1. Do you see the beginnings of the "Hitchcock touch" in this sequence? Please provide specific examples.
A couple of touches that stood out to me were the camera shots of the feet in motion, and the humorous facial expressions that speak volumes. Also, Hitchcock's use of binoculars to bring clarity to a situation seemed to get a start in this film.
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 would say Hitch's affection for savvy blondes seemed apparent right out of the gate. And, when Jill Cheyne's letter of introduction was stolen from her, she soon found herself in a situation where she was dealing with adversity due to circumstances beyond her control, which was a very common Hitchcockian theme.
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?
Not at all.
