USC presents Hitchcock’s masterpieces

By BECCA DOTEN
Film Editor

Alfred Hitchcock was born over a century ago, but his films still have as much impact if not more then they did when they were originally made.

From his first thriller, a black and white silent film entitled "The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog," he began establishing himself as a talent to be reckoned with. Moving to the United States in the late 1930s, Hitchcock's tremendous talent, coupled with an innate self-promoting prowess allowed him to work his magic in Hollywood as well.

Always on the forefront of innovation, he stretched the limits of film, but always worked from an original base of a strong, intelligent story. His actors were some of the best in the business, but he typically cast them against type, forcing audiences to rethink their conceptions of the character that a star such as Cary Grant or Jimmy Stewart could play.

With the 100th anniversary of Hitchcock's birth just over a year ago, the "master of suspense" has been the focus of countless recent documentaries, festivals and screenings, including two that are currently taking place in Los Angeles.

USC has a special bond to the Hitchcock legacy because Drew Casper, a professor at the School of Cinema-Television, holds the Alma and Alfred Hitchcock Chair of American Film and teaches a special class on Hitchcock every fourth semester. This semester is unique, however, as the cinema school is running a Hitchcock retrospective in conjunction with the class. The additional screenings, which are starting on Sept. 8, will be held on campus Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. The Hitchcock class itself is held Wednesday nights. Between these two venues, nearly every Hitchcock film, and even a few of his television shows, will be shown.

In addition to the "Hitch 101" film festival, another local theater is showing classic Hitchcock films this coming weekend. The New Beverly Cinema (known as the "New Bev" to those who frequent it) will screen two separate double billings. Thursday "The Birds" starring Tippi Hedren will be shown at 7:30 p.m., followed by another one of her movie, "Marnie," at 9:30 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, "The Birds" will continue to be the 7:30 p.m. show.

These Hitchcock screenings allow audiences a chance to see his films as they were meant to be seen on the big screen. So whether you're a hardcore Hitchcock fan or simply a movie buff, this opportunity shouldn't be passed up.

The Wednesday night class is full, making reservations practically impossible. Other screenings are free to the public and are still open. For reservations, call (213) 740-2167.

Copyright 2000 by the Daily Trojan. All rights reserved.
This article was published in Vol. 141, No. 04 (Thursday, August 31, 2000), on page 8.