Vertigo

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, 1958
PG; 129 minutes

“Alfred Hitchcock tops his own fabulous record for suspense with Vertigo, a super-tale of murder, madness and mysticism that stars James Stewart and Kim Novak.” —Jack Moffitt, The Hollywood Reporter, 1958

Hitchcock's romantic story of obsession, manipulation, and fear is a classic of American cinema. John Ferguson (James Stewart), a detective in San Francisco, is forced to retire after his fear of heights causes the death of a fellow officer and Madeleine, the woman (Kim Novak) he was hired to follow and became obsessed with. Later, he sees Judy, a woman who looks just like Madeleine. As they develop a romantic relationship, John encourages Judy to speak and dress like the dead woman, resulting in a further cycle of madness and deception.

The “My Favorite Films” series features tales of romance, humor, suspense, satire, and heroism with films since 1945. These films may hold special memories for you—no matter how many times you see them, they continue to draw you in once more. While many of these films are available through streaming, it's always more fun to see them in the theatre.

This August, step into the shadowy world of suspense and intrigue with the legendary director Alfred Hitchcock! Join us as we explore the mind of the master and his unparalleled contribution to the thriller genre.

Make a day of it at the Modern and include extra time to visit the galleries. Enjoy lunch in Café Modern and then settle in for an afternoon screening, or plan for a coffee break afterwards with fellow film enthusiasts.

Screenings are at 2 pm most Wednesdays in the auditorium. Tickets are $5 (FREE for Modern members) and are available at the Museum’s admission desk or online here.