The Women Who Knew Too Much

Consists of a theoretical introduction and analysis of seven important films by Hitchcock, each providing a basis of an analysis of the female spectator, the function of female characters, and other elements of both narrative and viewer response. This edition is of interest to students of film studies, gender studies, and cultural studies.

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First published in 1988, The Women Who Knew Too Much remains a classic work in film theory and criticism. The book consists of a theoretical introduction and analyses of seven important films by Alfred Hitchcock, each of which provides a basis for an analysis of the female spectator as well as of the male spectator. Modleski considers the emotional and psychic investments of men and women in female characters whose stories often undermine the mastery of the cinematic Master of Suspense. This new edition features a new chapter which considers the last 15 years of Hitchcock criticism as it relates to the ideas in this landmark book.