Tippi Hedren’s Revelations: Alfred Hitchcock’s Misconduct Exposed

In her latest book, renowned actress Tippi Hedren discloses the harrowing experiences she faced while collaborating with Alfred Hitchcock on the films The Birds and Marnie during the 1960s.

Hedren recounts a distressing incident on the set of Marnie where Hitchcock, who she describes as fixated on her, s–ually assaulted her in her dressing room when she was by herself.

She chooses not to delve into specifics but emphasizes the shock and repulsion she felt as he forcefully made advances towards her.

Resisting his advances, Hedren recalls Hitchcock threatening to sabotage her career, leveraging her contractual obligations to instill fear in her.

Following the assault, Hitchcock ceased all direct communication with her, despite the ongoing production of Marnie.

Acknowledging Hitchcock's role in propelling her to stardom, she acknowledges him for casting her in roles that characterized his films with “icy blondes.”

Their collaboration began with The Birds, a renowned horror film from 1963 depicting sudden bird attacks on humans.

As their professional relationship progressed, Hedren noticed Hitchcock's demeanor turning cold and resentful whenever she engaged with male members of the cast or crew.

Recounting a distressing encounter in a limo, she vividly remembers Hitchcock impulsively attempting to kiss her, leaving a lasting impact on her memory.

Reflecting on another unsettling episode on set, Hedren recalls Hitchcock requesting her to touch him, a demand she vehemently rejected by walking away rather than resorting to physical retaliation.

Despite maintaining a composed and distant demeanor towards Hitchcock during the filming of The Birds, she faced retribution in the form of his deceit.

He misled her about using mechanical birds in a scene, substituting them with live birds abruptly, resulting in a grueling and relentless filming experience.

Yet, she stood resilient against Hitchcock's attempts to undermine her spirit.

Upon Hitchcock's demise in 1980, Hedren expresses a bittersweet sentiment, mourning the loss of a “brilliant filmmaker” despite the turbulent history she shared with him.

Her attendance at his funeral signifies a complex mix of emotions towards a man whose actions left an indelible mark on her life and career.