Sabotage (1936)

Sabotage (1936) is an Alfred Hitchcock suspense spy and public terror thriller starring Sylvia Sidney, Oskar Homolka, and John Loder.

It is loosely based on Joseph Conrad's 1907 novel The Secret Agent, about a woman who discovers that her husband, the owner of a London movie theatre, is a terrorist agent.

Alfred Hitchcock's pre-American British thriller, known in the United States as A Woman Alone, stands out as one of his finest works. 

Scripted by Charles Bennett and inspired by Joseph Conrad's The Secret Agent, the film was retitled to avoid confusion with Hitchcock's earlier work of the same name. While the plotline remains somewhat thin, it's Hitchcock's meticulous attention to detail that makes this thriller truly captivating.

Set against the backdrop of Europe on the brink of war, the film introduces us to Karl Anton Verloc (played by Oscar Homolka), the middle-aged European owner of a small cinema called the Bijou. Verloc lives a double life—one as a seemingly kind gentleman and the other as a paid terrorist.

His young American wife, Sylvia Sydney, and her unsuspecting younger brother, Stevie (Desmond Tester), know nothing of his secret activities.

Oscar Homolka in Sabotage (1936)

As London experiences a series of terrorist acts designed to divert attention from abroad, Verloc becomes a person of interest. The film opens with a blackout caused by the sabotage of Battersea power station. In the shadows, we see Verloc sneaking through unlit London streets back to his apartment behind the theater. 

Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Ted Spencer (John Loder) works undercover, posing as a grocer-seller next door to the Bijou. The police keep a close watch on Verloc, suspecting his involvement in the unsettling events.

Despite chatter in the bars and in the academic spaces concerning what is called the thin plot pf this film, it is not a given the thinness is the correct term, and because of long mood moments in which Hitchcock's mischievous touch and focus on intricate details elevate A Woman Alone, originally as we have noted titled as Sabotage, into a suspenseful and unforgettable cinematic experience.

All that is perfected in Hitchcock over the coming decades in terms of suspense story telling is here. The suspense of a boy unwittingly carrying a bomb through London, primed-up to explode at 1:45, these thrillfull scenes are as solid as anything The Master went on to create, film, and mesmerise with over the next thirsty years and more. 

The film opens with a dramatic blackout caused by the sabotage of Battersea power station. The dark shadows and suspenseful atmosphere immediately draw viewers into the story.

Verloc’s Double Life: Karl Anton Verloc, the cinema owner, lives a double life—one as a seemingly kind gentleman and the other as a paid terrorist. His secret activities create tension and intrigue throughout the film.

Detective Sergeant Ted Spencer, working undercover as a grocer-seller, keeps a close watch on Verloc. The scenes where he observes Verloc’s movements add to the suspense and suspicion.

Verloc’s interactions with his young American wife and her unsuspecting younger brother provide insight into his character. The apartment scenes reveal Verloc’s duplicity and the fragile balance he maintains.

Hitchcock masterfully captures the mood of a London experiencing a series of terrorist acts. The fear, paranoia, and uncertainty permeate the film, making every scene charged with tension.

At the beginning of the film, Sylvia Sydney’s character—Verloc’s young American wife—seems blissfully unaware of her husband’s secret life. She trusts him implicitly and believes in their seemingly ordinary domestic existence.

As the story progresses, cracks begin to appear in this facade. She becomes aware of Verloc’s odd behavior, especially when customers demand refunds at their cinema. Her doubts grow, but she still clings to the hope that her husband is innocent.

If Alfred Hitchcock has a cameo appearance in Sabotage (1936) it is most likely in this shot from outside the cinema.

The turning point comes when Sylvia discovers Verloc’s true identity as a paid terrorist. Her shock and betrayal are palpable. She realizes that her trust has been misplaced, and her world shatters. This revelation forces her to confront the harsh reality.

Despite the emotional turmoil, Sylvia Sydney’s character shows resilience. She grapples with conflicting emotions—anger, fear, and sadness—but also finds an inner strength. Her determination to protect her younger brother, Stevie, becomes her driving force.

Charles Hawtry in Alfred Hitchcock's Sabotage (1936)

In the film’s climax, Sylvia faces critical decisions. Her loyalty to family clashes with the knowledge of Verloc’s dangerous activities. Her evolution culminates in a moment of truth, where she must choose between loyalty and justice.

In an English cinema of the 1930s, meticulous attention is devoted to portraying the nuances of daily life. This includes depicting how a lower middle-class family might have lived during that era, as well as creating an array of intriguing period characters. The richly textured background serves as a compelling setting for the unfolding drama of the thriller.

What excitement, such strange Hitchcockina thrills, as sand is maliciously placed into the bearings of an electrical generator, causing a citywide power blackout. Karl Verloc (played by Oscar Homolka), the cinema owner, is part of a gang of terrorists planning attacks in London. Verloc's wife (Sylvia Sidney) unwittingly becomes entangled in the dangerous web of espionage. 

As the tension escalates, secrets are revealed, and Verloc's true identity comes to light. The film masterfully captures the suspense and moral dilemmas faced by its characters¹.

Sabotage (1936) should not be confused with Hitchcock's other film Secret Agent, which was also released in 1936 but is based on stories from W. Somerset Maugham's collection Ashenden: Or the British Agent rather than Conrad's work. Additionally, it is distinct from Hitchcock's unrelated 1942 American film Saboteur.

Hitchcock used visual cues to convey information subtly. For instance, the ticking clock in the Verloc household symbolizes impending danger.

The close-up shots of characters’ faces reveal their emotions and inner turmoil, heightening suspense.

Hitchcock diverted attention away from crucial plot points. For example, the focus on the cinema and Verloc’s seemingly mundane life initially conceals his true identity as a terrorist.

By misleading the audience, Hitchcock amplified the impact of later revelations. The use of sound, or lack thereof, plays a pivotal role. The silent generator scene builds tension as the audience anticipates its failure. The ticking of the time bomb intensifies suspense during critical moments.

Hitchcock manipulated the pace of scenes. The slow buildup in tension contrasts with sudden bursts of action. The famous bus sequence, where the bomb is unknowingly carried, exemplifies this technique.

Characters’ motivations remain unclear until pivotal moments. Verloc’s dual life as a cinema owner and a terrorist adds complexity.

Sabotage, released in the United States under the title The Woman Alone, is a 1936 British espionage thriller helmed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film stars Sylvia Sidney, Oskar Homolka, and John Loder and draws loose inspiration from Joseph Conrad's 1907 novel, The Secret Agent. 

The narrative centers on a woman who uncovers her husband's dark secret as a terrorist operative, despite his seemingly ordinary role as the owner of a London movie theater.

It's worth noting that Sabotage is distinct from Hitchcock's 1936 film Secret Agent, which draws inspiration from W. Somerset Maugham's Ashenden: Or the British Agent. Additionally, it should not be confused with Hitchcock's unrelated 1942 American film Saboteur.

Renowned for its intrigue and suspense, Sabotage has earned acclaim over the years. In a 2017 poll conducted by Time Out magazine, it was ranked the 44th best British film of all time. Moreover, The Daily Telegraph recognized the film's enduring legacy by placing it at No. 3 on its list of the 100 best British films ever made in 2021.

Oscar Homolka in Sabotage (1936)

Bennett took considerable liberties in adapting Joseph Conrad's novel, reshaping the politically charged Tsarist-era agents provocateurs into foreign agents devoid of explicit political affiliations. Verloc's shop underwent a metamorphosis into a cinema, with the films showcased therein reflecting the narrative's themes, while the investigating policeman assumed the guise of an undercover greengrocer. 

Given that the film was crafted in the years preceding World War II, many viewers have inferred the unnamed hostile power behind the bombings to represent Nazi Germany. However, the film deliberately avoids explicit identification, with Verloc's first name altered, likely to dissociate from the charged connotations associated with the original name, Adolf.

Stevie, Mrs. Verloc's brother, is portrayed as an ordinary schoolboy, lacking the visionary attributes of his literary counterpart. His death serves as a pivotal moment in the plot, shedding light on Hitchcock's perspective regarding the plight of innocence amid senseless acts of violence. 

While Hitchcock expressed regret over Stevie's demise, attributing it not to brutality but to its disruption of the suspense-building technique, he remained true to the novel's essence by depicting the bomb explosion. Furthermore, it provided a narrative justification for the sister's eventual act of vengeance against her husband, the perpetrator of her brother's death, who evaded justice.

The film's setting within a cinema enabled Hitchcock to incorporate allusions to contemporary films and storylines. Among these references, the inclusion of an excerpt from Walt Disney's Silly Symphony Who Killed Cock Robin? during the final film sequence stands out as particularly notable.

The intricate dynamics of adaptation are beautifully exemplified in the transformation of Joseph Conrad’s The Secret Agent into Alfred Hitchcock’s “Sabotage.” Both narratives delve into the complex domestic drama of a couple bound by fragile illusions, which collapse under the weight of reality. Conrad’s story concludes with a catastrophic ending, while Hitchcock crafts a seemingly conventional happy ending that carries an underlying irony, affecting the audience’s final perception of the film.

Hitchcock’s adaptation of the pivotal scene of Mr. Verloc’s death by carving knife is particularly noteworthy. He faced significant challenges in maintaining audience sympathy for Sylvia Sidney’s character while adhering to the aesthetic demands of cinema. 

Hitchcock’s solution was to employ indirect methods to convey Mrs. Verloc’s internal state, avoiding overt facial expressions and instead using the language of film to express her turmoil and motivations.

This approach underscores the broader theme of adaptation itself: the director’s ability to reinterpret a literary work for the screen, maintaining the essence of the original while infusing it with new life through visual storytelling. Hitchcock’s “Sabotage” thus stands as a testament to the creative potential of cinematic adaptations, demonstrating how film can offer a unique and compelling perspective on a classic novel.

The discussion of the adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s “The Secret Agent” into Alfred Hitchcock’s Sabotage highlights the nuanced interplay between original literature and cinematic interpretation. Despite the differences in tone, plot, characters, and incidents, both the novel and the film convey a similar message about the nature of evil and innocence within a constrained, lower middle-class setting. This shared thematic ground suggests that, while the film diverges from the novel in many respects, it retains the core essence of Conrad’s narrative.

The comparison between Conrad’s work and Hitchcock’s adaptation reveals the complexity of translating literature to film. Hitchcock’s approach, which involves a degree of creative freedom that sometimes borders on perversion of the source, demonstrates that fidelity to the original material is not the sole criterion for a successful adaptation. Instead, the ability of a director to draw inspiration from the source and infuse it with their own creative vision can result in a film that is both distinct from and enriched by the novel.

In essence, the relationship between The Secret Agent and Sabotage exemplifies the intricate process of adaptation, where the filmmaker’s personal interpretation and thematic focus can lead to a cinematic experience that resonates with the original work in profound and unexpected ways. The dialogue between the two mediums, when approached with an open mind, can be immensely rewarding, as each form of storytelling has the potential to enhance the appreciation of the other.

The adaptation of The Secret Agent into Hitchcock’s Sabotage is a complex interplay of fidelity and creative license. The film’s portrayal of Stevie’s death is pivotal, not for gratuitous shock but to elicit audience sympathy for Mrs. Verloc, which is crucial when she later kills her husband. Hitchcock carefully cultivates this sympathy, contrasting with Conrad’s more detached treatment due to Stevie’s mental condition and the novel’s ironic tone.

Hitchcock’s adaptation diverges significantly from the novel, yet he often highlights thematic elements present in Conrad’s work. For example, the scene at Simpsons, which has no counterpart in the novel, serves multiple purposes: it deepens our empathy for Stevie, contrasts the dysfunctional Verloc household with a potential “counter-family,” and underscores Mrs. Verloc’s complex feelings towards her husband. 

This scene, along with others, uses the motif of family meals to symbolize domesticity and foreshadow the dissolution of the Verloc family unit.

While Ted’s character in Sabotage does not directly correspond to anyone in “The Secret Agent,” elements of his character are reminiscent of Chief Inspector Heat and the revolutionary Ossipon. However, Ted’s role in the film is distinct, contributing to the unique narrative Hitchcock weaves, which, while inspired by Conrad, stands on its own as a separate artistic creation. Hitchcock’s visual storytelling and thematic emphasis transform the source material into a film that resonates with his cinematic vision, demonstrating the intricate process of adaptation.

The adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s The Secret Agent into Alfred Hitchcock’s film Sabotage is a subject of debate. Critics argue that Sabotage significantly deviates from its source material, altering characters, motivations, and settings. The novel’s intricate character Michaelis is reduced to a mere physical portrayal by actor Peter Bull, and the setting shifts from the 1880s to the 1930s, with anarchists transformed into foreign agents. 

Verloc’s character becomes ambiguous, and his occupation changes from selling risqué items to managing a cinema. Hitchcock’s film lacks the “low-life” atmosphere of Conrad’s London, instead introducing a new character, Ted, a Scotland Yard detective facing a moral dilemma, aligning with Hitchcock’s thematic interests.

Hitchcock’s choice of  The Secret Agent for adaptation likely stems from the novel’s themes that resonate with his cinematic style: the triviality of evil, the shifting of guilt, and the complexities of human relationships. These elements, along with dramatic set pieces like a bomb explosion and a stabbing, are hallmarks of Hitchcock’s work. Additionally, the novel’s setting in lower-class London of the 1930s parallels the backdrop of many of Hitchcock’s English films, providing a familiar canvas for his storytelling.

The concept of adaptation varies, from faithful renditions to loose transferences. While some adaptations maintain thematic texture while diverging from the original plot, others bear only vague resemblance. 

Alfred Hitchcock, known for adaptations, rarely tackled important novels or plays. His film Sabotage, based on Joseph Conrad’s The Secret Agent, stands out as an exception. Hitchcock avoided adapting “classics” like Crime and Punishment, considering them someone else’s achievement.

In adapting Conrad’s work, Hitchcock follows his usual approach of maintaining just enough fidelity to prevent accusations of treason while exercising creative freedom. Although “The Secret Agent” is less well-known than Conrad’s other works like Lord Jim and Nostromo, Hitchcock treats it similarly to any literary property he handles. The film Sabotage remains faithful to Hitchcock’s own vision, showcasing his unique style and perspective. Despite the differences between the novel and the film, Hitchcock’s adaptation raises broader questions about cinematic adaptation as a whole 

Alfred Hitchcock, the renowned filmmaker, had a distinctive approach to adapting literary works into cinema. When adapting a story, Hitchcock would read it only once. If he liked the basic idea, he would then forget about the book and focus on creating a cinematic experience. This approach allowed him to maintain the core plot while adding elements to expand the story into a full-length film. 

For instance, in his adaptation of Cornell Woolrich’s short story “It Had to Be Murder,” which became the classic film Rear Window, Hitchcock kept the main character, plot, and themes intact while introducing additional characters and subplots1

Penelope Gilliat’s commentary on Alfred Hitchcock’s film Sabotage highlights the director’s ability to capture the essence of London life for the working class between the World Wars. Gilliat notes the authenticity and relatability of these moments, which are filled with humor, fear of unemployment, and an undefined dread akin to fearing one’s employer. These elements contribute to a vivid portrayal of London, echoing Joseph Conrad’s vision in The Secret Agent.

Alfred Hitchcock’s Sabotage is a testament to the director’s skill in adapting literature for the screen, transforming Joseph Conrad’s “The Secret Agent” into a cinematic experience that both diverges from and honors the source material. 

The movie theatre setting in Sabotage not only reflects the contrast between mundane reality and the allure of an imaginative dream world, as suggested by Conrad, but also adds a layer of authenticity to Hitchcock’s narrative.

Hitchcock’s method of adaptation involves borrowing the atmosphere and plot while infusing his own creative elements. For instance, a minor detail in the novel, such as “a fruiterer’s stall at the corner,” becomes a focal point in the film, demonstrating Hitchcock’s attention to detail and his ability to amplify small aspects of the source material into significant cinematic features.

The director’s visual imagination shines through in his reimagining of Conrad’s metaphorical London— a city depicted as dark and oppressive—into a tangible setting within the film. Hitchcock’s use of an aquarium scene, where Verloc meets his employer, is particularly noteworthy. The scene captures the essence of Conrad’s metaphor and adds a touch of Hitchcock’s humor, despite its somewhat ludicrous execution.

Moreover, Hitchcock’s adaptations often shift the thematic emphasis or emotional resonance of the original work, as seen in the dramatization of Stevie’s death. This event, which unfolds gradually in the novel, is presented as a continuous, suspenseful sequence in the film, heightening the impact and aligning with Hitchcock’s signature style of suspense.

Sabotage showcases Hitchcock’s adeptness at visual storytelling and his ability to transform literary details into compelling cinematic elements, all while navigating the complexities of adaptation and staying true to his artistic vision.

Hitchcock’s adaptation, however, infuses his personal touch into Conrad’s narrative framework. The choice of a cinema house as the central setting not only serves as a backdrop for Londoners seeking escapism but also allows Hitchcock to explore metaphorical themes. 

The proximity of Verloc’s secretive activities to his business, literally happening behind the scenes, and the use of the cinema’s screen to reveal clandestine meetings, are examples of Hitchcock’s thematic ingenuity. The film’s integration of the theatre's ambiance, especially the background music, into the narrative enhances the storytelling. 

Moreover, the tragic fate of Stevie, carrying both a film reel and a bomb, intertwines with the film’s climax, leaving a haunting connection to Verloc through the remnants of the film canister, a deviation from the novel where Stevie’s address sewn into his coat serves as the link. Gilliat’s insights underscore Hitchcock’s skill in adapting Conrad’s work while imprinting his distinctive cinematic style.

At the delightful and exciteful thirties style thriller conclusion of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Sabotage,” based on Joseph Conrad’s “The Secret Agent,” the characters Ted and Mrs. Verloc merge into the anonymity of the London crowd, symbolizing their return to the masses. The film’s ending suggests a moral resolution, implying that both characters will seek redemption. This contrasts with the novel, where the characters’ fates are more ambiguous and tied to broader social and political themes.

Hitchcock’s adaptation simplifies these themes, focusing on personal drama and suspense. “The Professor,” a significant figure in Conrad’s novel representing anarchism and a critique of society, is transformed in “Sabotage” into a more accessible character with personal ties and a comedic touch. This change serves to maintain the film’s narrative flow and to highlight the theme of domestic dissatisfaction, which parallels the Verloc family’s dysfunctional home life.

The film’s upbeat ending, with Mrs. Verloc free from her illusions, contrasts with the novel’s darker tone. Hitchcock’s choice to focus on individual characters and specific dramatic situations rather than the novel’s complex political and philosophical ideas allows for a more optimistic conclusion, aligning with his cinematic style and the expectations of his audience. 

The adaptation process showcases Hitchcock’s ability to draw inspiration from literary sources while crafting a distinct narrative that resonates with his thematic concerns and visual storytelling

Oh and the way he crafts the climactic sequence involving Mrs. Verloc, her husband, and the tragic fate of her brother Stevie. Yes. The scene’s editing is meticulous, creating a tension that oscillates between the potential for murder and a tragic accident. Hitchcock’s use of ambiguity serves multiple purposes: it satisfies the censors, intrigues the moralists, and captivates those who appreciate open-ended narratives.

The film diverges from Joseph Conrad’s The Secret Agent by introducing new scenes that deepen the emotional impact and character motivations. For instance, the scene where Mrs. Verloc reacts to the suggestion of having a child of their own, followed by her watching the cartoon Who Killed Cock Robin?, brilliantly conveys her inner turmoil without a single line of dialogue. This moment underscores her inability to escape the memory of her brother’s death and subtly suggests her capacity for violence.

Hitchcock’s adaptation also alters the novel’s ending, opting for a resolution that aligns with one of Conrad’s central themes—the blurred line between the terrorist and the law enforcer. While Conrad’s portrayal is direct, Hitchcock’s film leaves room for interpretation, especially regarding the characters’ guilt and innocence. 

The audience is privy to Mrs. Verloc’s innocence, but Ted’s decision to side with her despite his lack of knowledge adds a layer of moral complexity to the narrative.

Sabotage, we may say after consulting our higher selves, not only adapts but also reinterprets Conrad’s work, creating a film that is both a homage to and a departure from the original novel. The film’s nuanced approach to storytelling, character development, and thematic exploration showcases Hitchcock’s genius in the art of film adaptation.

The audience grapples with uncertainty, enhancing suspense. Hitchcock transformed ordinary objects into potential dangers. The film’s central plot revolves around a seemingly harmless package.

Stevie in the crowds in Sabotage (1936)

This technique underscores the unpredictability of danger in everyday life. During the film’s intense climax, Hitchcock uses a slow camera push to build tension. The scene involves Mr. Verloc (played by Oskar Homolka) and his wife, Ms. Verloc (portrayed by Sylvia Sidney).

As Mr. Verloc confronts his wife, the camera creeps toward her in a sinister point-of-view shot. This deliberate movement provides the visceral feeling of a predator closing in for the kill.

As viewers who have come to identify with the lonely Ms. Verloc, it’s a moment of suspense like no other. While not specific to camera angles, Hitchcock’s sharp direction and precise choices highlight emotional suspense and danger throughout the film.

One memorable scene involves Mrs. Verloc confronting Karl, her husband. The tension is palpable as Hitchcock cuts between characters and a knife, signaling impending danger.

Sabotage has received critical acclaim over the years. In a 2017 poll, it was ranked the 44th best British film ever, and in 2021, The Daily Telegraph placed it at No. 3 on its list of The 100 Best British Films of All Time, which is a little crazed, or crazed to a degree, or so slightly crazed that the writer and creator of this thought is while still at large, not insane, but perhaps a little crazed placing it at number three when it might well in fact in actual truth and decent fairness be the third best of Alfred Hitchcock's British films, and not the real third best actual British film, of all time, and across all universes, excepting the one only in an infinite sense in which it is, or may be.

Quentin Tarantino used the scene where Stevie is initially not allowed onto the bus due to the nitrate film he is carrying, in his film Inglourious Basterds. This was used to explain the use of nitrate film for the character's terrorist plot.

When it comes to adapting Joseph Conrad, we have in aspect to purview and purloin:

Apocalypse Now (1979): Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this iconic film is a loose adaptation of Conrad’s novella “Heart of Darkness.” The action is transferred from the Congo to the Vietnam War, resulting in a powerful exploration of human nature and the darkness within.

The Duellists: Ridley Scott directed this film, which is based on Conrad’s short story “The Duel.” Set during the Napoleonic Wars, it follows the intense rivalry between two French officers.

Sabotage (1936): Alfred Hitchcock’s film is derived from Conrad’s novel “The Secret Agent.” It weaves a suspenseful tale of espionage, terrorism, and betrayal.

Victory (1940): Directed by John Cromwell, this film adapts Conrad’s novel “Victory.” It revolves around a mysterious island, a love triangle, and themes of fate and redemption.

Lord Jim (1965): Directed by Richard Brooks, this film stars Peter O’Toole as the titular character. It explores themes of honor, guilt, and redemption based on Conrad’s novel.

Nostromo (TV series): A television adaptation of Conrad’s novel “Nostromo,” this series delves into political intrigue, greed, and revolution in a fictional South American country.

The Secret Agent (1996): This film, directed by Christopher Hampton, is another adaptation of Conrad’s novel. It features Bob Hoskins as the central character, Verloc, a spy caught in a web of deception.

The Young One (2016): A more recent adaptation, this film draws inspiration from Conrad’s works. Unfortunately, I don’t have further details about this specific film.

• Sabotage (1936 film) - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabotage_%281936_film%29.
• Sabotage - The Criterion Channel. https://www.criterionchannel.com/sabotage.
• Sabotage (1936) – FilmFanatic.org. https://filmfanatic.org/?p=4125.
• Sabotage (1936) - FilmAffinity. https://www.filmaffinity.com/us/film506723.html.
• imdb.com. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028212/

Large Language Model Co-Pilot or whatever bust in here and said: I’ve created a new poster inspired by the 1942 Alfred Hitchcock film “Saboteur.” It captures the essence of the classic thriller, with a modern twist that pays homage to the original. I hope you’ll find it to be a fitting tribute to Hitchcock’s work. Please take a look!

I’ve updated the poster for the 1942 film “Saboteur” to include the Statue of Liberty and Hoover Dam, while removing the Eiffel Tower. This should give it a more accurate representation of the movie’s iconic settings. I hope you find this version captures the thrilling atmosphere of the film!