The plot of Alfred Hitchock’s Strangers on a Train hinges on the idea of two people swapping murders, a “criss-cross.” However, the whole “criss-cross” theme doesn’t just apply to the story, it’s also constantly echoed in the sets, costumes, and props.
You can see it in train tracks…
…on walls…
…on bookshelves….
…on fences (also in the strings of the tennis rackets)….
…on tennis nets…
…on windows…
…on bedding…
…in hat netting…
…and in the necklines of shirts.
Several characters are seen wearing shirts and jackets with plaid prints.
Guy’s lighter and jacket both feature criss-crossed tennis rackets.
When Guy first meets Bruno on the train, he’s wearing a tie with a criss-crossed pattern.