Publication day for A Century of Hitchcock

Today marks the publication of A Century of Hitchcock: The Man, the Myths, the Legacy, a new Alfred Hitchcock biography published by the University Press of Kentucky. Released to coincide with the centenary of Alfred Hitchcock’s directorial debut in 1926, the book draws upon more than twenty-five years of research, previously unpublished interviews with Hitchcock collaborators, and archival material from the Margaret Herrick Library, UCLA Special Collections, the Harry Ransom Center, and the British Entertainment History Project.

A Century of Hitchcock explores the life, films, reputation and legacy of Alfred Hitchcock, from his British silent films through to classics such as Psycho, Vertigo, North by Northwest, The Birds and Marnie. It also examines how many of the myths surrounding Hitchcock developed over the decades following his death.

The publication of this new Hitchcock book comes at a particularly significant moment, as film fans around the world celebrate one hundred years since Hitchcock’s first feature film, The Pleasure Garden.

The book has already been featured by The Guardian, Entertainment Weekly, IndieWire, The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, The Criterion Collection, Library Journal, Booklist, Publishers Weekly, WGN Radio Chicago and SYFY.

You can hear some radio coverage here:

https://wgnradio.com/bob-sirott/what-kind-of-man-was-alfred-hitchcock

https://newbooksnetwork.com/a-century-of-hitchcock

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SAVING HITCHCOCK’S LEGACY

A major new biography is published this month which refutes the claims from personal grievances.

As A Century of Hitchcock: The Man, the Myths, the Legacy is released to coincide with the centenary of Alfred Hitchcock’s directorial debut, the book has been favourably received by reviewers, critics, and readers. Drawing on previously unpublished interviews, archival research, and decades of conversations with Hitchcock’s collaborators, the book re-examines the life, work, and legacy of the Master of Suspense while challenging many long-held assumptions about the filmmaker.

Here are some of the highlights from the first wave of reviews:

“Every Hitchcock fan will want to read this even-handed, superbly argued, and long-overdue insight into Hitchcock’s complex personality.” — Library Journal (Starred Review)

“A splendid, even-handed book about a complicated and enormously influential filmmaker.” — Booklist

“A new Alfred Hitchcock biography sheds light on the controversial The Birds scene… examining the ‘Master of Suspense’ through archival material and fresh interviews.” — Entertainment Weekly

“A keen mix of reportage and film scholarship.” — Flick Attack

“A fascinating read and one that offers something different from the usual narrative around the filmmaker.” — Entertainment Focus (Entertainment Focus)

“Moral tracked down the transcript of Spoto’s 1980 interview with Hedren… finding he ‘framed his questions carefully’ as if ‘to steer the conversation to validate his thesis.’” — Shepherd Express (Shepherd Express) “Hopefully, A Century of Hitchcock will help dissolve Spoto’s legacy.”

“A studious look at the man widely considered the greatest filmmaker in the medium’s history.” – The Boston Globe 

“The legacy of Alfred Hitchcock is certainly more complex now than it was at time of his death. The MeToo# movement played a part in the shift, while the movies and words of all collaborators must be considered. This book from Tony Lee Moral helps us do so.” – Red Carpet Crash

The book explores Hitchcock’s artistic achievements, his enduring influence on modern cinema, and the myths that have shaped public perceptions of him for decades. It also examines the impact of key biographies and the evolving debate surrounding Hitchcock’s personal and professional life. As Hitchcock enters his second century, we hope this book encourages readers to revisit both the films and the stories we tell about the man behind them.

A Century of Hitchcock: The Man, the Myths, the Legacy is published by the University Press of Kentucky and is available now.

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What really happened on location filming of The Birds?

Alfred Hitchcock liked to create tension on-set to draw out stronger performances. But have stories about his psychological tricks been inflated in the retelling?

“1978, shortly after publishing The Art of Alfred Hitchcock biographer Donald Spoto met the director one last time. At one point, Hitchcock appeared to fall asleep mid-conversation, signalling the end of his involvement with the author. On another occasion, Spoto recalled being bitten by Hitchcock’s West Highland terrier, Sarah, leaving a bruise on his hand. When Hitchcock admonished the dog, Spoto noted it was the first time in four years the director had addressed him by name.

These accounts have surfaced in an unearthed transcript of a previously forgotten interview between Spoto and the actor Tippi Hedren in 1980, six months after Hitchcock’s death. But they also suggest something else: an uneasy relationship from the outset, shaped by misreading, distrust and a degree of personal grievance. . .”

Read this fascinating article in The Guardian ahead of Tony Lee Moral’s new book “A Century of Hitchcock: The Man, The Myths, The Legacy” published by University Press of Kentucky on June 9th, 2026.

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/apr/20/alfred-hitchcock-the-birds-tippi-hedren-tension-performances
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John Russell Taylor, Alfred Hitchcock’s authorized biographer, has died

It is with great sadness we announce that John Russell Taylor, Alfred Hitchcock’s authorized biographer of “Hitch: The Life and Times of Alfred Hitchcock” has passed away at the age of 90. John Russell will feature in a new book “A Century of Hitchcock” published by University Press of Kentucky which charts his friendship with Hitchcock and the writing of his biography.

https://www.thetimes.com/uk/obituaries/article/john-russell-taylor-obituary-biographer-of-alfred-hitchcock-2ksvc39fb
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A CENTURY OF HITCHCOCK: The Man, The Myths, The Legacy now available to Preorder

For over a century, Alfred Hitchcock has remained one of cinema’s most influential directors. Known as the “Master of Suspense,” this visionary filmmaker directed more than fifty films over six decades. His thriller The Lodger (1927) marked the start of his signature style, which was later exemplified in classic films like Vertigo(1958), North by Northwest (1959), Psycho (1960), and The Birds (1963). 

Hitchcock’s work received tremendous success and critical acclaim. While he never won the competitive Academy Award for Best Director, he received five Oscar nominations, two Golden Globes, the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, a BAFTA Fellowship, multiple lifetime achievement awards, and two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the preservation of nine of his films in the United States National Film Registry. His mastery of tension, innovative camera techniques, and psychological depth continue to inspire and influence modern filmmakers such as Christopher Nolan, Jordan Peele, and Bong Joon Ho. 

Drawing on new archival research, previously unpublished interviews, and a rigorous examination of key biographies, A Century of Hitchcock challenges the long-standing narratives that have shaped Hitchcock’s legacy. Author Tony Lee Moral revisits controversial claims regarding Hitchcock’s alleged abuses, scrutinizing biographer Donald Spoto’s interpretations, particularly his portrayal of the director’s relationship with actress Tippi Hedren. With his analysis of a 1980 interview between Spoto and Hedren, Moral reveals for the first time how one key document contradicts decades of exaggeration. 

In this comprehensive reappraisal of Hitchcock’s career, Moral encourages readers to explore the complexities of creative collaboration and the risks of relying on a single biographical narrative. Marking one hundred years since Hitchcock’s first film, The Pleasure Garden, and fifty years since his last film, Family Plot, Moral reexamines the director’s cinematic brilliance, storytelling mastery, creative partnerships, and controversies, offering a fresh perspective on Hitchcock’s legacy in the post-#MeToo era.

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Norman Lloyds tells all about Alfred Hitchcock and Tippi Hedren

In an exclusive interview before he died, Norman Lloyd tells all about working with Alfred Hitchcock. He knew the man behind the camera. At 100 years old, Norman Lloyd shares the secrets NO ONE ELSE WILL. You won’t believe what Hitchcock said behind the scenes during the making of Marnie and what he saw between Alfred Hitchcock and Tippi Hedren.

#Hitchcock100#NormanLloyd#FilmHistory#OldHollywood#GoldenAgeCinema#BehindTheScenes#HitchcockRevealed#ClassicMovies#HollywoodLegends#TBT#alfredhitchcock#hitchcock#tippihedren

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Marnie co-star Louise Latham tells all in an explosive new book and calls Tippi Hedren a ‘mediocre actress’

In a stunning and explosive interview, acclaimed stage actress Louise Latham gave a candid and revealing insight about filming with her co-star Tippi Hedren on the set of Alfred Hitchcock’s Marnie. Her interview will be featured in a new book “100 Years of Hitchcock” coming soon. And you can hear a trailer for the interview on Youtube:

#hitchcock #alfredhitchcock #marnie #films #louiselatham #tippihedren #sensational #hitchcockfilms

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