Today, Thursday, August 13, 2015, the film world is celebrating the birthday of one of its greatest directors: Alfred Hitchcock. To mark the occasion, and as part of your language study trip to the U.S., LEC takes a look back at the life and work of this giant of the silver screen.
Alfred Hitchcock: British or American?
Some of Her Majesty’s subjects are less than thrilled when Alfred Hitchcock is referred to as“American.” And for good reason: when he was born on August 13, 1899, in Leytonstone, he was, in fact, British. He wouldn’t obtain American citizenship until 1955—a fact you might boast about during your language study trip to the U. S.
"Rebecca," the first film of his American period
Born in the northeastern suburbs of London, he was the son of a poultry wholesaler. Interested in art and the performing arts from a very young age, he began what experts have dubbed his“British period.” In 1925, producer Michael Balcon offered him his first chance to direct. The result? The Pleasure Garden. The Englishman wouldn’t direct his first American film until 1940: it was Rebecca, in which he directed his compatriot Laurence Olivier.
From *Rear Window* to *Psycho*
As a director, screenwriter, and producer, Alfred Hitchcock quickly earned his reputation as the master of suspense and a leading figure in the thriller genre. Many of his films have left an indelible mark on the history of cinema. Among them are:
- The 39 Steps
- The Crime Was Almost Perfect
- Window on the Courtyard
- Cold sweats
- The Man Who Would Be King
- Psychosis
- The Birds
Was Alfred Hitchcock prolific?
When Alfred Hitchcock passed away, he was 80 years old: it was April 29, 1980, in Los Angeles. Over the course of his nearly 60-year career, he directed no fewer than 53 feature films.