The Wrong Man

The Wrong Man (1957) starring Henry Fonda, Vera Miles, Anthony Quayle. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Unusual entry in the Hitchcock body of work has Fonda playing real-life musician who was falsely accused of a series of crimes. Strongest performance of the movie comes from Miles, who plays his wife who cracks under the strain of the wrongful prosecution of her husband. The film is generally rather low-key and grim, with the steely bands of justice slowly closing around Fonda's character, even though we are pretty sure he is innocent. The real core of the film is his wife's breakdown, which persists even after he is exonerated. Definitely not a feel-good movie, but one well worth seeing. (Subtitles in English are available, as well as closed captions.) Grade: B