Joseph Cotton might have been better in 'Vertigo'

Just saw Joseph Cotton in "Niagara". He might have worked better as Scotty Ferguson because he plays the "sap" more convincingly, and doesn't carry the "George Bailey,Mr.Smith, L.B.Jeffries,Dr.Ben McKenna, western hero baggage" that Stewart brought to the role. His age would be the only questionable part. Will definitely expand on this later...
Having said that, let me admit that this discussion is purely academic. The principles are long gone, the film is almost 50 years old, and nothing can be done about it now. It is interesting to me to finally see the alternate ending (which foreign exhibitors demanded...don't forget that, and I like it very much. Provides some very much needed closure); and the realization that Hitchcock was displeased (in retropect anyway) with Jimmy Stewart's reception with the audience. So...maybe another actor would have been a better choice.
There is no doubt that "Vertigo" with Joseph Cotton would have been a much different film. Audiences expected "downbeat stories" with him, so he might have "fit right in with the plot"...who knows? My personal opinion is that he would have been a better "Scotty", and it would have been a much better film with him in the major role! "Turn over in your grave, Hitch!!".



Regards,

RSGRE