serves as the initial catalyst for Wallace's journey. His attempt to entertain Wally quickly spirals out of control, highlighting the theme of brotherly bonds amidst chaos. His loyalty and concern for Wallace define his character arc.

👨‍👦‍👦 Family 🏙️ Businessman

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:35

Major Themes – The Man Who Knew Too Much (1935)

Explore the central themes of The Man Who Knew Too Much (1935), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Deception

Deception plays a central role in the film as Wallace inadvertently assumes the identity of a hitman, leading to a tangled web of misunderstandings and danger. The contrasts between performance and reality highlight the dualities characters face as they navigate treacherous situations.

💼 Espionage

The theme of espionage is prominent, showcasing the intricate and perilous world of spies and political intrigue. The plot revolves around a covert assassination and a potential international crisis, drawing viewers into a suspenseful narrative filled with hidden agendas and betrayal.

❤️ Romance

A subplot of romance develops between Wallace and Lori amid the chaos. Despite the thriller elements, their relationship adds a layer of emotional depth, as they bond over their shared struggles and aspirations, bringing a human element to the high-stakes plot.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:35

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Ordinary People vs. Conspiracies like in The Man Who Knew Too Much

Everyday individuals accidentally uncover major plots and must become heroes.Explore movies like The Man Who Knew Too Much where average citizens are pulled into dangerous international intrigues. If you enjoyed the thrill of an ordinary family fighting against a shadowy conspiracy, you'll find similar high-stakes stories of accidental heroism here.

suspensefulanxiousthrillingurgentchaoticunexpected

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically begins with an inciting incident that pulls an unsuspecting protagonist into a complex web of danger, often involving kidnapping or blackmail as leverage. The plot unfolds as the amateur hero navigates a world of professional spies and assassins, using improvised methods to outsmart their enemies and rescue loved ones.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared premise of an innocent bystander confronting a vast, organized threat. They blend high-tension thriller elements with the relatable fear of an ordinary person in over their head, creating a uniquely compelling and chaotic viewing experience.

Thrillers with Dark Comedy like The Man Who Knew Too Much

Serious life-or-death plots punctuated by moments of dark or absurd humor.Find movies similar to The Man Who Knew Too Much that masterfully mix serious thriller plots with quirky, darkly comedic moments. If you liked the blend of high-stakes suspense and unexpected humor, this thread highlights other films with that same unique tonal balance.

suspensefuldarkly comedicquirkythrillingunexpectedanxious

Narrative Summary

The narrative maintains high stakes and a fast pace typical of a thriller, but the emotional weight is often moderated by quirky characters, absurd situations, or a darkly comedic perspective on the violence and chaos. The resolution might be happy, but the path to it is filled with chaotic, near-farcical events.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups films that defy a purely serious tone. The similarity comes from a specific mood mix: the relentless drive of a thriller combined with a layer of eccentricity or dark humor that prevents the experience from becoming overly grim, creating a distinct and memorable vibe.

Unlock the Full Story of The Man Who Knew Too Much

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Man Who Knew Too Much in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Man Who Knew Too Much is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Man Who Knew Too Much Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Man Who Knew Too Much, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Man Who Knew Too Much Summary

The Man Who Knew Too Much Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Man Who Knew Too Much with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Man Who Knew Too Much Timeline

The Man Who Knew Too Much Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Man Who Knew Too Much that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Man Who Knew Too Much Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Man Who Knew Too Much

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Man Who Knew Too Much: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Man Who Knew Too Much