20: The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934)

The 1934 THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH was the first of Hitchcock’s films to effectively combine the comedy of his early films and the suspense he has begun to embrace. The heart of this film, more so than in the remake even, is the easy charm of the put upon family at its center. Their relatability is invaluable to the larger than life proceedings, easily pulling the audience into their plight. For another skiing adventure gone sour, check out Ruben Östlund’s cringe comedy masterpiece FORCE MAJEURE.

While many of the best elements of the film would be repeated more pristinely in the 1956 remake, this film’s primary advantage is Peter Lorre, who in an early English-speaking role embraces offbeat villainy to create a subtly foundational baddie. For a double bill of Lorre terrorizing tourists, follow this up with John Huston’s BEAT THE DEVIL.