A Hitchcock Primer

A friend of mine, who is considered something of a film buff, recently confided to a shocking secret. He had never seen North by Northwest. I know. Gasp! Then I realized there aren't many twenty-somethings who have seen most of Hitchcock's movies. Even if you were born after Hitchcock died (1980) there is no reason to remain in the dark. Just in time for Halloween, herewith is a Hitchcock primer. Put these in your queue now.

Joan Fontaine and Laurence Olivier in Rebecca

Rebecca (1940) A classic ghost story...if said ghost lives in a ridiculously amazing manse in England. Laurence Olivier stars as the troubled husband and Joan Fontaine as his sheltered second wife who slowly realizes Rebecca, his first wife, may still be around. Judith Anderson is amazing as Mrs. Danvers. A plus, everything in the house is monogrammed.

North by Northwest (1959) Cary Grant stars as a Mad Men style ad man who is mistaken for a killer. Mistaken identity is a big theme throughout Hitchcock's films and this example is just perfection. He is chased all over the U.S., which makes it even more of a must see. Eva Marie Saint epitomizes the icy Hitchcock blonde as a double agent.

Grace Kelly and James Stewart in Rear Window

Rear Window (1954) The incomparable Grace Kelly makes this the best movie on the list in my book. James Stewart is a photographer recuperating from a recent accident that has him wheelchair bound. Kelly is his girlfriend Lisa Fremont who works at Bazaar (of course!) and delivers him meals from 21 while dreaming of an engagement. While under house arrest, Stewart entertains himself by surveying the view outside his window and peeking into the lives of his neighbors. One such neighbor he finds may have killed his wife. And so the whodunit begins.

To Catch a Thief (1955) Cary Grant is the "cat burglar" accused of a string of robberies in Monte Carlo. Grace Kelly is an American vacationing with a yen for adventure. This movie is amazing for so many reasons, the acting, the double entendres, but most of all Kelly's wardrobe and jewelry. I'm still trying to find gloves similar to the ones she wears on the drive up the cliffs.

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) Another James Stewart film. This one co-stars Doris Day and involves an amazing chase scene through Morocco. Definitely worth a viewing.

Vertigo (1958) Yet another with James Stewart. In my opinion, the best one with him in it. A detective is investigating his friend's suicidal wife. After she kills herself Stewart becomes obsessed with a woman who looks just like her. An amazing movie and the shopping scene is so beyond.

Psycho (1960) I hope I don't need to explain this one. Scariest shower scene ever.

Tippi Hedren in The Birds

The Birds (1963) Hitchcock had something of a thing for blondes as you may know. His obsession was probably the creepiest during this movie with Tippi Hedren (Melanie Griffith's mom). She scorned his advances and he threw live birds at her. So there you go. This movie is so amazingly stylish despite the fact that Hedren wears the same outfit throughout the entire thing. Her manicure and cigarette case to me epitomize '60s chic.

I hope you'll see at least one Hitchcock movie, if not the whole bunch. There are so many more great ones.

Happy Halloween!

xoxo

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