The Austin Film Society's current series is devoted to films whose greatness serves as a tribute to George Morris, the Film Society's mentor and "patron saint"; and a former film critic for The Austin Chronicle. One of Hitchcock's lesser-known works, I Confess tells the story of a priest who is accused of a murder he didn't commit but who also refuses to clear his name because the real murderer confessed to him within the sanctity of the confession booth. As the priest, Montgomery Clift wrestles with moral questions that concern not only his personal responsibilities to his vows but the Church's responsibility for allowing a murderer to walk around free. Anne Baxter plays the woman who still carries a torch for this man of the cloth, who courted her during their youth but then settled down for a life within the Church. Clift's performance is moody, the kind of slow, psychological approach rarely witnessed in Hitchcock's films. It is not one of Hitchcock's greatest films, but it sure is one of the most infrequently shown. This screening represents a rare opportunity. For more info on the series (and more reviews by Morris) see the May 28 Screens section of the Chronicle, call the AFS at 322-0145, or see http://www.austinfilm.org.(NR, 95 min.) @Texas Union; Tue (7/20), 8pm; free admission but donations accepted at the door to benefit the D. Montgomery Award.
D: Alfred Hitchcock; with Montgomery Clift, Anne Baxter, Karl Malden.