Sabotage (1937) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Directed by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock, Sabotage (1937) is a British thriller based on Joseph Conrad’s novel, The Secret Agent. The film is an early example of Hitchcock’s mastery in building suspense and tension. The story focuses on the shadowy world of espionage and terrorism, involving a London cinema owner who is secretly part of a group planning a major act of sabotage. Released before Hitchcock’s Hollywood years, Sabotage is a perfect example of his early British work, mixing thriller elements with psychological tension. For viewers in the United States interested in watching this classic, we’ve outlined where to stream or rent/purchase the film online.
Plot Overview
In Sabotage, the protagonist is Mrs. Verloc (played by Sylvia Sidney), an unsuspecting woman who becomes entangled in her husband Karl Verloc’s (played by Oskar Homolka) secret life as a saboteur. Karl runs a small cinema in London but covertly works with a foreign agent to orchestrate acts of terrorism. While his wife remains unaware of his nefarious activities, things begin to unravel when a Scotland Yard detective, Ted Spencer (played by John Loder), suspects Verloc’s involvement in the crimes.
The story escalates when Karl is tasked with delivering a bomb to a key location. Unbeknownst to Mrs. Verloc, her younger brother, Stevie, is drawn into the plot, carrying the explosive package across London, creating one of the film’s most suspenseful and heart-wrenching sequences. Hitchcock’s impeccable direction highlights the tension of time as the audience watches Stevie navigate the crowded streets, unaware of the impending danger.
Cinematic Techniques and Hitchcock’s Style
Sabotage is notable for its use of suspense, a hallmark of Hitchcock’s style. The iconic bomb sequence showcases Hitchcock’s ability to keep the audience on edge, revealing more information than the characters themselves have, thereby creating a sense of impending dread.
One of the film’s standout elements is its use of psychological tension, a theme Hitchcock would return to throughout his career. The way he builds the suspense in everyday settings, such as a simple journey across town, demonstrates his genius for turning ordinary moments into something terrifying. The film also plays with the audience’s emotions by making them complicit in the story—viewers know the bomb is ticking, and the dread is palpable as Stevie unknowingly inches closer to disaster.
The cinematography, music, and pacing all work together to create a dense, atmospheric thriller. Hitchcock’s manipulation of light and shadow heightens the tension, especially in scenes set within the cinema itself. This mastery of visual storytelling earned Sabotage its place as one of the most important pre-war British thrillers.
Critical Reception
At the time of its release, Sabotage garnered mixed reviews, with some critics praising Hitchcock’s direction and others finding the film’s bleak tone off-putting. Over time, however, it has been reassessed as an essential part of Hitchcock’s early body of work. Critics and film scholars often point to the infamous bomb scene as a moment of sheer genius, emblematic of Hitchcock’s pioneering approach to building tension.
Modern audiences who appreciate Hitchcock’s later classics like Psycho (1960) and Rear Window (1954) will recognize the seeds of his later brilliance in Sabotage. The film’s exploration of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary circumstances is a theme that Hitchcock would revisit throughout his career.
Where to Watch Sabotage (1937) Online (Available Streaming Services in the U.S.)
For American viewers interested in watching Sabotage, there are several options for streaming and purchasing the film online. Being a classic film, it is available on several specialized platforms that cater to lovers of older movies.
1. Amazon Prime Video
One of the most accessible options for American viewers is Amazon Prime Video, where Sabotage can be rented or purchased. It is available in both standard and high-definition formats.
- Rental Price: Starting at $2.99
- Purchase Price: Starting at $9.99
- Subscription Required: Yes, for streaming (Prime membership).
2. Criterion Channel
For fans of classic cinema, Criterion Channel is a must. Known for its high-quality selection of classic films, Criterion offers Sabotage as part of its catalog. It’s a perfect choice for cinephiles looking for high-definition versions of iconic films.
- Subscription Required: Yes, with a monthly or annual subscription.
3. Apple TV (iTunes)
Apple TV users can find Sabotage available for rent or purchase on iTunes. The platform offers HD viewing options and seamless playback on Apple devices.
- Rental Price: $3.99
- Purchase Price: $12.99
4. Tubi (Free Streaming)
For those looking to watch Sabotage without paying, Tubi offers the film for free, supported by ads. It’s an excellent option for viewers on a budget who don’t mind occasional commercial breaks.
- Price: Free (with ads)
5. Google Play Movies & YouTube
Both Google Play and YouTube offer Sabotage for rent or purchase. It can be streamed on various devices, including smart TVs and mobile devices.
- Rental Price: $2.99
- Purchase Price: Starting at $9.99
Why Watch Sabotage?
Sabotage is a film that captures Hitchcock’s brilliance as a filmmaker, even before his Hollywood success. Fans of suspense and psychological thrillers will find plenty to enjoy in this tightly woven narrative about espionage and terrorism. Beyond its thrilling plot, the film provides a fascinating look at pre-war London, with its political tensions and undercurrents of fear.
While Hitchcock’s later films might be more famous, Sabotage remains a gem in its own right. The film’s exploration of guilt, betrayal, and the consequences of deception makes it resonate even today. Its moral complexities and masterful suspense make it a must-watch for fans of classic cinema.
Conclusion
Sabotage (1937) is an early yet significant work by Alfred Hitchcock that demonstrates his unmatched ability to craft suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat thrillers. With its tightly constructed plot, psychological depth, and iconic bomb sequence, it stands as a powerful example of pre-war British cinema. Whether you’re revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Criterion Channel, and Tubi make it easy to stream or purchase the film in the U.S.
