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"1) The opening scene clearly depicts travelers waiting despairingly for the next train to depart. Suddenly the mood is defined by the folkloric and whimsical background music. the switch is effective. Hitchcock introduces minor characters of different backgrounds to add dark humor and flavor to the scene. the hotel manager dominates the scene with his comical fast paced mannerisms.he gives orders in several languages in an exaggerated way.Evidence of the influence of slapstick \n. \n2)The two gentlemen serve as the Greek chorus for the viewer, gossiping like two old ladies and giving us info on the action.Their comments are very political, a sly way for Hitch to tell us what he thinks. \n  \n3)Iris the star is identified by the constant focus of the camera on her. The hotel manager addresses her by name and by passes others to tend to her. She leads the others up the stairs (including Boris) and makes the decisions for her group. She even orders a magnum of champagne.A little uppity but interesting. "
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