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Mar. 12, 2006 Alfred Hitchcock is widely known through out the world of suspense as the master. One movie that drives this home is “Psycho.” His character development is evident in this movie and in his other movies such as “The Birds,” “North By Northwest,” and “Rear Window.” For years his television show, “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” was one of the most popular shows in its day. Hitchcock is one of my favorite suspense masters and in honor of that, I decided to dedicate this column to a man that saw terror but was as gentle as a lamb. Hitchcock was born in Leytonstone, London, England on August 13, 1899, just one day before the birth of his wife, Alma Revile whom he married on December 2,1926. They had only one child, a daughter that was a secondary role in “Psycho.” Anyone who worked with him describes him as a soft-spoken man but also a perfectionist in his job. He always wore a black suit with a black tie. People say that not only was he professional but demanded excellence from his actors. Little known fact about Hitchcock was that he preferred blondes in the leading roles in his movies. No one really knows why. His two leading ladies in “Psycho” were Vera Miles and Janet Leigh was both blondes. Rumor has it that while Alma was pregnant with their daughter; he could hardly look at her. But a truth about Hitchcock is that in ALL of his movies, he had a cameo. Never having a speaking part, but a walk on role. Due to that fact, many fans knew it was a true Hitchcock film. You have to watch the movies closely to catch the cameo. But my biggest disappointment was the 1998 remake of “Psycho.” I do not think that Anne Heche did as well of a job as Janet Leigh. Janet had more of a personality that one felt with her. Anne was more like T&A. Passion was lacking in the remake. I’m glad that the Hollywood machine has not decided to dirty the memory of the Great Hitch by remaking anymore of his famous movies. Could you imagine “Rear Window” without the great Jimmy Stewart? Or what about “North By Northwest,” without the talented genius that was Cary Grant? I think Hollywood is better off without the remakes of classical suspense movies. I feel that they sully the original directors by remaking some of the greatest films of all time. Remaking the originals sometimes is laughable and not suspense but leaning towards the horror category. If more original works are re-done to today’s standards, then we might as well rewrite Edgar Allen Poe. But one thing is for sure, Hitch’s movies stand the test of time and suspense. I still get jitters to this day when I watch “The Birds.” I guess it’s because Chicago is filled with pigeons. Everywhere you look, there they are. Some are smart and run from people, but others will come straight up to you when you have food. And yes, pigeon poop stings (don’t ask!) ------------ About the author: Kaycee Nilson has completed her first novel, "Night Falls on Chicago." The first two chapters can be viewed at http://www.KayceeNilson.com. Besides writing columns for Useless-Knowledge, Kaycee is currently working on two more novels, "From the Mind of a Vampire", and "I'll Love You Til You Die." If you have enjoyed what you read, or would like to leave Kaycee a message, please visit her message board at http://www.KayceeNilson.com/Board Email: Kaycee@kayceenilson.com Comment on this article here! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com. Please link to this article rather than copying and pasting it onto your site (which would be unauthorized and illegal). |
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