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The Birds Controversy (Draft)

Controversy
There was controversy in relation to the nature of Alfred Hitchcock and Tippi Hedren’s relationship during the filming of The Birds. Hedren claimed that there were several incidents where Hitchcock acted inappropriately towards her. The cast and crew described his behaviour as ‘obsessive’, and Hedren claims that ‘he suddenly grabbed me and put his hands on me. It was sexual.’. Hedren states that she rejected Hitchcock’s advances on numerous occasions. Following this supposed rejection, Hedren was injured during the filming of the bird's attack scene. On one occasion she suffered cuts to her face from a pane of glass shattering on her. Further, she also insisted to have been misled about the logistics of the final attack sequence, where mechanical birds were replaced with real ones at the last minute. Dufreigne ‘suggests that Hitchcock’s deliberate inflicting of injury was revenge for Hedren’s spurning of his advances.’ (in Schaefer 4. pg. 331 ). Hitchcock also signed Tippi to a seven year contract, which she states restricted her ability to work. It is important to note these allegations were not brought to light until after Hitchcock’s death. Although they have never been confirmed, they have widely been reported including by her co-star Rod Taylor. Nevertheless, some have publicly named Hedren a ‘liar and fantasist’. The controversy of this relationship is explored in the 2012 film, The Girl.

Sequel and Remake
An unrelated sequel, The Birds II: Land’s End was released in 1994. It was a directed-to-television film. It’s director, Rick Rosenthal removed his name and used the Hollywood pseudonym Alan Smithee. Tippi Hedren appeared in a supporting role, but not as her original character.

There is also a film called The Girl (2012) from HBO/BBC which gives a version of the relationship between Hitchcock and Hedren.