Champagne

Hitchcock's sly blend of fantasy, game-playing and frightening lechery, and his continually inventive visuals, make for an intriguing exploration of '20s high-life.

To anyone interested in the history of film, Champagne includes the earliest known examples of freeze-frame techniques, highlighting how innovative Hitchcock was.

The story and character work get the job done, but aren't likely to leave a lasting impression.

The direction is lively and often overinventive, as was frequently the case during the early, experimental phase of his career.

Though a minor work, this worldly comedy is handsomely staged, and Hitchcock's dry wit is already in evidence.