Hitchcock’s two unforgettable characters—played by Cary Grant and Joan Fontaine—in “Suspicion” (1941), at the Cerrito on Thursday, March 17 at 7:00.

In “Suspicion,” Alfred Hitchcock brought together two vividly-created characters. Joan Fontaine plays Lina McLaidlaw, a shy young woman who seems fated to become an old maid; she also has a very wealthy father. Cary Grant plays Johnnie Aysgarth, a charming rogue who turns out to have a penchant for gambling. The two meet on a train; Lina is smitten; does Johnnie have an agenda?

Hitchcock utilizes his gift for suspense, by alternating moments of suspicion and moments of reassurance. Hitchcock and Grant hit it off professionally. Grant took possession of a darker character than in his earlier roles, a true test of talent that he might not have known he had.

As for Fontaine, she won the Best Actress Oscar as Lina for 1941, vindicating her loss of the same award the previous year for the somewhat similar character of Mrs. de Winter in “Rebecca” (also a Hitchcock film).

“Suspicion” was nominated for Best Picture for 1941, and also for Best Music in a Dramatic Picture.

Hitchcock, Cary Grant, Best Actress Joan Fontaine—what more would you want from a movie?

“Suspicion” will play only once at the Cerrito, on Thursday, March 17, at 7:00 p.m. Moviegoers are strongly advised to buy advance tickets at the box office or online, as the movie may sell out. All seats are $9.50. Arriving early is a good idea, in order to choose your seat and also order delicious food and wine or beer.

Upcoming Classics

Cerrito Classics usually play at 7:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. The price is $9.50 for all seats.

Coming soon

• April 21 at 7:00, Cat Ballou
• May 19 at 7:00, American Graffiti

Note

Rialto Cinemas Cerrito requires proof of vaccination for all attendees age 12 and up. Please read the details of the policy here, on the Rialto web site.