Alfred Hitchcock was dubbed the Master of Suspense for his use of psychological suspense in his films, which created a distinct viewer experience. But did you know that Walt Disney did not want Alfred Hitchcock to film in Disney parks?
Alfred Hitchcock wanted to film a suspenseful chase scene at Disneyland for his upcoming film “The Blind Man.” Walt Disney refused because Hitchcock had made the movie “Psycho” and forbade him from filming anywhere in the park.
Who is Alfred Hitchcock?
Alfred Hitchcock, the famous director and filmmaker, worked briefly in engineering before entering the film industry in 1920. In 1939, he moved to Hollywood, where his first American film, Rebecca, won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Hitchcock directed over 50 films, including Rear Window, The 39 Steps, and Psycho. Hitchcock, known as the Master of Suspense, received the AFI Life Achievement Award in 1979. He passed away in 1980.
Hitchcock attended the Jesuit school, St. Ignatius College, before enrolling in art classes at the University of London. Eventually, he got a draftsman and advertising designer job for Henley’s Cable.
He began writing while working at Henley’s, submitting short articles for the in-house publication. In his first piece, he used themes of false accusations, conflicted emotions, and twist endings with impressive skill. In 1920, Hitchcock began working in the film industry full-time at the Famous Players-Lasky Company, designing title cards for silent films. He worked as an assistant director for a few years. (Source: Biography)
Alfred Hitchcock, Psycho, and the Birds
Hitchcock left England for Hollywood in 1939. Rebecca (1940), his first film in the United States, won an Academy Award for best picture. His most well-known films include Psycho (1960), The Birds (1963), and Marnie (1964).
His works became famous for their depictions of violence, despite many of his plots serving only as decoys for understanding complex psychological characters. His cameo appearances in his films, his interviews, film trailers, and the television show Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955-1965) cemented his place in popular culture.
To keep the film’s twists a surprise, Hitchcock shrouded the production of 1960’s Psycho in mystery. He obtained the rights to Robert Bloch’s novel through intermediaries, and he may have even directed his secretary to purchase as many copies of the book as she could to keep its contents hidden.
Later, he forced his cast and crew to take an oath promising not to reveal the plot, and he purposefully delayed press screenings to prevent critics from spoiling it. The film’s newspaper advertisements pleaded with the audience to participate, saying :
Please do not give away the ending. It’s the only one we have!
Alfred Hitchcock, Director and Filmmaker
(Source: Biography)
Alfred Hitchcock and His Legacy
In a six-decade career, Hitchcock directed more than 50 feature films. In 1979, he received the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award. Hitchcock died peacefully in his sleep one year later, on April 29, 1980, in Bel Air, California. Alma Reville, his lifetime partner, assistant director, and closest collaborator, also known as Lady Hitchcock, died in 1982. (Source: Biography)
Image from DisneyDictados