# Notorious

> 1946 film by Alfred Hitchcock

**Wikidata**: [Q587419](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q587419)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notorious_(1946_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/notorious

## Summary
*Notorious* is a 1946 American film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, produced by RKO Pictures, and starring Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman. It is a classic spy thriller and film noir that blends romance, suspense, and espionage, set against the backdrop of post-World War II intrigue. The film is renowned for its innovative cinematography, tense narrative, and Hitchcock’s signature storytelling techniques.

## Key Facts
- **Title**: *Notorious*
- **Release Year**: 1946
- **Director**: Alfred Hitchcock
- **Production Company**: RKO Pictures
- **Genre**: Spy film, film noir, drama, thriller, romance
- **Starring**: Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains
- **Release Dates**:
  - January 1, 1946 (initial release)
  - August 15, 1946 (U.S. premiere)
  - September 6, 1946 (wider release)
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Runtime**: 102 minutes
- **Budget**: $1,000,000 (estimated)
- **Box Office**: $4,800,000 (domestic gross)
- **Critical Reception**:
  - IMDb: 8.9/10
  - Rotten Tomatoes: 100% (critics), 96% (audience)
  - Metacritic: 7.9/10
- **Awards and Recognition**:
  - Nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Supporting Actor for Claude Rains, Best Original Screenplay)
  - Selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry (1988)
- **Wikidata ID**: Q823422
- **IMDb ID**: tt0038787
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: no2008049893
- **Sitelink Count**: 47 Wikipedia language editions
- **Notable for**: Long takes (e.g., the famous crane shot at the party), themes of betrayal and redemption, and Hitchcock’s use of MacGuffins (the uranium ore plot device).

## FAQs
**What is *Notorious* about?**
*Notorious* follows Alicia Huberman (Ingrid Bergman), the daughter of a convicted Nazi spy, who is recruited by U.S. agent T.R. Devlin (Cary Grant) to infiltrate a Nazi organization in Brazil. The mission involves seducing Alexander Sebastian (Claude Rains), a former associate of her father, leading to a web of deception, romance, and danger.

**Who directed *Notorious*, and what is their significance?**
Alfred Hitchcock directed *Notorious*. He is celebrated as the "Master of Suspense" and is known for pioneering techniques in thriller and horror genres. His work on *Notorious* showcases his ability to blend romance, espionage, and psychological tension, influencing generations of filmmakers.

**What are the key themes in *Notorious*?**
The film explores themes of trust, betrayal, and redemption. Alicia’s moral ambiguity, Devlin’s conflicted loyalty, and Sebastian’s vulnerability create a complex narrative about love and duty in the shadow of war.

**How was *Notorious* received critically?**
*Notorious* was met with widespread acclaim, earning a 100% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.9/10 on IMDb. It is often ranked among Hitchcock’s greatest works and is praised for its cinematography, performances, and suspenseful storytelling.

**What is the significance of the long take in *Notorious*?**
The film features a famous crane shot during a party scene, where the camera descends from a high angle to a close-up of Alicia holding a key. This unbroken take is a technical marvel and exemplifies Hitchcock’s innovative use of camera movement to build tension.

**What awards did *Notorious* win or receive nominations for?**
The film was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor (Claude Rains) and Best Original Screenplay (Ben Hecht). While it did not win, its critical acclaim has endured, and it was later selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry in 1988.

**How does *Notorious* fit into Hitchcock’s filmography?**
*Notorious* is a pivotal film in Hitchcock’s career, bridging his early British works and his later American classics like *Vertigo* and *Psycho*. It exemplifies his mastery of suspense, complex characters, and intricate plotting.

**What is the cultural impact of *Notorious*?**
The film has had a lasting influence on the spy thriller and film noir genres. Its themes of espionage and moral ambiguity resonate in later works, and its technical innovations remain studied in film schools.

## Why It Matters
*Notorious* is a landmark in cinematic history, demonstrating Alfred Hitchcock’s genius in blending suspense, romance, and espionage. Its innovative cinematography, particularly the use of long takes and subjective camera angles, set new standards for filmmaking. The film’s exploration of trust and betrayal reflects the moral complexities of the post-World War II era, making it not just a thrilling narrative but also a commentary on human relationships under pressure. Its preservation in the National Film Registry underscores its cultural and artistic significance, ensuring its legacy as a cornerstone of classic Hollywood cinema.

## Notable For
- **Iconic Long Take**: The crane shot at the party scene is one of the most celebrated long takes in cinema history.
- **Hitchcock’s Signature Style**: The film exemplifies his use of MacGuffins (the uranium ore) and psychological tension.
- **Star-Studded Cast**: Features legendary performances by Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, and Claude Rains.
- **Academy Award Nominations**: Recognized for its screenplay and supporting acting.
- **National Film Registry**: Selected for preservation by the Library of Congress in 1988.
- **Genre-Blending**: Combines elements of spy thrillers, film noir, and romance.
- **Influence on Later Filmmakers**: Inspired directors in the thriller and espionage genres.
- **Post-War Themes**: Reflects the moral ambiguities and political tensions of the post-WWII era.

## Body

### Overview and Production
*Notorious* is a 1946 American film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and produced by RKO Pictures. The screenplay was written by Ben Hecht, based on a story by Hitchcock. The film stars Cary Grant as T.R. Devlin, Ingrid Bergman as Alicia Huberman, and Claude Rains as Alexander Sebastian. It was released in the United States on August 15, 1946, and became a critical and commercial success.

### Plot Summary
The film follows Alicia Huberman, the daughter of a convicted Nazi spy, who is recruited by U.S. government agent T.R. Devlin to infiltrate a group of Nazis operating in Brazil. Alicia is tasked with seducing Alexander Sebastian, a former associate of her father, to uncover a secret related to uranium ore. As Alicia and Devlin grow closer, their mission becomes complicated by their developing romance and the dangers of their espionage work. The film’s climax involves a tense confrontation and a dramatic escape, showcasing Hitchcock’s mastery of suspense.

### Cast and Characters
- **Cary Grant** as T.R. Devlin: A U.S. intelligence agent who recruits Alicia and becomes emotionally involved with her.
- **Ingrid Bergman** as Alicia Huberman: The daughter of a Nazi spy, who is both a pawn and a heroine in the espionage plot.
- **Claude Rains** as Alexander Sebastian: A Nazi operative who becomes romantically involved with Alicia, unaware of her true motives.
- **Leopoldine Konstantin** as Madame Sebastian: Alexander’s domineering mother, who suspects Alicia’s true intentions.

### Production Details
- **Director**: Alfred Hitchcock
- **Producer**: RKO Pictures
- **Screenplay**: Ben Hecht
- **Cinematography**: Ted Tetzlaff
- **Music**: Roy Webb
- **Editing**: Theron Warth
- **Budget**: Estimated at $1,000,000
- **Box Office**: Grossed approximately $4,800,000 domestically

### Cinematic Techniques
*Notorious* is renowned for its innovative use of cinematography. The film features a famous crane shot during a party scene, where the camera starts with a high-angle view of the room and slowly descends to a close-up of Alicia’s hand holding a key. This unbroken take is a technical achievement and a hallmark of Hitchcock’s style. The film also employs subjective camera angles and tight framing to build tension and immerse the audience in the characters’ perspectives.

### Themes and Motifs
The film explores themes of trust, betrayal, and redemption. Alicia’s character is morally ambiguous, torn between her loyalty to Devlin and her mission. The relationship between Alicia and Devlin is fraught with tension, as Devlin struggles with his feelings for her while using her as a tool for espionage. The film also delves into the psychological dynamics of deception and the consequences of wartime actions.

### Reception and Legacy
*Notorious* was met with critical acclaim upon its release. It holds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.9/10 score on IMDb. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor for Claude Rains and Best Original Screenplay for Ben Hecht. In 1988, *Notorious* was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, recognizing its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.

### Influence and Cultural Impact
*Notorious* has had a lasting influence on the spy thriller and film noir genres. Its blend of romance, suspense, and espionage has inspired numerous films and television shows. Hitchcock’s techniques, particularly his use of long takes and subjective camera work, have been studied and emulated by filmmakers worldwide. The film’s exploration of moral ambiguity and complex characters continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike.

### Related Works and Connections
- **Alfred Hitchcock**: The film is part of Hitchcock’s extensive filmography, which includes other classics like *Psycho*, *Vertigo*, and *North by Northwest*.
- **RKO Pictures**: The production company behind *Notorious*, known for other iconic films like *King Kong* and *Citizen Kane*.
- **Film Noir and Spy Genres**: *Notorious* is a key example of both genres, influencing later works in espionage and crime cinema.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime**: 102 minutes
- **Aspect Ratio**: 1.37:1 (Academy ratio)
- **Sound Mix**: Mono
- **Color**: Black and White
- **Language**: English

### Availability and Restoration
*Notorious* has been restored and is available in various formats, including Blu-ray and digital platforms. The restoration efforts have preserved the film’s original cinematography and sound, ensuring its continued appreciation by modern audiences.

### Trivia and Behind-the-Scenes
- The famous crane shot was achieved using a large crane and careful choreography, showcasing Hitchcock’s technical prowess.
- Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant had previously worked together in *Spellbound* (1945), another Hitchcock film.
- The film’s plot involving uranium ore reflects the post-World War II anxieties about nuclear technology and espionage.

### Conclusion
*Notorious* remains a seminal work in Alfred Hitchcock’s career and a cornerstone of classic Hollywood cinema. Its innovative techniques, compelling narrative, and complex characters have cemented its place in film history. The film’s exploration of trust, betrayal, and redemption continues to captivate audiences, making it a timeless masterpiece of suspense and intrigue.

## References

1. IMDb
2. FilmAffinity
3. [Source](http://www.cinematografo.it/cinedatabase/film/notorius---l-amante-perduta/4996/)
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5. Freebase Data Dumps
6. [Source](https://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/news-bfi/lists/10-great-spy-films)
7. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038787/fullcredits)
8. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
9. The Movie Database
10. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/)
11. Notorious. Rotten Tomatoes
12. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038787/releaseinfo/)
13. [The Numbers](https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Notorious-(1946)#tab=summary)
14. Kinopoisk
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16. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
17. film distribution certificate
18. Bechdel Test Movie List
19. mymovies.it
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21. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/79348)
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