North By Northwest

Why Is North By Northwest Rated Not Rated?

Overall: B

A case of mistaken identity forces Roger O. Thornhill (Cary Grant) to run for his life while trying to clear his name. This classic Hitchcock tale is usually heading for suspense, while taking the occasional detour for some mild verbal sexual innuendo.

Violence: C+

Men with concealed weapons kidnap a character. Murderous threats and plans are made. Man is held down and forced to drink a large amount of liquor. Once intoxicated, the man is placed behind the wheel of a moving vehicle; several near accidents and a crash occur. Later a crash ends in an explosion. Fleeing character stows away on a train and steals a vehicle. Various characters die from stabbings, shootings, and falling from a great height (no graphic details are shown.) A plane swoops down and nearly hits a character, then sprays crop dusting chemicals on him. Several fistfights occur. Characters’ lives are in peril during a chase scene.

Sexual Content: C+

An unmarried and very liberal woman and a divorced womanizing man engage in a provocative conversation laden with sexual innuendo and open invitations. A few other references to sex, marriage and one-night-stands are made. Couple kisses passionately, and a sexual relationship is implied.  A man is shown in his underwear, another with only a towel wrapped around his waist.

Language: B+

At Least: 3 mild profanities and some name-calling.

Alcohol / Drug Use: C

Characters drink alcohol frequently, including at meals, social gatherings, and private meetings. One character is forced to drink a large amount of alcohol, which makes him intoxicated. Stressed character says he “could use a drink.” Main female character smokes a cigarette.