1. Do you see the beginnings of the "Hitchcock touch" in this sequence? Please provide specific examples.
I absolutely see early precursors to what would later be considered the Hitchcock touch. Most immediately was the indiscriminate observation of the female actors (of course mostly blonde(, allowing the camera to methodically focus on different parts of the female form throughout the sequence. This in turn leads to the focus on the men's enjoyment of what they are seeing--or in some cases, unable to see. A constant exploration what is behind the line, what comes dangerously close to the line, never quite getting to what is over the line.
2. Do you agree or disagree with Strauss, Yacowar, and Spoto assessments that this sequence contains elements, themes, or approaches that we will see throughout Hitchcock's 50-year career?
I do agree generally with the assessment--there is witty reparte between genders, a playful exploration of sexual tension, a constant tugging at what is just below the surface that we'll never see.
3. Since this is a silent film, do you feel there were any limitations on these opening scenes due to the lack of synchronous spoken dialogue?
I actually don't see much limitation here. I believe the visual structure Hitchcock creates here, women as objects to desire and explore, is communicating exceedingly well given the camera angles he uses: overt point of view shots and emphasis on the female form, piece by piece, frame by frame.
