‘The Man Who Knew Too Much’: A Hitchcock Movie’s Marvelous Music
Wall Street Journal
Last updated: April 25, 2026
The 1956 remake of Alfred Hitchcock's "The Man Who Knew Too Much" is primarily remembered for Doris Day's performance of the Oscar-winning song "Que Sera, Sera." The film's musical elements, beyond the hit song, are significant to its plot and atmosphere. Bernard Herrmann composed the score, which includes a memorable cantata.
- The film prominently features a musical sequence at the Royal Albert Hall, where a cantata composed by Bernard Herrmann is central to a crucial assassination plot. This scene is designed to convey a message during the performance, which is integral to the narrative's suspense.
- Doris Day’s character, Jo McKenna, sings "Que Sera, Sera" not only as a lullaby to her son but also as a method of communication to her kidnapped child, revealing their location. This dual use of the song highlights its thematic importance and Day's character's resourcefulness.
- Herrmann’s score effectively builds tension and emotional resonance, supporting Hitchcock’s directorial vision. The music is not merely incidental but a vital narrative tool, enhancing both the suspense and the emotional core of the story.
- The film’s use of music, from the grand cantata to the intimate lullaby, demonstrates how sound and song can be masterfully employed to drive a thriller's plot and deepen its character development.
