Dead of Winter (1987) | Presenting Hitchcock Podcast

Gooooood evening. In this month’s episode of Presenting Hitchcock, Cory and Aaron chase the role of a lifetime as they discuss Dead of Winter.

Written by: Marc Shmuger & Mark Malone

Based on the novel “The Woman in Red” by Anthony Gilbert (uncredited)

Starring: Mary Steenburgen, Roddy McDowell, Jan Rubes and William Russ

Directed by: Arthur Penn

Trailer:

Our Favourite Trivia:

Hitchcock comparisons:

Stage Fright

Rope

Spellbound

Shadow of a Doubt

The Lady Vanishes

Anothony Gilbert’s book “The Woman in Red” was previously adapted to film as My Name Is Julia Ross (1945). Dead of Winter has several references to the previous film; the character of Dr. Joseph Lewis is named for the film’s director Joseph H. Lewis, and the deceased Julie Rose is a reworking of the title character’s name.

The film was originally set to be directed by screenwriter Marc Shmuger, a classmate and friend of Arthur Penn’s son Matthew. Penn was attached as an executive producer. A few days into production, Shumager found himself in over his head, so producer John Bloomgarden took over directing in the interim. Studio executive Alan Ladd, Jr. convinced Penn to take over directing.

Exteriors were filmed on location in Toronto and Beaverton, Ontario, Canada. Much of the film was shot at Lake Shore Studios in Toronto, where the interior of the mansion was built across several soundstages.

The role of Katie McGovern’s brother, Roland, is played by screenwriter Mark Malone.

The Random Draw for Next Picture:

Next up, not so random (this month) but we’ll make good and be discussing Double Jeopardy (1999)

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