Alfred Hitchcock- a Biography

Drama is life with the dull bits cut out."
Alfred Hitchcock

To his many fans around the globe, Alfred Hitchcock is known as "The Master of Suspense". During a career that spanned six decades, he directed more than fifty feature films, beginning in the silent era, through the invention of sound films, extending far into the age of colour presentations. The story of his life reveals him as a man of extraordinary talent, and intense dedication to his art..

Alfred Joseph Hitchcock was born on August 13, 1899, to a strict Catholic family in London, England. He was the youngest of three children. He attended a Jesuit school, St. Ignatius College until the age of 14, when his father died. Although Alfred had to quit school to help out with expenses at home, he continued to study, attending evening classes, and to read on his own.

In 1920, being a very skilled artist, Hitchcock was hired as a designer of titles for the London branch of Famous Players-Lasky (Paramount) Studios. Before long he was head of the title department. He quickly moved up the ladder to assistant director, art director, and screenwriter.

In 1925, he was promoted to director. In 1926, he completed "The Lodger", which he considered his first real film. He appeared in the film as an extra. Cameo roles later became a Hitchcock trademark. Fans would remain alert, trying to spot the inconspicuous director as the camera slid over him in a scene when they'd least expect it.

In 1927, Alfred married film editor Alma Reville. They were married 53 years until his death in 1980. They had one child, a daughter, Patricia, born in 1928.

Hitchcock directed nine silent films, and was considered on of Britain's leading directors, when he made his first sound film, "Blackmail" in 1929. Thirteen films followed including "The Man Who Knew Too Much", (1934) and "The 39 Steps", (1935). He was now known as Britain's top film director.

Hitchcock journeyed to America in 1939, believing he'd have more creative freedom there. His first American film, "Rebecca" (1940), won an Academy Award.