Description
The Alfred Hitchcock papers span the years 1821-1979 (bulk 1943-1979) and encompass 71.8 linear feet.
The collection contains scripts, including original source material, story notes, synopses, screenplay
drafts, shooting scripts, dialogue continuities, and in some instances, trailer scripts; correspondence;
memos; casting records; call sheets; financial and legal records; location information; research
material; music notes; editing notes; publicity; clippings and reviews; and teleplays. In general, the
most extensive coverage is for the years 1957-1976, ranging from THE WRONG MAN (1957) to FAMILY PLOT
(1976), with the films made at Universal receiving the most representation. Coverage in the 1950s varies
from almost no material for DIAL M FOR MURDER (1954) to fairly complete files for THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO
MUCH (1956). There is a small amount of information on his films from the 1940s, with little on his
British films, other than scrapbooks of reviews and clippings for his films from the 1920s.
The subject files contain information on organizations, Hitchcock's public life, business correspondence,
and a small amount of personal correspondence. The books are primarily copies of anthologies that went
out under Hitchcock's name, though also included are critical studies of his films and books that might
have served as research for various projects. The periodicals consist almost entirely of copies of
"Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine." The oversize material contains a small amount of production
material, including sketches of hairstyles for VERTIGO (1958) and MARNIE (1964).
The photograph series spans the years 1921-1976 and consists of 8,796 items, including photographic
prints, contact sheets, snapshots, postcards, 35mm motion picture film frames, and copy negatives. The
Motion picture production photographs include scenes; off-camera; publicity portraits; advertising art;
hair, makeup, and wardrobe reference; location research; and publicity.
Background
Alfred Hitchcock was a British director, producer, and screenwriter whose film career spanned 1919 to
1976. He emigrated to the United States in 1939. Nominated by the Academy five times in the directing
category, he was presented the 1967 Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.
Restrictions
Property rights to the physical object belong to the Margaret Herrick Library. Researchers are
responsible for obtaining all necessary rights, licenses, or permissions from the appropriate companies
or individuals before quoting from or publishing materials obtained from the library.