18: The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927)

THE LODGER represents a few firsts in Hitchcock’s career: his first suspense film, his first cameo and, above all, his first great film. It is unquestionably Hitchcock’s greatest silent film, not only setting the stage for some of the director’s favorite themes but also exhibiting a unique and daring technique and style that is entirely unique in both the era and his filmography. The opening sequences alone are a masterclass in montage and title usage, setting a tone that would carry through as the story focuses in on Ivor Novello’s put upon protagonist.

In Robert Altman’s murder mystery throwback GOSFORD PARK, Jeremy Northam plays Novello as one the guests of the titular estate, and The Lodger is invoked, erroneously, as a flop. In fact, The Lodger was box office success, setting Hitch on his path to becoming the master of suspense.