North By Northwest (1957) - This classic lived up to its status as a thoroughly enjoyable proto-James Bond style thriller. Funnier and less serious than I expected it to be - characteristics that would normally put me off a thriller, but Hitchcock's mastery makes it work. Early train scenes were surprisingly sexual for the time and give an indication of the themes Hitchcock would go on to develop in much more depth in masterpieces like Vertigo and Psycho.

Mill of the Stone Women (1960) - Enjoyable colour gothic horror with a unique setting. Some beautiful images to be found here, photographed with a style similar to that of Mario Bava's '60's horrors, albeit slightly more conservative.

Overall the film lacks edge; compared to Bava's contemporaneous "Mask of Satan" there is little in the way of genuine horror. Still, worthwhile watching for the visuals and stmospheric setting.