By Chicago Times Magazine – 

June 30, 2024 

James Stewart and Alfred Hitchcock, a versatile actor and a legendary director churned out cinematic gold like Rear Window and Vertigo. However, there’s a Hitchcock masterpiece where Stewart wasn’t the leading man: North by Northwest. The story behind this casting twist is a fascinating one, filled with miscommunication and a touch of Hitchcockian intrigue.

According to several written sources, Hitchcock allegedly discussed the film’s plot with Stewart, leading the actor to believe he was being offered the role. Stewart, known for his “everyman” persona, would have brought a different dimension to Roger Thornhill (ROT), the mistaken identity protagonist, compared to Cary Grant’s suave transatlantic charm.  Another source also alleges that Hitchcock always envisioned Cary Grant for the role since his acting style would be suited for the lighter and comedic elements sprinkled into the film.

According to a well known movie database, the misunderstanding between Stewart and Hitchcock wasn’t cleared up immediately. Allegedly, Hitchcock, perhaps fearing Stewart’s disappointment, delayed production until Stewart was already committed to another film (possibly Bell Book and Candle or Anatomy of a Murder). By the time Hitchcock officially offered him the role, Stewart had no choice but to decline.

This little-known anecdote adds another layer to the Stewart-Hitchcock collaboration. While they made some of cinema’s most suspenseful films, it seems even the Master of Suspense couldn’t always perfectly orchestrate his casting choices.

Feature image: Studio publicity photo of James Stewart | 20th Century Fox