MMTH, your conscious effort to broaden your horizons is admirable; keep it up! And I can relate to you, somewhat, in being disappointed by Vertigo (1958). It wasn't my first Hitchcock film, but it was the first one where I was left afterwards thinking, "Is this supposed to be his best work?" I had found Foreign Correspondent (1940) and Psycho (1960) much more enjoyable films. But now, since going back to Vertigo (and I intend to do the same soon), I appreciate it more and more every time. It's his most complex film, in terms of narrative and character, I think.

In short: Vertigo may perhaps not be the best film to start off with Hitch. Try, for quicker, less "deep" films, the following: Foreign Correspondent (1940), Rope (1948), Rear Window (1954), North by Northwest (1959), or Psycho (1960).

Thanks,
Mick