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"1. Using specific examples, describe how Hitchcock opens The Lady Vanishes. What tone, mood, or atmosphere is Hitchcock establishing for the audience very early on in this picture? Pay particular attention to the music.  \nJudging from the facial expressions of the seated guests, the mood seems to be that of frustration contrasted by the light hearted charm of Ms. Froy. In a way, she is already set apart from the rest as someone to pay attention to. After all, she is the lady who vanishes later in the film.  \nThe clock seemed like a cattle call which indeed it was as the innkeeper gathers all guests prompting them to reserve a room as quickly as possible. Yet, the clock also reflects an attempt to restore order amidst chaos. \n  \n2. Discuss the characters of Caldicott and Charters in this scene. What do the performances of Caldicott and Charters add to this scene.  \nPeanut Gallery. They provide the comedic element, but they also seem to critique the situation and other characters on scene; sort of influencing or at least presenting to the viewing audience how we should see other characters/situations. \n  \n3. From their doorway entrance to their staircase exit, describe how Hitchcock uses dialogue, camera movement, and the placement of characters in the frame to establish Iris (Margaret Lockwood) as the star of this scene.  \nFirst, I have to say that Iris is a total snob, and I'm glad she is put in her place as the film progresses. I can't stand her character. That said... \nIris establishes herself as the leader of the trio walking in front. She is the speaker as she explains their reason for their early arrival from an outing. The other two just gaggle in the background. If either of them says anything not to her liking, she lightly scolds them. Ex: When her friend mentions eating a horse, she retorts \"Don't put any ideas into his head.\" \nThere is also this air of superiority as she corrects the innkeeper's pronunciation of avalanche (and he said it correctly). A bit of an insult considering the innkeeper is a polyglot. Iris is also a self-absorbed brat. Everyone is facing the same transportation problem, but \"I have to get home tomorrow! How long before they dig it out?\" It's all about her own needs. The innkeeper happily obliges to her every command all the while ignoring his other guests. \nThroughout the scene as the camera moves, Iris is always at the center until they move up the stairs and she leads the pack all the while (literally) talking down to them. "
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