He became as well known as his actors. That was Sir Alfred Hitchcock. He was the Master of Suspense. We are here to celebrate his legacy in London.
Alfred Joseph Hitchcock was born on August 13, 1899. His birthplace was Leytonstone in Essex. It is now the outskirts of East London. His parents, William and Emma Jane Hitchcock, were Roman Catholics. Discipline characterized their household.
Hitchcock initially trained as a technical clerk and copywriter. In 1919, he entered the film industry. He started as a title card designer. His directorial debut was in 1925. It was the British-German silent film The Pleasure Garden. The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog in 1927 helped shape the thriller genre. Blackmail in 1929 was the first British talkie. The 39 Steps and The Lady Vanishes are among the greatest British films.
By 1939, Hitchcock had international recognition. Producer David O. Selznick persuaded him to move to Hollywood. Successful films followed. These included Rebecca, Foreign Correspondent, and Suspicion. Rebecca won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Hitchcock was nominated as Best Director. He also received Oscar nominations for Lifeboat, Spellbound, Rear Window, and Psycho.
Hitchcock’s other notable films include Rope, Strangers on a Train, and Vertigo. North by Northwest and The Birds were also financially successful. Film historians highly regard these films. Hitchcock made films with Hollywood’s biggest stars. Cary Grant and James Stewart each starred in four. Ingrid Bergman and Grace Kelly starred in three films each. Hitchcock became an American citizen in 1955.
Hitchcock became known for his suspenseful style. He was an innovator in cinema. His techniques create anxiety and fear. His films often explore voyeurism. Rear Window, Marnie, and Psycho exemplify this. Many of his films involve mistaken identity. An innocent protagonist is accused of a crime. They are pursued by the police. Hitchcock believed this created greater audience engagement.
He also had a recurring cameo theme. He appeared briefly in most of his films.
In 1926, Hitchcock married Alma Reville. She was an English screenwriter. She converted to Catholicism before their marriage. The couple honeymooned in Paris, Lake Como, and St. Moritz. They had one daughter, Patricia. Reville became her husband’s closest collaborator. She wrote or co-wrote many of Hitchcock’s films. These included Shadow of a Doubt and The 39 Steps.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents ran from 1955 to 1965. His droll delivery and gallows humor made him a celebrity. The show’s title sequence featured a minimalist caricature of his profile. The series theme tune was Funeral March of a Marionette.
He received many awards. These included two Golden Globes and the AFI Life Achievement Award. In 1980, he received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II. Sir Alfred Hitchcock passed away on April 29, 1980. He left behind a legacy that continues to influence cinema.
The sculpture before you stands as a testament to Hitchcock’s genius. It serves as a reminder of the Master of Suspense. His innovative techniques changed filmmaking forever. His work is full of iconic and unforgettable scenes. Consider Psycho’s shower scene. It influenced countless films. Hitchcock’s London roots shaped his early career. These films show the start of a legendary career.