Book Description

In a career that spanned six decades and more than sixty films, Alfred Hitchcock was the dominant figure in the first century of cinema. His films -- from The 39 Steps to The Birds, from Rear Window to Vertigo, from Notorious to Psycho -- set new standards for cinematic invention and storytelling élan. He was both visionary artist and consummate entertainer ... and became the most widely recognized director who ever lived.

In the decades since his death, the public image of Hitchcock has crystallized into a series of iconic images: the macabre Englishman, the sexual obsessive, the Master of Suspense. But this remarkable new biography -- the first in a quarter-century -- draws on prodigious new research to restore Hitchcock the man, in all his three-dimensional glory. Here is the comprehensive film craftsman, forever pushing forward the boundaries of his art. Here is the passionate collaborator, who cheekily referred to actors as "cattle" but invigorated the careers of Cary Grant, James Stewart, Ingrid Bergman, and Grace Kelly. Here is the insatiable provocateur, testing the limits of his audience with his cocktails of sex and violence. And here, too, is the private man: dedicated romantic, constant trickster, impotent voyeur, devoted husband, a man who sacrificed his life, again and again, for his work.

Like the best Hitchcock films, Patrick McGilligan's life of Hitchcock is a drama full of fresh revelation, graced by a central love story, dark humor, and cliff-hanging suspense: a definitive portrait of the most creative, and least understood, figure in film history.

Customer Reviews (15)

Excellent biography of "The Master"
An excellent, straightforward telling of Hitchcock's life and career.

What a remarkable life Hitchcock had. He lived to make movies and achieved commercial and (eventually) critical success - while developing his own distinctive style. Now considered by many to be the greatest film director of all time.

Hitchcock was not only a great film-maker but also a master self-publicist and a man with many hangups. If you are interested in Hitchcock, then this book will not disappoint.

Simply The Best
This is simply one of the best biographys I have read in a long time. Incredible detail about the world of Alfred Hitchcock and his movies. The book is packed full of information and their are no lulls in the story of Hitch at all. From Blackmail, The 39 Steps, Rebecca, Rear Window, NbNW, and Frenzy you get all the information about Alfred Hitchcocks triumphs and the story behind them. A definate read for *any* fan of movies and how they are made. McGilligan has written a book that is worth at least 3 reads to absorb all the information.

Best ever Biography?
This has to rank as one of the best biographies of a film maker ever written. Rich in detail, both personal as well as professional, the book is a joy to read, sending me happily back to my collection of Hitch's movies for yet another look, but with eyes opened wider than ever before. A book I shall treasure forever.

Tons of Information
The author of this book did not forget one tiny detail. Everything you ever wanted to know about Alfred Hitchcock, personally or professionally, is in this book. It is highly recommended.

Best entry into the world of Hitch bios
McGilligan's Alfred Hitchcock : A Life in Darkness and Light is not a "tell all the dirty secrets" biography, but rather a serious attempt to examine the man and his life, filling in the piecesthrough interviews, letters and published writings. That very much works in its favor. While other bios have often focused on the "dark" side of the Master of Suspense, painting a portrait of a disturbed man, McGilligan's work is more measured. We see the darkness, but we also see the light. There are some "tell all" moments that show Hitchcock's strange/dark side, but they don't come across as too gossipy.

The pacing is a bit off - the initial chapters, for instance, spend far too much time dealing with a handful of short stories he wrote for publication prior to his film career - but the writing is good, and more detail is gone into on the state of Hitchcock's life during each individual film than any other bio. It's a really strong look into his life AND his films.

For film lovers, the looks at how Hitch handled direction and his inventiveness are especially a joy to read. You get a very strong insight into how the master worked, which made me appreciate his films all the more.

This bio is very long, but also very comprehensive. Highly reocmmended. ... Read more

Book Description
This completely revised and updated edition of the classic text describes and analyzes every movie made by master filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Great Hitchcock study
Shortly after Donald Spoto completed his book, Alfred Hitchcock read the book and then had a lunch with the author.He agreed with almost everything in the book about Spoto's scholarly approach to the movies Hitchcock directed.If you ever want to study the master's work, watch one of his movies and then read the chapter devoted to that movie (almost all of his movies are featured in this book) and you'll learn stuff you did not know.That's what makes this a good book.Now . . . Spoto did write a second book on Hitchcock, a biography, but avoid that because there is so many mistakes and many people who worked with Hitchcock personally on his movies lost friendships with other actors and technicians that it's best to avoid that book.But this one is one of the three must-reads devoted to Hitchcock.

(The other two must-reads are the Francois Traffaut book and Grams and Wikstrom's "The Alfred Hitchcock Presents Companion".Together with these two and this book, you have the essential library and all-you-really-need references for all things Hitchcock.)

Not bad
Good book, a little long.Gives plenty of details on Hitchock's projects.Good reference book.

Better to watch the films instead
This is not a biography but rather a discussion of each of Hitchcock's films. For each film there is:
- Detailed synopsis
- Cast and Crew details
- Analysis of the film

These first two of these items can be obtained from the Internet for free and who really wants to know the details of the story anyway?
The analysis of each film is largely a waste of time as Spoto tends to over-analyse each film to the point of distraction while offering no real insights.

If you want to find out more about Hitchcock's films I would recommend McGilligan's excellent biography. This discusses each film in the context of Hitchcock's life and career and is far more illuminating.

Shallow
While this book covers all of his works, it doesn't cover any of them in any depth.Each chapter is mostly an incomplete synopsis of the plot, followed by an very abbreviated analysis.The analyses are shallow and vary greatly in their acumen.

The art or Alfred Hitchock:Fifty years of his motion pictures
Wonderful book and seller. Thank you!!
Joan ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

a passable collection of horror stories
This short story collection contains some jewels and duds.The stories are either American or English in origin, written sometime between the 1920s and 1960s.I found this book to be the perfect remedy for filling in some dead time by reading a short story.Also, the book contains a novel by John Wyndham.Unfortunately the novel, about underwater sea monsters, is not one of Wyndham's better efforts.It is also somewhat less of a horror story than a science fiction novel.


Bottom line: competent but generally forgettable.

Truly incredible!
I can't stress enough what a great anthology this is. Some amazing works are displayed, and though I am (was) not familiar with any of the authors here, there are a couple of stories that I believe are worthy of being called masterpieces.
For those looking for a jolt of raw horror, "The Road to Mictlantecutli", a classic tale of morality set against the desert of New Mexico, "Camera Obscura", about an introverted millionare's fastenating title device, "Party Games" about a not-so-innocent [...] child, and "The Knife" will fit the bill nicely.
Those looking for terror in the form of monsters need look no further than "It", a novellette about a highly-eveloved mold spore (written, fastenatingly, from the monster's perspective) "FishHead", a nasty little tale straight out of a Southern bayou, "Men With No Bones",and the bizarre "The Troll". Those who are looking for subtly-crafted tales will find pleasure with "One of the Dead" about a haunted house amongst the Hollywood mansions, "X Marks The Pedwalk", a disturbing tale about urban violence (apparently set in the future), "Not With a Bang",a post-apocalyptic tale with an ending that will leave you thinking, and the disturbing and strangely sad "A Death in the Family", about a man with a gruesome surprise in his basement.
If you like a dash of humor with your horror, the hilarious
"Tough Town", about a traveling salesman who gets a grim surprise after abscently striking a man's dog, and "The Canidate", about an organization working towards one common good--the death of a single, hated individual.

Now I would like to adress a few tales that I believe are true masterpieces: "Journey to Death". This story, about two men stranded in a tiny, air-sealed room in a sunken cruiseliner, is one of the most disturbing stories I have ever read, right up their with Stephen King's "Survivor Type". Then there is "Casablanca", a story that takes the reputably beautiful city and shows it in a disturbing, alien light. The final sentence of this particularly long short story is simply unforgettable.

The book concludes with the very good novel "Out of the Deeps", an interesting take on an alien invasion story. This novel is intelligent, but never allows for the suspense to drop. Recommened for late-night reading.

Of this entire volume, the only stories I can honestly say didn't really do anything for me were "Guide to Doom", "Two Spinsters", "The Kage", and the overlong "The Curious Adventures of Mr. Bond".
These four stories do absolutely nothing to hinder the otherwise excellent stories. The ratio of sucky-to-non-sucky (forgive my crudeness) stories is truly remarkable.
This is a very rare book, and one that sadly is widly unknown.
As another reader here has mentioned, it is a sin that a book this good is out of print.
Now--stop reading, and order this book. From Amazon, Ebay, wherever, I don't care. Just get it. You will never regret it.

Makes any "stranded on a desert island" list - a must have!!
This anthology is one of the most chilling and creepy collections of gothic horror and the supernatural.Quite incredibly, it is very unknown and hard to find.

I can still smell the thick, slippery river mud of "Fishead".The stark and surreal horror of "The Troll" is like the Twilight Zone episode with William Shatner.And why the novelette "Out of the Deeps" hasn't been made yet into a summer sci-fi blockbuster on par with Star Wars escapes me.

This is a must-have book for those who like a good scare.Get some cookies, make some tea, lock the door, and be sure to leave a nightlight on...you can't look away from this book once you pick it up.The 1-star rating above is CLEARLY a typo on the reviewer's part.

Want your skin to C-R-A-W-L?
"The curious adventures of Mr Bond" will probably leave you perspiring as you find out why the ...well I don't want to spoil it. The author weaves this tale so skillfully you'll want to find more of his horror. After all it scared Hitchcock! The novelette "The Deeps" will be one of those 'can't put it down til it's done' experiences. Why did this ever go out of print?

Keep the lights on!
This book is a magnificent compilation of stories including at least two that were made into movies.Hark, who goes there became "The Thing."The original and the remake were both based on the story butonly the remake came close to the story."A boy and his dog" wasalso made into a movie starring a young Don Johnson.All the other storiesare gripping as well. ... Read more

Amazon.com
If you don't believe us when we say that Stephen Rebello's Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho is a killer book concerning the killer movie of all time, then why don't you listen to Tony Perkins, the star? Perkins called this scholarly yet super-readable volume "marvelously researched and irresistible ... required reading not only for Psycho-philes, but also for anyone interested in the backstage world of movie creation." And Time critic Richard Schickel (biographer of Clint Eastwood) calls Rebello's book "one of the best accounts of the making of an individual movie we've ever had."

It's even more reliable than Francois Truffaut's magisterial interview book Hitchcock, because Rebello interviewed the fat master himself, plus many Psycho insiders less cagey and truth-dodging than he.

At last, thanks to Rebello, we know all about the celebrated shower murder scene and all that swirls around it. Like Ernst Lubitsch, who conveyed the thrill of adultery by having the lovers open a door and cast their shadows on a bed, Hitchcock knew that, in film, artful discretion can be the most shocking effect of all. --Tim AppeloBook Description
Stephen Rebello's groundbreaking book offers the complete inside story on the making of Alfred Hitchcock's original Psycho, now seen as the forerunner of all modern horror thrillers. Rebello takes us behind the scenes for every step in the creation of this cinematic masterpiece-from the story's original inspiration to the controversy surrounding the creation of the famous shower scene. Drawing on new in-depth interviews as well as Hitchcock's private files, Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho is an eye-opening portrait of the artist at work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

StartedA Trend
This book's meticulous scholarship started a welcome trend for "shot-by-shot" analysis of moviemaking.

Psycho is known for many things, but among them is Hitchcock's determination to use techniques he learned from television production.For a creator and adherent of "pure cinema," this special discipline makes the movie all the more notable.

What a series of paradoxes.The famous shower sequence is cited over and over again as one of the best uses of cutting and montage, and yet classic 50s "two-camera" TV shows would never dream of this approach.Too expensive and time consuming.

The usage of black and white - again classic 50s TV - actually enhances rather than diminishes the horror.As with old-time radio, the viewer has to fill in the lurid colors of blood and gore with her own imagination.

The cover says that this film started a trend toward "psycho thrillers."I suppose that this is true, but it accomplished much, much more than is acknowledged by the mediocre films that followed.

Never bettered
What an intelligent, readable, informative book this is.Full of insights about the personalities of Hitchcock, Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, and all the other collaborators in this important and usual film project for everyone concerned.What struck me most about the book is the author's ability to blend his thorough research with a sense of the psychology and drama of what goes into making a movie.I'd have to agree with the reviewer who said that Rebello made reading this book nearly as entertaining as the movie itself.That's quite a feat.What I want to know is when will Mr. Rebello give the royal treatment to other Hitchcock projects as well as films by other directors.

Almost Perfect But... Time For A Companion Volume?
For the true fanatic, or just the curious, this is an immensely
readable account. Far, far more interesting and enlightening then
any of the turgid, pompous academic treatises on Hitchcock that
pollute bookshelves everywhere. As definitive a reconstruction
of how PSYCHO - or any movie, with a few exceptions - was put
together.However, I suggest Mr. Rebello is overdue for either
an update
(though this reprint's front and back cover is definitely an improvement over the original),
or a companion volume.
For the completists, I suggest:

1. More production and cast stills.
2. Saul Bass's storyboards.
3. Interviews and/or photos of Marli Renfro, the actresses
who provided the voice for Mrs. Bates, the diminutive woman
who stabbed Arbogast.Other cast interviews.
4. Documentation on PSYCHO's aborted CBS broadcast of 09/66
and its subsequent showing in 06/67 on ABC - the edits,
and when it was finally shown complete.
5. Information on the sequels, and Van Sant's "recreation".
6. Full descriptions of deleted scenes from the original.
7. Some of the less inflated analysis on its symbolism, etc.
8. Most importantly: a cue by cue evaluation of Bernard Herrmann's magnificent score, including its unused parts.

Ok, Mr. Rebello, make it happen.
Until then, anyone who is at all fascinated with how an American
cultural landmark came together, (Yeah, I know, like Hitchcock used to say, "Oh,it's only a movie!")
GET THIS BOOK!

Everything you ever needed to know about Psycho is in here -
This book is about as in-depth as you could want, but very interesting and good reading. Stephen Rebello begins at the beginning with a rather revolting chapter about the psychotic killer upon which Norman was later loosely based. (Don't let your children get a hold of that chapter!) He then talks about the man who wrote the book "Psycho", and on to Hitchcock's discovery of the book and the making of the movie. There are chapters and sections on practically every aspect of the movie and the making thereof - cast, costumes, shooting, casaba melons, publicity, and the aftermath. At the end there is also a list of the entire cast and little paragraphs about what became of them after Psycho.

This book is very good if you are a fan of either Psycho or Hitchcock in general, because in telling about Psycho the author tells a lot about Hitchcock as well.

As Good As It Gets
I found this book to be just wonderful from start to finish.The research is painstaking, the writing smart and lively, the degree of film industry know-how is evident on every page.In fact, the book strikes me as one of the few I've read on Hollywood to suggest that the writer actually knows his way around movie sets and knows how films get made.This book has none of the absurd (and insulting) armchair psychologizing that mars other Hitchcock books and there isn't a dry or pedantic paragraph in it from start to finish.I thought I knew a lot about Hitchcock and Psycho until I read this book.A job obviously undertaken with love and wisdom, superlatively done by Mr. Rebello.I had the pleasure of hearing the author lecture on Hitchcock on TV in Londonand in Tokyo and he was the standout of the whole affair! ... Read more

Book Description
Known worldwide as the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock (1899-1980) had an incredible directing career that spanned five decades and more than fifty films. He earned numerous awards, inspired countless publications and festivals, and spawned a new era in suspense cinema.

This spectacular pop-up pays tribute to the great filmmaker and features seven of his most influential films: Saboteur, Vertigo, Psycho, The Birds, Marnie, Torn Curtain, and Frenzy. With stunning three-dimensional paper engineering by Kees Moerbeek highlighting pivotal moments and Hitchcock's cameo in each film, Alfred Hitchcock: The Master of Suspense will be treasured by fans and film lovers alike for years to come.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Seven Suspensfull Scenes
Seven of Alfred Hitchcock's most famous films are brought to life by Kees Moerbeek's complex paper engineering.Each of seven spreads is a large montage of scenes from the film and includes a brief synopsis of the plot.You may also lift a flap and view the scene in which Hitchcock has placed himself in the movie, something he did in almost every film he made.This is a must-have for any Hitchcock fan, and for pop-up collectors as well

Wonderful tribute to the master!
A visual delight & work of art! Though I would have liked more text, this would probably have detracted from the book's artistry & visual appeal; as it is, the text that is present is full of quirky facts & fits quite nicely with the images. Very unique & fun book!

Hitchcock Book
When I read a review about this book in the Washington Post, I thought it would make a good present for my son because Hitchcock is one of his favorite directors.My son does not, however, enjoy reading, so I wasn't sure if he would want the book.Much to my pleasure he told me it was one of his favorite Christmas presents he received.

Notexactly impressed
I gave my GF this pop-up book for Xmas.She is a big Hitchcock fan.I thought she would be really impressed but she just briefly flipped through and barely raised an eyebrow.The other day I saw it buried under a pile of junk in her room.It's a good idea but not all that interesting to look at.
I had read a glowing review of the book and the techincal genius of the "paper engineers" who constructed it in the Wall St. Journal.While some of the displays are amusing, ultimately, I was not all that impressed and found the report in the WSJ to be exaggerated.
Makes a good coffee table book.

Perfect!
This book is so unique and a must for any Hitchcock movie fan.It gave great info on the movies it covered.I just wish it had "all" of his movies! ... Read more

Book Description
It's Only a Movie is the best book ever written about my father. It really is amazing." -Patricia HitchcockNorth by Northwest. Psycho. Rear Window. The Birds. Vertigo. When it comes to murder and mayhem, shock and suspense, the films of Alfred Hitchcock can not be surpassed. For this book, Charlotte Chandler interviewed Hitchcock, his wife, daughter, film crew members, and many of the stars who appeared in his films, including Kim Novak, Janet Leigh, Cary Grant, Tippi Hedren and James Stewart.Throughout the book, Chandler shares Hitchcock's wit and wisdom. When actors took themselves too seriously, he would remind them, "it's only a movie." Chandler introduces us to the real Hitchcock, a devoted family man and notorious practical joker, who made suspenseful thrillers mixed with subtle humor and tacit eroticism.Download Description
"Author of acclaimed biographies of Groucho Marx, Federico Fellini, and Billy Wilder, Charlotte Chandler spent several years with Hitchcock discussing his life and his amazing career. She also talked with his wife, Alma, and daughter, Pat, as well as many of the screen legends who appeared in his films. The result is an intimate yet expansive portrait of a unique artist who, from the 1920s through the 1970s, created many of history's most memorable films. A quarter-century after his death, Hitchcock's distinctive profile remains an instantly recognizable icon to millions, while his films continue to grow in popular appeal and critical esteem. Chandler introduces us to the real Hitchcock: a devoted family man, practical joker, and Englishman of Edwardian sensibilities who was one of the great masters of cinematic art. " ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Movies From the Past.
I saw many (probably most ) of the Hitchcock's movies in which he always made a surprise appearance.The best part of the occasion was trying to find him out in the crowd somewhere.He always was a practical joker, even in the serious films he directed.He had the most distinctive profile of anyone alive at that time (Twenties to the Seventies).

Now, he has been dead for twenty-five years and Ms. Chandler has released this comprehensive history -- why not earlier?Why now?For many years she talked with the big man himself, and later his wife, Alma and daughter Pat.She also interviewed at least sixteen of the stars he used -- he always chose a blonde female co-star and the best looking males available.Some were Cary Grant, Gregory Peck, Henry Fonda, John Gielgud, Grace Kelly, Tippi Hendren, Kim Novak, Doris Day, and Janet Leigh.

Being a Britisher made him different for us young moviegoers, but we could overlook that English accent as it was just plain fun to find him right there in his own movies.He told Ms. Chandler in one of their conversations, "I remember Ingrid Bergman coming up to me in a terrible state.Worried, miserable, high-strung, romantic, idealistic, sensitive, emotional."She said, "There's something I must tell you about my part.I don't feel it.I can't find my motivation.""I said to her, 'Ingrid, fake it.It's only a movie."

Last spring that is what a young man told me when I had written a bad review of ANCHORMAN starring Will Ferrell which I hated -- "it's only a movie."But it did not make me like it any better.

Life today is like one of Hitchcock's advice.We fake it.If we worried about terrorism and instant demoliton from an atom bomb, we'd all be basket cases.Just fake it, as he would say.

Some time ago, Ms. Chandler wrote THE ULTIMATE SEDUCTION in which she included an interview with Tennessee Williams. Now, she is finishing a book about Bette Davis.I haven't liked Bette Davis since she was the crazy one in 'What Happend to Baby Jane.'And I hated that song, 'Bette Davises Eyes."You'd think she could chose someone more respected and more talented.

Hitchcock Once Over Lightly
It's no wonder that Alfred Hitchcock continues to fascinate a quarter century after his death as his work resonates still. Author Charlotte Chandler has written a breezy history of Hitchcock the master filmmaker. It's by no means the best one on the market, as I feel Donald Spoto wrote the authoritative biography in 1983, "The Dark Side of Genius: The Life of Alfred Hitchcock", and Francois Truffaut published his famous comprehensive interview with Hitchcock in 1967. I would recommend either before diving into this dishy memoir, but it's good fun about his professional life nonetheless.

Chandler breaks down Hitchcock's story movie by movie in chronological order. Each section deals anecdotally with each film, noting the little triumphs and failures inherent in any project and including the actors' impressions of working for the master of suspense. Contrary to popular belief, many were genuinely impressed by Hitchcock's genius almost to the point of genuflection, and the book is full of recollections of his kindnesses, hardly the dark portrait Spoto painted nor Hitchcock himself with the characters in his films.In fact, according to Chandler, he did not readily abandon his actors as is widely believed. Rather, everyone simply agreed he knew what he wanted and with supreme confidence, Hitchcock dictated a set like a consummate professional. To the thinner-skinned, he was an icy control freak. His no-fuss filmmaking style comes across in Chandler's colorful descriptions of the classics he directed. Sometimes, Chandler insinuates herself into the narrative to the point of being intrusive, as if she needs to validate her qualifications for writing this biography. It can get irritating, but luckily her insights offset much of the over-personalized perspective. Just reviewing his filmography in such gently provocative detail is reason enough to buy this book, whether it's "Rebecca", "Shadow of a Doubt", "Notorious", "Strangers on a Train", "Rear Window", "Vertigo'', "North by Northwest", "Psycho", "The Birds", or his earlier English pictures.An entertaining read about a true character and a deservedly legendary director.

A gentle, entertaining look at the "Master of Suspense"
IT'S ONLY A MOVIE: Alfred Hitchcock -- A Personal Biography is the latest (and certainly not the greatest) look at the life of the famed suspense director.

Charlotte Chandler, whose other celebrity biographies include NOBODY'S PERFECT: Billy Wilder -- A Personal Biography; I, FELLINI; and HELLO, I MUST BE GOING: Groucho and His Friends, concentrates on Hitchcock primarily as a movie maker. The aspects of his early and later life get relatively short shrift, which many readers will no doubt appreciate, wanting to get to the meat of the matter.

Chandler presents the talented "Hitch" as a visionary, creating cinematic effects and manipulating the emotions of moviegoers for more than fifty years. His classics --- The Man Who Knew Too Much (both versions), Psycho, Vertigo, Rear Window, Rebecca, Lifeboat, Spellbound, Notorious...the list of work from one person seems ridiculous and unfair --- defined fright films that endure to this day, despite the pyrotechnical toys and other gimmicks modern directors employ to get a rise out of us. Hitchcock knew how to use a patch of light or the absence of sound to set up the audience for the constant rude awakening. He was the master of the "MacGuffin," a plot device that defies conventional explanation, which Chandler describes as "something that motivates characters to take dangerous chances for something they must have.... In The 39 Steps it's a secret airplane engine design. In The Lady Vanishes and in Foreign Correspondent it's a secret diplomatic message...."

Hitchcock was a bit of an overgrown imp, she writes, not a stuffed shirt. Despite his formal bearing, he always enjoyed a good joke, particularly when it came at the good-natured expense of one of his actors. And what actors! Jimmy Stewart, Ingrid Bergman, Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Kim Novak, James Mason, Anthony Perkins --- a veritable "who's who" of Hollywood nobility.

Although his art was complex, Hitchcock's directorial style was simple: actors should be able to get by with a minimum of instruction. Those looking for guidance learned that it must come from within. Insecurity was tolerated with great reluctance. Hitchcock had little patience for "method" actors who needed to know their motivation. Basically, he believed their motivation should be to do a good job to earn their paycheck. Chandler employs the filmmaker's catchphrase, "It's only a movie," on several occasions as evidence of Hitchcock's refusal to take anything (or anybody) too seriously.

Chandler breaks down Hitchcock's story movie by movie. Each section deals anecdotally with each film, noting the little triumphs and failures inherent in any project and including the actors' impressions of working for the master of suspense (overwhelmingly positive). Many were in awe of the legend, especially those early in their career. There are many recollections of small kindnesses, such as dinner invitations, that portray Hitchcock in an almost saintly light, despite the evil inclinations of many of his characters.

Because of its style, IT'S ONLY A MOVIE gives short shrift to the fine points that define a thorough biography, despite the title. For example, although Chandler devotes a section of the book to "The Last Years," she does not go into any substantial details about Hitchcock's own physical ailments, only that he had lost the will to live, ostensibly depressed over the illness of Alma, his beloved helpmeet.

Chandler writes in a very gossipy mien, insinuating herself into the narrative, letting the reader know that she was in with the "in crowd." One wonders what she had in mind with the subtitle "A Personal Biography." Which "person" is she talking about? It often seems to be herself. She peppers her remarks with phrases like, "He told me..." or "I said to him...." Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it can be wearing after a while.

IT'S ONLY A MOVIE may not be on a scholarly par with other Hitchcock biographies, such as Patrick McGilligan's ALFRED HITCHCOCK: A Life in Darkness and Light or THE A-Z OF HITCHCOCK: The Ultimate Reference Guide, by Howard Maxford, or the dozens of studies of specific films or groups of films (Murray Pomerance's AN EYE FOR HITCHCOCK or FRAMING HITCHCOCK: Selected Essays from the Hitchcock Annual, edited by Sidney Gottlieb and Christopher Brookhouse). But it is a gentle, entertaining look at a paradoxically gentle and entertaining man.

--- Reviewed by Ron Kaplan ... Read more

Amazon.com
Dan Auiler is undoubtedly the luckiest Alfred Hitchcock devotee alive. With the permission of the director's family, he sifted through the Hitchcock archives at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to create a multifaceted portrait of the artist at work. If this book has a fault, it's that the sheer mass of information makes it a little hard to digest; but taken in small doses, its richness becomes a virtue, offering unique insights into the complicated processes that led to some of the greatest movies ever made.

Auiler divides the creative act into three parts: "Building the Screenplay," "Preparing the Visual," and "Putting It All Together." In each section he provides documents, including memos, script excerpts, sketches, and storyboards from a selection of films. Most interesting are those relating to Kaleidoscope a project from the late '60s that, Auiler contends, would have been a groundbreaking film had the studio not forced Hitchcock to abandon it. This collection also gives full credit to Alma Reville, the director's wife and lifelong collaborator, and her influence on the development of Hitchcock's style is evident throughout. Other gems include a transcript of discussions between Hitchcock and Tippi Hedren about her character in The Birds and a set of production stills from an early, lost movie, The Mountain Eagle.

There's an enormous amount to take in, but what quickly emerges is a sense of Hitchcock's meticulous approach to crafting a film. He frequently sent script treatments to other writers and filmmakers, asking for their critical comments, and Auiler reproduces several of these correspondences, including François Truffaut's detailed analysis of Kaleidoscope. At the other end of the creative journey the book closes with the script for an unproduced Spellbound trailer in which Hitchcock playfully evokes the magic of movies: "That screen up there is like a mind ... we here in Hollywood can make anything happen there." Hitchcock's Notebooks is a testament to the powerful vision and sheer hard work that lay behind that magic. --Simon Leake Book Description

From a couple racing across the top of Mount Rushmore to a woman's final shower at an isolated motel, no other filmmaker has given movie fans more unforgettable images or heart-pounding thrills than Alfred Hitchcock. Now you can share in the Master of Suspense's inspiration and development -- his entire creative process -- in Hitchcock's Notebooks.

With the complete cooperation of the Hitchcock estate and access to the director's notebooks, journals, and archives, Dan Auiler takes you from the very beginnings of story creation to the master's final touches during post-production and publicity. Actual production notes from Hitchcock's masterpieces join detailed interviews with key production personnel, including writers, actors and actresses, and Hitchcock's personal assistant of more than thirty years.

Mirroring the director's working methods to give you the actual feel of his process, and highlighted by nearly nearly one hundred photographs and illustrations, this is the definitive guide into the mind of a cinematic legend. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Interesting
There were many interesting elements in this book, but at a whole not as informative or useful as I might have hoped.Maybe a good book for a Hitchcock collector who is trying to find everything out about Hitchcock...

Sadly useless...
Spoto has his successor to writing useless dribble on the master of pure cinema! Auiler has once again (after his Vertigo, The Making of a Hitchcock Classic) produced a useless book, this time including many pages of reproduced notes on the making of selected Hitchcock movies. Obviously lacking the talent to provide an analysis, Auiler includes pages and pages and pages of notes, screenplay drafts and whatnot to not better any understanding, let alone enjoyment and experience of Hitchcock's work. What a waste!

What Was Hitch Thinking?...This Book Will Tell You....
This review refers to "Hitchcock's Notebooks..An Authorized and Illustrated Look Inside the Creative Mind Of Alfred Hitchcock" by Dan Auiler....

The title of this book says it all. It is exactly that. A look into the creative mind of "The Master"..Alfred Hitchcock.
Although geared largely toward the aspiring film maker, it is also a wonderful treasure for film buffs and huge fans(like myself).

Each chapter gives detailed information and documents on Hitch's genius at the making of his films. Not just the blockbusters, but all of them.(Even the ones that never saw an audience.) From the First chapter, "Beginnings", where you may see many photographs of the young director working on the set of his earliest completed work "The Mountain Eagle" which has disappeared and is one of the world's most sought after films, through the last chapter "Fade Out". which describes his marketing techniques(i.e. not letting anyone in the theatre after "Psycho" had started) once the films were wrapped up, you will find that Mr.Auiler has done extensive research and enlightens us on Hitch's methods.

Very detailed accounts of scripts from "Rebecca", "The Paradine Case" and Suspicion" may be found in the chapter entitled "Building The Screenplay", correspondance, notes, and letters in Hitch's own handwriting in refrence to "Shadow of a Doubt" may also be found here. This is a very technical chapter, but Auiler gives an easy understanding of the production processes used.

In "Preparing the Visual" you'll find lots of sketches, drawings, and Hitch's famous story boards for movies like "Lifeboat", "North by Northwest" and "Vertigo" are shown as well. In "Production Gallery" there are many stills of Hitch and the actors on the sets of works going as far back as "The Farmer's Wife" and "Number 17"(an experimental film, which was never completed), the "Thirty Nine Steps", Sabatoge","Strangers on a Train" and much more.

Auiler fills this 559 page book with fascinating facts and memorabia that any Film buff would love. There are eventaped conversations(in which Hitch does almost all the talking), one with Tippy Hedron on exactly how he wants her to act in "The Birds" among them.

I loved it and could not put it down!.....enjoy....Laurie

Sorry, Brian from NYC - I have to differ!
It's obvious HE didn't appreciate the reality of this book. Sure, there are a lot of memos, telegrams, and transcripts of conversations - but it gives an inside look into the life of Hitchcock. Life and character are made up and discovered through little things like this. Sure, I agree that some of the side-by-side script and plot comparisons were a bit dull. But I read this entire book, so it can't have been THAT bad. The writing concerning Shadow of a Doubt is a bit hard to decipher, but who wants to read if there's no challenge to it? That chickenscratch masks some excellent writing.

As for the films discussed not being the classics Brian from NYC referred to, I get tired of hearing about Rear Window, Psycho, Vertigo exclusively. There is a wealth of information and books on those films - and I want to know about them all. So I was glad that this book dealt more with the less-discussed films. And I am a great fan of Marnie, so I read and re-read all that was said about Marnie.

This book isn't for someone looking for a fast-moving read. "The Art of Alfred Hitchcock" by Donald Spoto is an excellent one to begin with - not "Hitchcock's Notebooks". Save this one until you know you like Hitchcock enough to appreciate it.

Misleading and, frankly, kinda dull
EDIT: I guess this deserves two stars rather than one; after all you can't get this stuff anywhere else.I was feeling a bit shirty when I gave it one star.Now, on with the review! - - -

First of all let it be known that the so-called "notebooks" of the title are a fiction. The title implies that during the making of his greatest films Sir Alfred sat down, licked the end of his pencil, and committed to paper all his magic in black and white for the indy filmmakers of posterity to read and emulate.

Well, sadly, there are no long lost secret "notebooks". The creative genius of Hitchcock, much like the plans in The 39 Steps, resided in that little man's head.

What we have instead is distressingly prosaic, and not very educational at all. We get memos, telegrams, more memos, lengthy side by side script draft comparisons, transcripts of conversations, still more memos, and a few storyboards that can be found elsewhere.

And if, upon hearing the name Hitchcock, you think of titles like Psycho, Vertigo, Rear Window, Rebecca, Notorious, and North by Northwest, then prepare to be disappointed. They aren't discussed. Instead we're referred to the author's other books for the first two films and the Criterion laserdisks for the rest. (Laserdisks! Do they even make those anymore? Thanks for nothing, guys.)

We do get a gobsmackingly large amount of stuff about Marnie, though.

But wait, there's more:

We get a thrilling exchange of telegrams discussing whether or not Suspicion is a boring title for a film. (Hitch says yes, his producer says no, then Hitch says yes again, and his producer repeats no. How's that for a look into the mind of a genius?)

We get lengthy memos from people like Hume Cronyn talking about how scene 423 of a second draft of a script that we never have seen nor never will see needs to be revised in some unspecified way.

We learn that the character development in The Birds was a little below par. There's a series of four or five lengthy letters, all saying the same thing, and capped off with this brilliant editorial comment from our learned author: "Of course, the consistent complaint here is the weakness in the character development, something that was never worked out." Thanks, Professor.

We get fuzzy reproductions of the blueprints for the bookshop in Vertigo, should you want to build one of your own.

We get twenty pages of reproduced letters in Hitchcock's illegible handwriting discussing whether or not 3-D is a good idea. At least that's all I could make out.

We get the first draft treatment of Shadow of a Doubt in Thornton Wilder's handwriting. Alas, it too is illegible.

We get pages and pages and pages and pages of material about Marnie. It seems that half the damn book is about Marnie.

We get not one, not two, but three letters from some guy named Otis Guernsey telling Hitch he's welcome to use his germ of an idea for North By Northwest.

We get not just the film-related parts of letters, but the whole blessed thing: paragraph after paragraph of "How's Alma?" and "Drop by the next time you're in town" and letterheads for the Herald Tribune, all taking up valuable space.

We read a memo asking that the dialogue for The Birds needs to be punched up "on pages 6-10, 27-29, 37, 40, 48, 49, 50, 53, 54, 65, 74, 132, 188, and 194."

And so on. Basically, the book seems to have been assembled by dipping at random into Hitchcock's old file cabinets, running every other scrap of paper through a scanner, then presenting the whole pile sans comment. There's a definite rummage sale vibe about the whole thing - the very occasional gem amid lots and lots and LOTS of hooey.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, this one's for the completist.

Anyone who would like to get an insight into the creative thought processes of Hitchcock would be best served by the Truffaut interview book.

As for the rest of you, well, I hope you liked Marnie. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

lots of great little short stories
most of the stories are about 5-10 pages. interesting easy to read stories chosen from the Alfred Hitchcock mystery magazine. The book was put together after Hitchcock's death and stories of course were not written by hitch.

Stories NOT by Alfred Hitchcock
I havent finished the book, Im saving it for those long summer days that are filled with nothing to do. For the most part the stories are cool, but some are as dull as dirt. I wont name any stories because I have 2 of these types of books and I may confuse stories from the other and write that they are in here. The big thing for me was the fact that these stories were chosen by Alfred Hitchcock, no he didnt chose some of his favorite stories that he wrote; he chose stories by other authors. The book says that he chose them, but it also states that this book is By:Alfred Hitchcock. I have no clue why, its sort of like hes stealing other authors stories. Anyway this is more an adult book unless you are a very good reader. I purchased this book when I was 14 and I am now 15 and I am able to understand most everything in the book, but there are some big words in it. But I am also one of the best readers in my class(at when reading to myself, I hate reading out loud). So if you are looking for something by Alfred Hitchcock then you might not want this book. If you want something that Mr.Hitchcock liked then you may want this. For the most part the stories are enjoyable and scarry, but dont expect this from all of them. ... Read more

Book Description

Con men and criminals, PIs and amateur sleuths, the mean streets of New York and San Francisco, Chicago and Seoul, not to mention eighteenth-century London and eleventh-century Japan. For 50 years Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine has offered its readers a wide range of the finest crime and detective stories available and stands today as one of the foremost magazines of mystery and suspense. In anticipation of AHMM's golden anniversary, Ms. Landrigan invited readers to nominate their favorite stories, and this collection is packed with popular authors and well-known characters, including Lawrence Block's Matt Scudder, Bill Pronzini's Nameless Detective, and Sara Paretsky's V. I. Warshawski.

Linda Landrigan is editor-in-chief of Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine. She lives in New York.

Customer Reviews (3)

Great Anthology!
Have never read Alfred Hitchcock's Magazine so have no idea if these are the best stories which have appeared in there but I can say I have read a fair few anthologies and would have to say this is up there with the best of them.You'll never come across a large collection of short stories by various authors where you love every single story inside but the great collections have a large percentage of stories you really enjoy, allow you to read stories you will have a pretty difficult time tracking down by authors who you are a fan of as well as introduce you to authors whose full length novels you have never tried.This collection does accomplish all this.

The best stories in here in my opinion are the first story Frightening Frammis about a hitchhiker con man who is returning to LA with his tail between his legs when he is given a lift by a couple and shortly after offered a scam by the wife if he will kill her husband.#8 although a bit predictable is a good old serial killer tale. Although most of Westlake's work is better Good Night Good Night is still a good read about a TV star who is shot while watching an episode of his show and wants to work out which of his co-stars shot him before death embraces him.The Method Sheriff, the tale of a small town bank robbery is one of those classic twist stories.New Neighbour is the story of how the elderly in a street react to a new bully neighbour who kills their animal companions when they complain about the noise and other matters. The Muse by Jan Burke along with being a great story also constantly pays tribute to Alfred Hitchcock with his films constantly referenced by the main characters who play games where the other must guess which film they are referring to unfortunately for them though someone else wants to play an even deadlier game.Sinkhole is another great tale of a man not able to divorce his wife who uses a sinkhole in the backyard to get rid of her only to find he is not the only person in the area who has had this idea.

Since Amazon doesn't give a list of who has contributed to this collection and which of their stories are in here, something which I personally find really annoying when trying to track down stories I haven't read by authors that I like. I will provide a comprehensive list at the bottom of this review.Buy this anthology it's good!Other great recently published anthologies are Dangerous Women edited by Otto Penzler, The Best American Mystery Stories 2006 edited by Scott Turow and Mystery Writers of America Presents Death Do Us Part: New Stories about Love, Lust, and Murder edited by Harlan Coben.

Inside this anthology you'll find:-
The Frightening Frammis by Jim Thompson
The Day of the Execution by Henry Slesar
#8 by Jackie Ritchie
Not a Laughing Matter by Evan Hunter
A Genuine Alectryomancer by Charles Willeford
Good Night! Good Night! By Donald E Westlake
The Cost of Kent Castwell by Avram Davidson
The Long Way Down by Edward D. Hooch
The Method Sheriff by Ed Lacy
Death of a Nobody by Bill Pronzini
Recipe for Murder by James Holding
New Neighbor by Talmage Powell
Historical Errors by William Brittain
A Candle for the Bag Lady by Lawrence Block
Making a Killing With Mama Cass by Wiliam Bankier
The Takamoku Joseki by Sara Paretsky
My Brother's Wife by Rob Kantner
Final Rites by Doug Allyn
The Search for Olga Bateua by Stephen Wasylyk
Hawks by Connie Holt
Unbearable Temptations by Jeffry Scott
Priests by George C Chesbro
Pusan Nights by Martin Limon
Body Englis by S. J. Rozan
The Muse by Jan Burke
Sinkhole by Carol Cail
Saturday Night at the Mikado Massage by Loren D Estleman
Lord of Obstacles by Gregory S. Fallis
Black Spartacus by James Lincoln Warren
Eries Last Day by Steve Hockensmith
Tabloid Press by Janice Law
The O-Bon Cat by I. J. Parker
Leaving Nairobi by Ed McBain
Voodoo by Rhys Bowen

An excellent mystery anthology
I'd never heard of Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, though I am an avid reader of mystery and suspense novels. If this anthology is an indicator of what's to be found in the magazine, then the montly is definitely worth a look.

Most of these thirty-four stories are very well done. There were several that didn't quite hold my interest, but that wasn't because they were poorly written: they just didn't grab me.

There are several standouts in the anthology, including a wonderfully wry short by Ed McBain.

Many of the names in the anthology are familiar. Some stories represent early works, some later.

In any event, any mystery fan will enjoy this anthology. It will provide several evenings of fun mystery reading when you're not up to tackling the latest novel.

Jerry

For hard-core crime fiction fans only.
I recall reading 'Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine' in the '80s, and discovering quite a few of the now long out of print paperback anthologies, which purported to be 'edited' by Hitchcock himself, along with ghost-written introductions. All of this was in the manner of the classic 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' TV series, with which the magazine is the longest-lived tie-in.
The glory days of the magazine(and the anthologies) were filled with short, concise, suspenseful little tales in which the bad guy would reach a suitable end, with an appropriatetwist of fate (and plot).
Only a few such stories are in evidence in this volume, perhaps because the best work has already been reprinted in numerous places.
This 'comprehensive' 50th-anniversary collection suffers from the same problem asmany anthologies, with perhaps a few too many riches. Although there are a few well-known authors, and some occasional nuggets among the stories, nothing in particular sticks in the memory, and in fact, skipping a few stories altogether won't make too much difference.
The 'Hitchcock' magazine has somewhow managed to last half a century, so it must be doing something to satisfy a (relatively) small but loyal audience. As an example of a declining breed-the a short story anthology magazine-this is worth browsing through as a curiousity, but the reader would probably be better served to dig deeper into the works of the reprsented authors. I get the feeling all are capable of better things in a different forum. ... Read more

Book Description
"Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour" are considered by far, the most successful mystery anthology to grace the picture tube. "The Alfred Hitchcock Presents Companion" is the first and only "official" book documenting the entire history of the television program, complete with an episode-by-episode broadcast guide. The popularity of the program itself is evident among multiple reruns, now syndicated on local and cable stations around the world. This book presents a complete study of the series, both informative and scholarly, including a behind-the-scenes sneak peak at the production of these broadcasts.

Recollections and memories from the script writers, directors and actors are included. Both the original and the 1980's remake series are covered in detail, with all production credits, complete cast list (including actors uncredited), plot descriptions, Hitchcock's opening and closing remarks (including alternative remarks filmed but never shown during the initial telecasts), and insightful trivia throughout.

A section about Hitchcock's other productions and directorial efforts include "Tactic", Ford Startime's "Incident at a Corner", Alcoa Premiere's "The Jail", "Dark Intruder", "Suspicion" (TV series), "Psycho", and more are discussed in length, also with production credits. Spoofs, rip-offs, print media and collectables are also covered in detail. Hundreds of photos included.

This book covers most of the over-looked topics relating to Alfred Hitchcock's career, making this publication a must for your book shelf. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Mystery TV show guide
If you werea fan of the Twilight Zones series then pick up the Alfred Hitchcock guidethat details each show of the Alfred Hitchcock TV show of the 50's that still looks great today.There are two volumes out on DVD which you should watch each episode and then review the episode guide for questions you may have that will be answered.Shows like this one keeps your interest and are true who dunnit chapters.

Don't forget GOOD EVENING from the master himself Alfred Hitchcock!
Enjoy!!

Very Poorly Written
This book is so poorly written, it is no wonder that it has fallen out of print. The writing is horrendous, the photos (or photocopies) are beyond laughable, and the research is at best shallow. My elementary school students could have done a better job. Don't bother with this book (if you can even locate a copy now). "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" was a classy show with high quality writing, and and any book about it ought to be on par with those standards of excellence. Fans of the show should organize a class action lawsuit against the publisher for breach of compentency. Please someone, write an "unauthorized" companion reference guide, and give this series the tribute it truly deserves.

A SUPERB READ
I love HITCHCOCKS work and bought this book to find out more concerning the one area of his productions I knew very little about, namely the tv series. It is so full of detail, facts and figures..its amazing. Theres even a lengthy look at the short story anthologies HITCHCOCK was suppossed to have written introductions for (and didnt!) and much much more.

I cant believe the person who wrote the review on here who concentrated heavily on criticising the writers for their grammar, spelling and turn of phrase in general, its meant as a work of reference and not great literature....when you yourself have written a book which has been so well researched and proved so popular, THEN you'll have room to criticise. If like that reviewer you wish a book that is lacking spelling errors, has nicely reproduced photos etc etc then opt for a dull, large sized, shallow coffee table book to impress your friends. If your a true fan though and want to find out all about the tv work then this book is a MUST HAVE, a godsend to all HITCHCOCK fans.

The one and only Hitchcock book for television fans
I have to admit that I have four bookshelves from the floor to the ceiling with hundreds of books about Alfred Hitchcock. With this in mind I will state that Mr. Wikstrom and Mr. Grams has given us the one and only book that EVERY admirer of Sir Alfred should own and read. Everything about the television series from the production history to an episode guide is highly detailed. Experts in their craft from all over the world contributed and this is so clearly evident that anyone who browses the pages will admit the authors took their time to compile one heck of a book. Jaclyn Packer has a Ph.D., Ulrich Rudel is from Europe, Patrik Wikstrom is from Sweden as stated in the "about the authors" and Mr. Grams is already a familiar name. I knew Alfred Hitchcock had cancer more than once but until I read Packer's chapter, I never knew Hitchcock acted in a television episode of "Tactic" and played the role of a director in order to support the cause of fighting cancer. The bibliography even listed two sources of information that impressed me. Thomas Binotto's "Nichts Als Zufalle" from Film Dienst, April 2001 issue and Frank Arnold's "Du Hast Nur 23 Minuten-Alfred Hitchcock's Fernseharbeiten" published in Berlin, Germany in 1999. Of the hundreds of books I have read, this is the first I have seen anyone credit those sources. Obviously two chapters had to be translated to English and the translation is superb. If you want to have an enjoyable and informative book about Sir Alfred's television series, this is the book. Highest recommendation.

The definitive and comprehensive resource for fans
Presented through a special arrangement with Universal Studios, The Alfred Hitchcock Presents Companion by Martin Grams and Patrik Wikstrom is a complete and authoritative guide to the "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" television series, including a thorough episode guide with plot summaries, behind-the-scenes looks, over 100 black-and-white photographs, documentation on "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" collectibles, information concerning the 1980s remake series, notes on Hitchcock spoofs, and more. The definitive and comprehensive resource for fans of this classic spine-chilling series, The Alfred Hitchcock Presents Companion is also a welcome and very highly recommended addition to personal and academic Television History reference library collections. ... Read more

Amazon.com
It's likely that readers who have watched many of Alfred Hitchcock's films can't help but have noticed how frequently he depicts fetishism, sadism, and voyeurism. Because Hitchcock was a reclusive man and a guarded interview subject, almost everyone who writes about him turns to his work for insight into his life. These writers generally conclude that the director himself was possessed by the very pathologies that resound in his movies.

But John Russell Taylor didn't have to go that route. He wrote this biography with the participation and blessings of the man himself. In Hitch, Taylor admits that his subject often projects his fantasies onto the screen. He also provides a good deal of insight into Hitchcock's domineering, obsessively courteous demeanor. But the focus here is on the details of Hitchcock's life, the preparation and production of his movies, and his relationships with the countless cinematic luminaries who worked with him, including Ingrid Bergman, Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, and James Stewart. --Raphael Shargel ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Delightful Surprise despite the Gloss
This is a wonderful glossily written biography. It is written with much gusto. This is one of the first biographies of Hitchcock that I read. I knew that Alfred Hitchcock was a great filmmaker, but his antics off-screen were equally droll. Despite the fact Hitchcock's films are superficially discussed, the author, John Russell Taylor manages to narrate Alfred Hitchcock's life and times in such a way that I could not put it down, and I read it in record time (at least for me). There are better biographies on Hitchcock out there (Donald Spoto's for instance) but this edition makes for enjoyable reading. The facts are all there but it is indeed a matter of interpretation of how the numerous anecdotes are retold that makes the difference here. Author John Russell Taylor definitely takes the high road.

Fascinating!
This book was a really easy read. With tales of Hitch's career and providing insight - I believe - into the man behind the much misunderstood myth.

"Hitch" is mostly filled with tales from behind the scenes rather than an examination of Hitch's craft and technique. I enjoyed it because I think knowing the PERSON behind a picture will often explain his technique better than any self-proclaimed "expert" who will often take technical necessity and make it symbolist bull.

Well written and very interesting subject matter. A must for anyone!

Have her dry-cleaned
Highly readable and informative. Recommended for all Hitch fans as well as anyone interested in the history of cinema. Beyond the basic facts,there are lots of telling anecdotes and perceptive observations, such as Hitchcock's famous distinction between shock and suspense. My favorite Hitch quip:a father wrote to Hitchcock for some advice. After seeing Les Diaboliques his daughter refused to take a bath, and now after seeing Psycho she wouldn't take a shower either. "Have her dry-cleaned" was Hitchcock's cheerful reply.

Many glaring omissions
Hitchcock is my very favorite film director, and I think he's definitely one of the best, if not THE best, directors ever, so I was very disappointed to read this book which only skims over Hitch's life, givingsome films barely a page or two. Taylor looks at Hitch's many movies withneither a critical or even historical eye--and many, many details are leftout, and many facts are just plain backwards, especially that"Notorious" was based on an idea provided by David O. Selznick,and that "Spellbound" started as Hitch's idea (it was in fact theother way around, with the recently depression-cured Selznick wanting tomake a film about analysis; in fact, in the few paragraphs afforded to"Spellbound," Mae Romm, Selznick's therapist who acted as anadvisor on the film--and set--isn't even mentioned!). Donald Spoto's twobooks about Hitchcock, one a film-by-film analysis and the other a straightbiography, are much better than this slight volume.

Great book! Really covers his films in depth. Excellent Work
The book was great it really showed his movies to the full extent. The beggining of the book(first 3 chapters) discussed his childhood, but could have went more in depth. It really makes you feel what Hitch was feallingwhen doing the movies. ... Read more

Amazon.com
The careers of Alfred Hitchcock and producer David O. Selznick are intensely entwined, but the story of their work together is one of the cinema's best-kept secrets. Hitchcock is probably best known for the work he did in the 1950s and '60s, hosting his legendary television show and directing the films Rear Window, Vertigo, Psycho, and The Birds. Selznick's many films have been eclipsed by his most popular achievement, Gone with the Wind. But it was Selznick who coaxed Hitchcock into emigrating from England to America, and it was Hitchcock who directed three opulent masterpieces for the producer's studio: Rebecca, Spellbound, and Notorious.

Leonard J. Leff's richly detailed and entertaining book documents this collaboration, describing how two men of opposite temperaments were able to complement one another artistically. He gives a behind-the-scenes perspective on the creation of their movie masterpieces, also investigating their fourth and final production, the unsuccessful The Paradine Case. "Hitchcock spent nearly a decade with Selznick, beginning in 1938," Leff writes. "More than either acknowledged, they joined forces primarily to extend their independence as filmmakers. A director of 'little British thrillers,' Hitchcock lacked the wherewithal to attain international status. Selznick not only brought Hitchcock to Hollywood but offered him stories and actors commensurate with his profound talent. Their collaboration bore fruit: Hitchcock added bite to Selznick's style, Selznick added American gloss to Hitchcock's." Leff's account of this dynamic duo in action is as thrilling as the films they created together. --Raphael Shargel Book Description
Hitchcock and Selznick is the story of one of the oddest partnerships in Hollywood history, the union of a reticent, overweight Englishman with a flair for striking detail and a penchant for the perverse, and a dynamic movie mogul with a keen eye for successful entertainment on the grand scale. It began in 1938, when producer David O. Selznick agreed to bring director Alfred Hitchcock from England, where he was already gaining widespread acclaim for his "little thrillers," and the collaboration resulted in the making of such masterpieces as Rebecca, Spellbound, and Notorious.
Hitchcock was soft-spoken and meticulous; Selznick was confrontational and chronically disorganized. They were, moreover, two geniuses with wholly different approaches to filmmaking. The sparks that flew between them over the next eight years ignited into some of Hitchcock's most memorable achievements, but they made collaboration impossible in the end. Drawing on unpublished documents, early drafts of script treatments, and humorous production anecdotes--and including a wealth of previously unseen photographs--Leonard Leff has written a book for specialist and layman alike, a fascinating behind-the-scenes portrait not only of two great Hollywood figures but of the film industry itself. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The Mutt and Jeff of American cinema
They were the odd couple of cinema: Hitchcock's spry, intelligent thrillers were very much at odds with Selznick's adaptions notable for their fidelity to their source. Hitchcock, in contrast, was anything but faithful to the source material of his many film adaptions. Both adaptions and original material focused on key visual images around which the plot was built. Selznick was the opposite of Hitch in that his productions were focused more on the narrative. Their collaboration managed to enrich each other's skills.

Although they made few films together during their ten year "collaboration" (in reality Hitch was under contract so his status was more as suborindate than equal), most of them are hampered by their lack of cohesive styles. As producer/director they didn't hit their collborative stride until Hitch's Notorius in 1946. Most of Hitch's work was with other producers and studios for which he was loaned out like any other actor or director of the time.

Nevertheless, Hitch learned valuable lessons in structuring a film for the American audience. He also managed to reach an audience that he could only have imagined before coming to America. Selznick's most valuable lesson was learning to let his directors occasionally have their way on projects.

Leff's book is a bit too scholarly in tone for the average film fan but is well written and researched. It's also quite expensive given that it's a large format paperback (this probably has to do with the small audience imagined for it and the fact that it comes from the UC Press). Many of Leff's more interesting observations have turned up as commentary on a number of Criterion DVDs (particularly the Spellbound DVD released last year).

There were many classic films produced during their time together but just as many misfires (Spellbound, despite it's many attributes is a good example of the disasterous turn their collaboration could take). Hitch hadn't hit the height of his powers as a director yet. His most powerful films (Rear Window, North by Northwest, Vertigo, The Trouble With Charlie, Strangers on a Train, Psycho and The Birds)loomed in his future. Nevertheless, his films from this time frame are, at times, revolutionary in one way or another (Saboteur, Shadow of a Doubt, Lifeboat among many others).

This book details their work together from uneasy partnership tothe truce that allowed Hitch to produce one of his most magnificient films (Notorius). Although Hitch's work has come to dominate our culture more than Selznick's (with the possible exception of Gone With The Wind), neither man would have achieved his goals without the other.

Good History, Fascinating Characters, Slightly Tedious
You probably couldn't find two more fascinating personalities in the history of cinema than Hitchcock and Selznick, and Mr. Leff does an excellent job providing background information and behind-the-scenesdetails on their collaborations.The book tends to slow down at times,mostly due to expositionary passages which are essential, but which delaygetting to the good stuff.

One thing I would have liked more of wouldhave been more information on what each of these characters did away fromeach other.I realize that gets away from the main thesis, but I thinkthat Mr. Leff tries to involve as many of those details as he can into hisnarrative but is forced to pare it down to stay on course.

What'sparticularly interesting is how Hitchcock and Selznick virtually switchedplaces in the Hollywood hierarchy over the course of their time together. Knowing what we know about each man in his later years lends an extracreedence to Mr. Leff's work.

A great read for Hitch fans. Highly recommended.
For any serious fan and student of Hitchcock, this compellingly readable book is a must.Should be on the bookshelf along with Donald Spoto's great book "The Dark Side of Genius."Where Spoto's book providesexcellent detail on the Hitchcock side of this strained but dynamiccollaboration, Leff's book fills the gap on the Selznick end, providingboth an historical perspective (Hitchcock on the rise, Selznick at thebeginning of his decline) and an insightful look at the filmmaking methodsof both men, striving to push the envelope in the repressive era of WillHayes' Hollywood code.Hitch may have bridled under Selznick'sheavy-handedness, his obsession with using name talent and his emphasis ondialogue and character development.Yet, many of the great Hitchcock filmsthat came after their colloaboration bear the mark of Selznick's influencein all these areas.Mr. Leff's book offers an eminently fair rendering ofeach man's creative contributions and personal angst in their 10 yearassociation, and is an important contribution to mid-20th century Americanfilm history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great authors and stories.A must read.
This book is a definate must read.Yours truly, Jack the Ripper and The Most Dangerous Game have to be my favorite stories in this book, but I still like them all.If you can find a copy of it definatly buy or borrowimmedietly. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Short Stories
Hitchcock has several books of short stories for young readers. They're all good. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Fond memories of this one...
I read this back in 2004 as an eigth grader and have not seen it elsewhere since, so forgive my shady memory of this book.
This collection is not perfect--there were a few stories here that were either unoriginal or just downright uninvolving, such as "The Young One", which was a rather cliched (though far from terrible) werewolf story, and "Henry Martindale, Great Dane", a story about a man who mysteriously transforms into a dog (this idea may have been novel and cute when the short was first published, today it's been done to death). There were some great works here though: "Slime", by Joseph Payne Brennan is easily the best story in the whole collection, about an ancient blob-like organism that is accidently brought ashore by seismic (sp?) activity and then proceeds to make a meal out of anything in its path--people included. I wonder if this story inspired the 1958 classic monster movie, "The Blob", and it's two remakes?
Another one I loved, that unfortunately I have a hard time remembering, was "Day of the Dragon", about a scientist who's experimen