Alfred Hitchcock

Sir Alfred Hitchcock directed some of the greatest suspense films of all time. Although his reputation has suffered somewhat because of the slasher/horror films he made in the early 1960s, his work in the 1940s and 50s presented some of the most complex, fascinating, and suspenseful films ever made. His life and amazing body of work are highlighted in this multimedia presentation.

Before “Psycho” and “The Birds,” Hitchcock created some of the most memorable suspense films ever made. Often starring Cary Grant or James Stewart opposite an icy blonde like Kim Novak or Grace Kelly, the Golden Era of Hitchcock films were mysterious, exciting, and clever movies packed with tension. 

Consider the masterpiece “Rear Window.” Stewart plays a globe-trotting photographer who is confined to his apartment with a broken leg. He spends all day staring at the apartments across the courtyard, making up stories to explain the actions of the residents. But when he suspects that one of them has committed a murder, his obsession becomes overwhelming. He draws his girlfriend and his nurse into believing his theory. Hitchcock’s mastery can be shown when you realize we, the audience, do not actually know if a murder took place at all! But for two hours we lean forward, anxiously waiting to find out if what we think we have seen is what really happened!

Alfred Hitchcock directed “Vertigo” which is considered by some critics to be the best movie ever made! “North By Northwest” contains two of the most iconic shots in cinema history! Who can forget Cary Grant running through a field being chased by a crop duster or the mad scramble across Mount Rushmore? Hitchcock’s style, understated wit, and clever personal cameos all worked together to create a unique and wonderful body of work. So distinctive is the style of Alfred Hitchcock that all subsequent suspense films are inevitably compared to his work!

We will also explore the twisted mind and complex life of Alfred Hitchcock