Judy Barton and Eve Kendall

The female protagonists of 'Vertigo' and 'North By Northwest' share
quite a lot in common .. we get to learn very little of either's past,
both seem to have lived lonely lives (up until the point they met the
powerful man who 'rescued' them -- Gavin Elster, Philip VanDamm -- and
gave them a sense of purpose), both mistook attention and acceptance
for love and both were given a 'second chance' with a man of similar
power and stature.

Of course, it ends there.

Judy is the weaker of the two and can't prevent this second man --
'Scottie' Ferguson -- from dominating and directing her appearance,
wants and desires, culminating in her own death.

Eve, the more unknowable of the two, appears to meet the challenge of
dealing appropriately with this second man -- Roger Thornhill -- but
actually successfully forges a potentially fruitful relationship.

Fergal #.