CLASSIC MOVIE REVIEW: Alfred Hitchcock's THE BIRDS from STEVE HAYES: Tired Old Queen at the Movies

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CLASSIC MOVIE REVIEW: Tippi Hedren and Rod Taylor enter the world of Alfred Hitchcock with terrifying results in THE BIRDS (1963), taken from a short story by Daphne DuMaurier. With able support from Susanne Pleshette, Jessica Tandy and young Veronica Cartwright, it is Hitchcock at his best. The perfect Halloween classic that will leave you riveted and terrified. STEVE HAYES: Tired Old Queen at the Movies
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[@JClark-34695]

That green suit Tippi wears throughout most of the film: it took me years to notice it, but it's absolutely timeless! Edith Head, you were a genius!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Yup. Hitchcock loved her.

[@JClark-34695]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ Tippi or Edith? 🤔😊

[@annalisa4658]

It's the winter version of grace kelly's green suit in Rear Window 💚

[@fredwild2166]

Just like the green suit Grace Kelly wore in "Rear Window!

[@MsBackstager]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ Yes, he loved her a bit too much....

[@leedsdevil]

The scene with Jessica Tandy finding her neighbor was my introduction to Hitchcock. I woke up as a 4, 5, or 6 year old during the first television broadcast and wandered into the living room while my parents watched the film, at that precise moment. Years later my mother had a parakeet that I never warmed up to. I never knew why... 🤷‍♂

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I hate them. Don't believe in keeping birds in cages in te house...certain relatives on the other hand...LOL! Thaks for watching! Steve

[@norwegianforestcat7471]

Steve does his Hitchcock impersonation -- I live 🎉 And this might be my favorite of his films. Tippi, Suzanne, and Jessica make the greatest trifecta.

[@wellergurl]

Forget the movie Steve... the WAY you told this... SCARED ME. NARRATED BEAUTIFULLY! My mouth was open the whole time even though I've seen this movie plenty of times. Ha ha ha LOVE you!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Why, what a wonderful compliment! Thank you so much!

[@jeanw2018]

“The Birds” made me scared of birds, “Jaws” made me terrified of sharks, and “Night of the Living Dead” made me totally freaked out of cemeteries.

[@angelaholmes8888]

Yep this movie made me scared of birds 😱

[@billolsen4360]

After doing this film Tippi Hedren always cheered on Sylvester in his unending attempts to capture & eat Tweetie.

[@highwind1991]

the Birds is hitchcock's masterful monster movie and I love that it was a 60's film that was able to end with a very dark, bleak and cynical ending

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

yes! It is THE monster movie of the decade.

[@willemvandeursen3105]

The short story also has a bleak, dark ending, but not cynical. Just bleak and dark haha. Stephen King's open ending of the novelle (?) The Mist is similar in tone. Perhaps Steve was inspired by Du Maurier.

[@fanorama1]

Just re-watched The Birds for the first time in a zillions years.. some things I noticed 1):The caged birds in the pet store and Melanie freeing one of them to prove her independence and free-spirit to Mitch. 2) The postmaster in Bodega Bay works behind a cage. 3) The crows gathering on the monkey bars outside the school. Cages also have bars. 4) The people congregating in the restaurant which featured a prominent bar. 5) Melanie, the "bird in a gilded cage" (wealthy spoiled socialite) being attacked by gulls inside a phone booth (glass cage). 6) The similarity of shots/reaction shots between the phone booth in The Birds (1963) and the shower scene in Psycho (1960). 7) The color of Melanie's nails and Hitchcock's obsession with tight, blonde updos (Doris Day in The Man Who Knew Too Much, Kim Novak in Vertigo and Tippi Hedren. 8) The lack of a soundtrack except for the bird sounds. 9) JP nopticed the remarkable resemblance between Tippi Hedren and Jessica Tandy. She really could be the mother Melanie was looking for. 10) So many cigarettes. lol

[@andrewbrendan1579]

Fascinating observations! Something I noticed when the gasoline ignites and Melanie has her hand up by her face as she watches, she's wearing a pinkie ring, a piece of jewelry that I believe men would usually wear. I'm sure that Hitchcock had Melanie wearing that for a reason. I'd sure like to what the reason was!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Well, you've certainly done your homework! Isn't it fascinating? Thanks for watching.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

@@andrewbrendan1579 To keep her finger from falling off.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

@PalmerEldritch666 Just shows you, a bad wig is for "The Birds"!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

@PalmerEldritch666 Sorry, but I probably won't do "Marnie". Althogh I love Tippi , Sean and the score by Bernard Herrmann, I simply can't bear the actress who plays her mother. She throws the whole movie off for me. "Marnie, yer hurtin' ma leg." Unbearable. I tend to lean more towards "I , Confess", "Sabotuer" "Dial "M" For Murder"or one of my favorites; "The Paradine Case", which has all that Selznick/Hitchcock Hollywood glamour, besides which I have "a thing" for Alida Valli, who I think is breathtaking.

[@stellaVista]

Thanks for a great and entertaining (as always) review and re-enactment of this timeless classic. The "soundtrack" was done with a Trautonium, which is a predecessor of the synthesizer. It was invented in the late 1920´s by Friedrich Trautwein in Berlin. As for the scene in front of the school with the children singing for ages: I always thought Hitchcock was deliberately and perversely manipulating our nerves with the endless nursery-rhyme. When the birds finally attack the children, we are actually siding with the birds for silencing the little darlings.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Absolutely!Nothing is ever in a Hitcjcock film that wasn't carefully thought out beforehand. Nothing.

[@Michaelneiss]

Thanks for another classic, Steve! My mother (who was only a kid back then) told me that this movie gave her a bird phobia which lasted during her entire adolescence!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I did. Still does. THAT'S a great movie for you!

[@alidabaxter5849]

Dear Steve, your impressions of Hitchcock are brilliant. The only thing wrong is that Hitchcock, as a person, makes my skin crawl, whilst I like you immensely. "The Birds" is an extraordinary film, based on a really alarming short story, with an ever-escalating mixture of terror and horror, and all of that coming from creatures who aren't from outer space but are to be seen commonly everywhere. The strange thing is that something like these attacks actually happened many decades later: when the first and worst Covid lockdown was over, restaurants and cafes here were allowed to reopen, provided the tables and chairs were on the pavements and all food was served outside. All over the West End people began complaining that seagulls and other birds were swooping down on them and attacking them to get at the food! At least, then, there was a reason. Back at the film, every time I see Suzanne Pleshette I see an excellent, experienced actress, and you can tell that Tippi Hedren was still finding her way (although very well); the poor girl was in no situation to stand up for herself against Hitchcock, and I think he treated her with monstrous cruelty. Other people have made comparisons to the terrors in "Jaws", and one scene in that is (I think) a parallel with this: the terrifying scene in which Jessica Tandy enters a house, seeing at first just the broken cups, and only then the horror of the corpse, and runs away, speechless with terror. In "Jaws" Richard Dreyfuss is out at night in his launch with Roy Scheider and they see a small battered boat; Dreyfuss dives down and as he's exploring a hole in the hull, a half-eaten corpse floats into view! Everybody in the cinema shrieks uncontrollably but he can't because he's underwater! It's terrifying and so is this, as are the attacks on the children. Somebody else asked about Rod Taylor, and why he hadn't had a bigger career. Unfortunately I can suggest a possible reason: a writer I knew spent time on the set of one of his films, and once the work was over he'd drink, which in his case made him physically violent. I hope he was able to conquer this, because he was a big man and could do real damage. With further regard to poor Tippi Hedren, I think you've said you won't review "Marnie", thank God. Once I'd seen an interview with Evan Hunter about trying to write it, and what Hitchcock and Jay Presson Alan had said (all on Google these days) I wouldn't go near it with a ten foot pole. I'm so sorry to write to you at such length, but your reviews and performances are completely fascinating. With best wishes, Alida

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I always thought that's probably what happend to Rod Taylor. He should have been a much bigger star. He had it all. Versatile, sexy, smart and that beguiling /mischievous twinkle. "The Birds" is Hitchcock's briliant monster movie and nothing is scarier than something we take for granted, don't give a second thought about and suddenly making it sinister. It's been the essence of ghost stories and horor movies throughout the years. Suzanne was a wonderful actress and I always though Tippi did a very good job and was much underrated. As for "Marnie" , I like it except for the rape scene and that horrible mother character who acts like she's in a totally different movie than anyone else. I think after "Psycho" and "The Birds", it was difficult for Hitch to know where to go? Plus, all the ugly Tippi scandal which was very unfortuante. Happy Holidays! Steve.

[@MarianPowell]

I'm so glad to read this because when I saw Marnie, I really didn't like it.

[@vistaestrada]

Steve!! Such joy whenever I receive your new videos. I'm waiting for TCM to give you your own spot on their network. 😀

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

LOL! You're mouth to somone's ears ....Thanks so much!

[@vistaestrada]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ , you're like Joan Crawford in the 1970's catching up on all your "fan mail"! Stay safe and healthy, Steve!

[@timfrye3586]

Such a great movie and beautiful cast! I can't believe "Hot Rod" Taylor did not have a bigger career.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I don't know exactly why? Like James Garner and Stephen Boyd, he didn't have the movie career his looks and talent would warrent. He was in some pretty big movies, although in supporting roles; "Separate Tables", "The Catered Affair", "Giant" and later The V.I.P.'s" But the movies he appeared in as a lead seldom gave his career the boost/momentum it needed. "The Birds" & The Time Maschine" were exceptions., but the n again...

[@iamintheburg]

My folks took me, my sister and brother to this one, for some demented reason : to a drive-in ! Two adults, a 9 yr old, a 7-yr old, and -- oh, Lord - a 2-yr old, trapped in a car and those sounds echoing through that Chevy ! Wild and wired and weirded out. Then, I swear it's so - later that autumn, story in the Roanoke Times was BIRDS ATTACK CROWD - at some event in South Africa - I was done for. Now, it's one of my absolute favorites.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Drive in movies! They could either be a horror story or such fun! I loved them!

[@angelabolton4478]

Steve, your Hitchcock impression is spot on!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thanks so much!

[@dabigdikdangler]

Picture it, North Carolina 1986, I was in 6th grade and the only Black kid at a prestigious private boarding school. I was on a scholarship, which meant I had to do light work in the cafeteria. They showed us "The Birds" on the same night I had to take garbage up a dark dirt road to the dumpster. I was terrified, after reaching to the last bit of light I left the garbage right there and went back to my dorm. I lost my scholarship, but love Hitchcock films to this day.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Good God! I'm so sorrry. That's terrible! Glad you didn't hold it against the movie, though.

[@robertn800]

Just saw this a couple of years ago...esp Tippi ❤️ She was so chic and beautiful, I tried to get my blonde hair the exact same shade as hers but wasn’t successful. Hitchcock wasn’t very nice to her, she said in an interview & thought she would be in some sort of protective cage in the final scene, so she really did get PTSD. But she puts in a lot of work now saving endangered wildlife esp. big cat- so being one myself, I love her.❤️

[@stevenhayes4063]

Yes, her trauma aside, which I admit was considerable and qite disturbing, she made two films with The Master and I think "The Birds" is one of his greatest. have a great weekend. Steve

[@Tonithenightowl]

Steve, I've never heard a better impression of Hitchcock along with the facial expressions ... damn, you're good. I love all the scenes you mentioned but the one which sticks out for me is the hysterical woman who accuses Tippi of being the cause of the attacks and Tippi slaps her ... it was very raw and very real. He picked the right actress to play it. Thanks Steve, another fabulous review :o)

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

That actress, Doreen Lang, also plays Cary Grant's overworked secretary taking dictation in the cab at the beginning of "North By Northwest'. So great!

[@Tonithenightowl]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ Yes, much like Lee Fierro in Jaws when she accuses Roy Scheider for the death of her little boy. Talk about an intense scene and well executed cinema slap. :o)

[@ScoutCrafter]

Steve- Your Hitchcock impression is spot on!!! Awesome review! Thanks! Happy Halloween!!!

[@degsbabe]

Awesome review- and impression.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thanks a million!

[@niceguy5976]

"The Birds" is a great movie. Actress Morgan Brittany, who was popular in the late 70's and 80's, played one of the school children. One of her many roles was that of Katherine Wentworth, half-sister of Pam Ewing on the tv series "Dallas". She also played Baby June in the 1962 movie "Gypsy". As a child actress she used her birth name Suzanne Cupito, changing her name to Morgan Brittany at age 18.

[@stevenhayes4063]

Well, whaddaya know? So glad you watched and thaks so mcuh! Have a great summer and pleasse sta SAFE! Best; Steve

[@alolkoydesigns]

I think the children singing at the school adds to the atmosphere of the scene it is haunting and creates tension. It also connects the inside world of the schoolhouse with the outside world of the birds. The Cohen Bros use this device a lot with the ding ding sound of the interior of a car when the door is opened in a bitter winter. The sound reminds us that it's nice and warm in the car.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Very interesting!

[@DanielLiebert-i1p]

Young Veronica Cartwright and Hitch were besties throughout the shoot (both were English) and she was fascinated by film-making. She asked Hitch about the 90% fake birds on the jungle gym scene and wouldn't people think it was fake? He said we mix in the live ones and they make all the others come to life in our minds. What amazed her most was the ending where Mitch opens the door as they step out to the car. There IS no door there, just a wedge of light moving LIKE a door is opening and no one missed the real door.

[@renzo6490]

Hitchcock’s version of Jaws….”Beaks!!”

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Hitch at his peak with " Beaks"!

[@TechnicJunglist]

I saw this film when I was about 7 years old. Later that summer I went to the Cape on vacation and all of the phone wires were filled with birds. I was terrified 😆 it just stays with you for life

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Isn't it the best! "Razzle-dee, Ruzzle-dee..."

[@angelaholmes8888]

I watched the movie when i was a kid I'm Still scared of birds even as an adult

[@poetcomic1]

I've been working on my imitation of Steve's imitation of Hitchcock and it has been a hit.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Wow! I'm flattered!

[@lucasdavis1964]

Always happy to see a new "Tired Old Queen At The Movies" vid.

[@Vebinz]

Another great video! The final scene was always especially haunting to me.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Me too. I love that final shot with just the bird sounds as the sunrises. Gorgeous!

[@andrewbrendan1579]

Some years ago I was crossing a street, felt something brush my head, I looked up and a crow was going past me. Never happened before or since. At the time I wore my hair in a ponytail and I'm guessing the crow was trying to get some hair for building a nest. Now that my hair isn't far from a crew cut, the birds should leave me alone. At least I hope so!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

My mother suede to say when I got up in the morning; 'Comb that hair, it looks a like a bird's nest!"

[@egeo03]

I loved Pleshette in this film. There were moments when I thought Annie was jealous of Melanie, and moments when I thought she was into Melanie.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

So true. Pleschette was a lovely actress and , as you just pointed out, she walked a very fine line with this performance. This, of course, makes you like her even more and her death so tragic. Thanks for the lovely observation and have a Happy., SAFE, New Year! Best Wishes; Steve

[@me68206]

I remember in grade school kids talking about how frightening this movie was, and then one day I watched it. Don't think I could ever watch it again now that I know the backstory. This was a very entertaining review, Steve. But I have to say I'm a bit troubled that your mention of Hitchcock's treatment of his star Tippi Hedren was characterized as "He was in love with her." Maybe he was, but even before today's revelation by Hedren that Hitchcock sexually assaulted her, his obsessive, controlling behavior towards her was well documented in interviews with her and corroborated by others who witnessed it first hand. You said Hedren had to be hospitalized during this movie for a breakdown because of scenes with birds? More likely it was because she was isolated from everyone on set at the orders of a jealous and controlling director who told her co-stars that they were not to speak to her outside of delivering dialogue. It sounds like the real horror of this movie was howawfully she was treated; yet under these difficult circumstances she managed to turn in a stellar performance.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

me68206 So why did she do Marnie?

[@victoriaindigo]

u.n. owen I think Hitch prevented other studios from hiring TH. Hitch was the OG Harvey Weinstein

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

@@victoriaindigo Yup.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

She did indeed!

[@rem2267]

My favorite Hitchcock film, but I agree, that song those kids sing is totally obnoxious!

[@jerryhewitt4309]

I was twelve when it came out! To this day I still feel uncomfortable around birds! Steve, I love your Hitchcock!!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I feel the same way around birds that I do at family reunions. I'll leave you to draw your own conclusions! Thanks for watching! Steve

[@conrad152]

I always love Steve's reviews so entertaining and informative.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thanks so much!

[@mtngrl5859]

This move really freaked me out as a kid! For years when I would see birds starting to roost on telephone wires, it made me uneasy!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Still does for me. It's always the first thing that comes to mind.

[@anuyew9537]

"You never looked at a bird right Again"!!...Magic!!! LOL!!

[@rogercase6205]

Poor Tippi Hedren! It's amazing she wasn't put off all animals, but of course she had big cats. This is the only horror movie that I find scary, and I think a big reason it isn't as dated is the use of a "non-soundtrack". As always, great review!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thanks Buddy, much appreciated. And I find it terrifying too.

[@celinhabr1]

Steve, it's also such a pleasure to see your videos. I love The Birds.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

me too! It's one of my favorites!

[@foreleftyall]

My friend You've done a lot of good TOQ but this is my favorite. And the editing is top shelf. And let's show The Birds!!!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

My editor Thommie is a genius! I thank heavens every night for him!

[@BrokebackBob]

You are a light in my life! I am so excited when I see you have a review!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Oh Bob, you are a light in mine! Thank you so much!

[@62Madison]

Great review! Many years ago around Halloween I met Tippi Hendren in Chicago (and complemented her on her bird broach) when”Hell in a Handbag Productions” did a benefit for her animal rights charity during their physiological play version of “The Birds” held in a small coach house on Lake Michigan. The seating was in a U-shape and the play featured a couple scenes from the movie, with added dialogue like” Bodega Bay -it must mean tacky in Spanish” when she crosses over the bay in the small boat. Very surreal watching Tippi watching herself.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Wow! That is SOOO cool! What awonderful anecdote and memory. I got to do the same thing with actress Jo Van Fleet. I sat behind her and watched her watch her Oscar winning performance opposite James Dean in " East Of Eden" I also got to do that with Gloria Grahame, sitting behind her, watching and listening to her comments to her friend during a screening at Radio City Music Hall of " The Greatest Show On Earth", where she plays Angel, the elephant girl. Unforgettable.

[@62Madison]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ Thanks for replying to my comments! I would have loved to be in the presence of Gloria Graham (hopefully not asking about her stepson). I loved her femme fatale roles, it’s a shame she was a little too hung up on her lip and cosmetic surgery. Renee Zellweger has always reminded me of Gloria Graham - finally saw ‘Judy’, had to watch it again. Btw, you were fantastic in ‘Trick’, a film I saw in the theater, but recently seen again.

[@alexforest1]

Steve that was so interesting and facts that made me watch it again. As usual you gave your spin with a sense of humor. I just laughed so hard.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

So glad ypu liked it!

[@susanliebl9019]

4:17 ...but it isn't dark Annie, it's a full moon......Hitchcock moment....

[@johnniemaddux1226]

My favorite Hitchcock after "Psycho." Terrifying just watching these clips. And no music to enhance the mood. Great movie!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

But Hitchcok veteran Bernard Herrmann supervised all the bird sounds. A masterpeieve!

[@hcombs0104]

My favorite Hitchcock, with Rear Window a close second. One of my favorite parts is when Doreen Lang goes off with WHY ARE THEY DOING THIS? Extreme closeup.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I love Suzanne. So real.

[@char1737]

Tippi and the tigers and lions. Roar!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

"Here kitty, kitty..."

[@MarianPowell]

Excellent review. One thing you left out was the reason for the speech by the eccentric bird woman. Besides being amusing, she gives the audience valuable information about birds. I've mentioned this to writers - that the way to give information is to do it in an amusing way. Hitchcock was a master!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Indeed. and She was remarkable!

[@WinfreyWright]

Saw this on TV as a child and it scared the daylights out of me.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

It still does me in...especially the slow, mounting, suspense.

[@Lunchladydoyle]

My sister Dana is still afraid of crows because of this movie !! Great film, it’s part of my collection.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

It lef a lasting impression for anyone who saw it when it came out.

[@jaygatz4335]

It's amazing how much Tippi Hedren and Jessica Tandy resemble each other. They could be mother and daughter.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

That was done deliberately. They say most men marry their mothers...whoever "they" are. Thanks for watching! Steve

[@jeffbassin630]

"The Birds" is one of my favorite films. Thanks for reviewing it.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I love it too

[@staceyezell9685]

You are an absolute GEM!! Im def marathoning ur videos right now

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thanks so much!

[@ScrapNfight]

Good impression of Hitch. Do the Carol Reed musical OLIVER! for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

On my list!

[@haintedhouse2990]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ Can't wait for you to do OLIVER! my fave movie musical.

[@stevenhayes4063]

@@haintedhouse2990 It's on my "to do" list.

[@alexrafe2590]

Yes I agree, you not only captured that quintessential quality to his voice, but your face also took on a look of his face, so yes very good Hitchcock impression. I really feel I've seen your review of this before. And commented. No matter, what made this film so exceptional was its power and appeal on so many levels. Drawingroom drama. Sophisticated but light romance. Psychological drama, horror monster movie, family drama. And on top of it all the whole Hitchcockian ambiance to the different set piece scenes - ambivalent Annie and Melanie meeting. Instant liking and rapport, curiosity, rivalry and jealousy against that still Hitchcockian tone and mood. All the incredible performances Hitchcock got out of all his actors. Tandy's incredible nuanced performances with Taylor and with Hedren. It's in my top five all time favourite films. The fact that it's a horror film is almost the least interesting thing about it now. I've returned to it over and over again over the years.

[@KamiKoren]

This is THE scariest movie of ALL TIME! Just watching this gives me the chills!! AHHHHH!

[@andrewbrendan1579]

Wow! Wonderful review Steve. Thank you. Long before I ever finally saw "The Birds" it was on TV in our area, maybe 1974, and I recall the ad in the TV guide from the Chicago Daily News: It showed some fluffy white feathers and blood spatters and said, "Birds 19, People 0". Year later I did see "The Birds". Great film and I love that early 60s look from my early years. I read "The Birds" in high school in the 70's, re-read it maybe a year ago and it was even better and more frightening. Also, Steve, you and your viewers might like another bird story called "Our Feathered Friends". I actually read it in one of the short story anthologies under the Alfred Hitchcock name, stories by many writers. Like the Dumaurier story it's set in England and, I think, in the 50's. I don't recall the anthology or particular author but "Our Feathered Friends" is just as scary as "The Birds"---if not more so . Yikes!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thanks for the suggestion! And thanks for watching!

[@tonynegron1927]

🎬 A classic! Turn up the volume whenever the birds attack. Fantastic!

[@zuitsuit80]

I adore your videos. I feel like you and I could discuss classic movies for hours.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I'm sure we could. I do that constnatly...and I live alone! Uh-oh. ..

[@ryzardt]

I loved this review Steve! I think I ll dig out my copy for tomorrow! One of my all time favourites! Happy Halloween!

[@capt.molyneaux7037]

Great to have you on here again !

[@WilAdams]

I loved the way that Melanie backed herself into a corner, but then used her memory to recall that Anne had a room for rent, and bam! she found herself in the home of Mitch's old girlfriend. LOL.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

You say that like it's a bad thing. She's merely resourceful, a girl with a quick mind when it comes to a possible. hairy chest on the horizon.

[@WilAdams]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ I certainly did not mean it as a 'bad thing' I meant it exactly as you spelled it out. Susanne was terrific in this role, and she looked stunning.

[@ThePiratemachine]

Suzanne Pleshette herself and her voice were so sensual she literally purrs in this one. Maybe she senses birds.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

She's so great and, as the "sacrificial lamb",once her charcter is gone, greatly missed! Steve

[@ThePiratemachine]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ And I am always quite surprised at Rod Taylor's very sensitive responding to her when he finds her lying across the path to her house. It is quite moving. He's such a rugged, tough kinda guy. The two of them but especially her were good in 'Fate Is The Hunter.'

[@Daisnap]

Great review! A very exciting part of my childhood! Loved this movie so much. You do a great Hitch impression! Hate how the birds were tied to peoples’ clothes, which must have panicked them. Love that you mention Ethel Griffies - and do a fun impression of her as well! She had a lit match in her hand for about an hour before she remembered it was there. That was suspenseful in itself. If I may tip my hat to some other great character actors in this film: Ruth McDevitt ran the pet store, Richard Deacon was Mitch’s city neighbor, Doodles Weaver rented Tippi her boat, Elizabeth Wilson was a concerned waitress, Doreen Lang a freaked out mother, doomsday man Karl Swenson, Charles McGraw, Joe Mantell….and two of the children were Morgan Brittany and Jeannie Russell: Margaret on Dennis the Menace!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

And my favorite, Charles McGraw as the weathered & weary sea captain. One of the great Film Noir actors who was so sexy, with that gravel voice, in "The Narrow Margin" and "The Killers" Regarding "The Birds", I saw an interview where they said that Ethel added the match bit to the monologue herself and knew exactly what she was doing and when to put it out. There is a master! Thanks for watching! Steve

[@Daisnap]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ Loved Charles McGraw when he first meets sultry sassy sexy sarcastic Marie Windsor in Narrow Margin! Yes, his voice! But I don’t remember his sea captain in The Birds. Can you refresh me? Love the Ethel Griffies story! The sky fox. I think she was a harsh landlady in Waterloo Bridge?! BTW, I am a huge fan of both versions. Have you seen both? The original leads Mae Clarke and Douglass Montgomery were sublime together, and Frederick Kerr is so real and funny, I watch him in awe as he banters with young Bette Davis in a tiny early role.

[@dwhitman3092]

I've been Loving all of these videos! Wish I had found before just recently!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Hi DOLL! I'm just glad you found me! Welcome aboard! Thanks so much for watching ! Please subscribe if you haven't already and hit the "LIKE" button. Stay well, Stay SAFE. Best; Steve

[@char1737]

FYI in vertigo theres a line `im just a girl, I work at Magnins` referring to the I.Magnin department store chain

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Well, there you are.

[@richardm239]

SAW THIS AS A KID SCARED THE ... OUT OF ME AND I STILL LOVE IT A REAL CLASSIC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Terrifying and mesmerizing. Quintessential Hitchcock. Happy New Year! Steve

[@aberrantcow]

Amazing Steve! Awesome review! ❤️

[@stacyscott6863]

Rod Taylor..my heart be still

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

You ain't kiddin'! Thanks for watching!

[@infonut]

Oh! Honey .... wait till he takes that shirt off.

[@MrQbenDanny]

BRAVO STEVE!!!! IT'S A HORROR OF TENSION WATCHING IT!!! I saw it in Madrid once dubbed in Spanish, it was even more HORROR!!!

[@garycraigart3579]

Your Hitch impersonation is great!!!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thank you, Sir! I appreciate that more than I can say. I hope all is well and safe with you.

[@SleepyLestatSF]

Just revisited this - you had such life to movies i have seen too much and it makes them fun to watch with new insight!

[@fitzspike]

I saw this at a drive in a convertible with Psycho as a double bill. Scary stuff. Great review Steve!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Great double bill!

[@g_vezz]

You are the greatest critic of all. Brilliant

[@victoriaindigo]

Awesome Halloween pick and great to see you again Steve! I hope you'll be doing a Thanksgiving video review!

[@melissaolson6108]

Like you, I saw this when I was a kid, and it scared the poop out of me. Steve, you do such a good job reviewing these! I'm on a roll with movies from the 1960s - do you think you'll ever review Diamond Head? I do love a good melodrama.

[@bronte6364]

Love your impressions. Spot on with Hitchcock. Your Crawford is top notch too! Great stuff! Thank you. X💞

[@stevenhayes4063]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching! Best; Steve

[@char1737]

2:34 here we see the influence that Balenciaga use in designing the paper bag purse it come in smooth brown leather , shiny silver and in crinkle brown leather. I bought one after the hype died down $599.00 I got some use from it. But it reminds me of Grace Kelly and her iconic Hérmes Kelly in dail M for murder and the clutch from burgdorf Goodman that Eva saint James carried in North by northwest

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

The shiny silver and crinkle leather reminds me of my complexion.

[@willemvandeursen3105]

...That's the best Hitchcock personification I ever saw! Initially I didn't think much of The Birds. I read DuMaurier's short story as a teen when I started to get interested in "disaster sci-fi" and it FREAKED me out, it was bloodcurdling and utterly bleak and exactly the kind of story I wanted to chill on. Daphne describes an exceptionally cold snowless winter in England, and I FELT it. (Hitchcock's Birds is too summer-y! ) The short story explains that the killer birds phenomenon is worldwide, by the way. And then I saw the (americanized) movie. The beginning with Hedren - whom I didn't like on sight - went all wrong with me. And the birds didn't seem really threatening. Only later I saw what Hitch had done, and how brilliant it was. Tandy's discovery of the neighbors-- an excellent horror moment. And of course the bird FX were very well done. But the impact the short story had on me still overrules. And I still am not a fan of Tippi Hedren, lol. I couldn't find a "Rebecca" review, I hope you will do that film too. I consider it Hitchcock's best one. But it's your show, of course. :--))

[@stevenhayes4063]

"Rebecca" is there somewhere. I did it early on. I love DuMaurier as well. Loved the book of "Don't Look Now." as well as the film. Thanks for watching! Best; Steve

[@willemvandeursen3105]

@@stevenhayes4063 Found it! Thank you.

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

Steve!!! You hit on it! You mentioned JAWS! Birds + Jaws= Sharknado!

[@poetcomic1]

Fellini called The Birds one of the 10 most beautiful movies ever made. Truffaut said "Cinema was invented so we can see things like the bird attacks in The Birds.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I totaly agree! Happy Holidays!!

[@DavidHalChester]

And your Hitchcock is superb! This is one of your best. Really well done!

[@stevenhayes4063]

Thanks so much! Best Wishes; Steve

[@PaulTesta]

@ Steve Hayes Steve, I just found you here on KZbin. I am really enjoying the richness of your reviews. You're fun to watch. I know you've gotten a lot of raves on your Hitch impersonation; but frankly, I can't stop re-watching (and re-laughing) at your impersonation of that kids' song, Razzle-dee, Ruzzle-dee... 😅 Just subscribed. Off to watch more reviews. Also, do you take review requests? Best, Paul

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thanks so much, Paul! "Razzle-dee, Ruzzle-dee.." is in my top ten favorites. I'm all ears when it comes top requests.

[@PaulTesta]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ Steve, I am thrilled that you responded to me! Thank you so much!! As I said, I really enjoy your reviews. You make me want to watch or re-watch every movie for each review I've seen. And you've already reviewed some of my all-time favorite movies! My favorite movie decade is the '60's, so here are a few of my favorites from that period that I'd love to hear your review on: Dr. Strangelove Charade It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World The Producers Fantastic Voyage Hope you're well these days. And I'd love to hear from you again. Big cinephile here! Best, Paul

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

@@PaulTesta Hey paul, I've done "Charade" the other you mentioned are on my "to do" list1 Thanks for the recommendations and for watching! I hope you are well and safe and so nice of you to comment!

[@PaulTesta]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ Steve, thanks for your reply. Really enjoy hearing from you. 😊 I searched your entire YT channel and could not find your review of "Charade." What am I doing wrong??🙄 Is it possible that it's combined with another movie review within the same video? As for "Charade" itself, it's my personal favorite, having seen it as a boy on TV, back in the '70's. It's the movie that made me love and appreciate movies. It was the movie that caused me to look beyond plot, and begin to appreciate direction, screen writing, and editing. Best to you always, Paul+

[@melissasaint3283]

I had to read the Birds in tenth grade, And then our teacher showed the movie in class... The scene where Jessica Tandy finds that awful scene and can't scream? 😔 *i* screamed, lol

[@stevenhayes4063]

LOL! Mission accomplished! Good Old Hitch does it again! Happy New Year and thanks for watching! Stay Safe and Best Wishes; Steve

[@frederickcombs8661]

I swear that many years ago I saw a DIFFERENT CUT of this movie at an art film house. There was a longer scene with Tippy and Tandy at the end. There was just more film, here and there. The harware store scene was longer... just more creepy reactions.

[@stevenhayes4063]

Well, stranger things have happened. At any rate, more to love! Thanks for watching! Best; Steve

[@CharlotteSophiaSF]

Agreed, Steve! The Birds scared the hell out of me when I was young, Especially the phone booth scene.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Claustraphobia personified! YIKES!

[@allegory6393]

A true masterpiece, architectonically and painterly constructed. Many film theorists interpret the birds as the mother's ferocious desire unleashed once the other woman arrives and threatens the (symbolic) family romance.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I think they're thinking too much. I go with the idea that there is no reason. Which makes it all the more terrifying.

[@allegory6393]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ I personally like a variety of interpretations (and we should remember Hitchcock's own interest in psychoanalysis -not to say all these titanic mothers in 'Notorious', 'The Birds', 'Psycho'). The Birds is a unique film in the history of cinema (despite the genre the film spawned and its numerous imitators), for we have for the first time a film from the point of view of the 'creaturely', and at that chthonic level reason, indeed, cannot operate. It is the level where violent, destructive forces are unleashed and their impact is felt without the protection of reason. The ending leaves us totally afflicted, as everything remains bloody and unresolved (and I don't think anyone is reassured Melanie was not left traumatised and scarred for life).

[@eduardo_corrochio]

There's so much in this film to enjoy. Also, we must separate the art from the personal stuff that went down during production; what happened between Hitch and Hedren is bad but I will not let it ruin an excellent thriller. People are often fascinated by the song that school kids sing. Lots of folks deem it annoying as heck. But the scene would not have been as suspenseful had Melanie been sitting there on the bench in silence. The tune adds a certain something. The song is known as "Risseldy, Rosseldy" ("I married my wife in the month of June") and it's derived from the traditional Scottish folk song "The Wee Cooper o'Fife". The scene where Melanie sneaks the lovebirds cage in the boat across the water and into the Brenner house seems like she's hiding a bomb (if we saw the clip out of context and without knowing the movie beforehand, it would seem so). The whole sequence is rather tense even though it's a lady dropping off a birthday gift for a kid. Actually the actions of Melanie (going from playful minx to spy and stalker) speak volumes about her character-- this is a person who attaches herself swiftly and strangely to a man and his loved ones. Creepy and peculiar. There's plenty of comic relief peppered throughout the movie, in some visuals and in supporting characters. One example is the lovebirds leaning left and right as the car moves through curves (oh, that yummy car of hers, the 1954 Aston Martin DB2 4 Drophead Coupe). Hitch and his writer Evan Hunter knew that with material like this, audiences needed a bit of humor now and again. There's a lot more to discuss but I better stop. Great thriller, and it still is a hoot to watch.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

It's fascinating on so many levels. Hitch knew how imortant it was and always used as much humor as he could. You can find it throughout all his films. Thanks for the comments and for watching!

[@eduardo_corrochio]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ My pleasure. I re-watch your videos multiple times because they're so enjoyable. Also, wanted to mention, since you love classic films and the golden age of movies: I recently watched Ryan Murphy's second Netflix original TV series, "Hollywood" (seven episodes, taking place in the late 1940's), and I loved parts of it and was baffled by other parts. Are you going to give it a whirl? The costumes, props and sets were worth the viewing-- simply sublime. ☺

[@johnflynn9619]

Steve is Amazing and Extraordinary. The Birds was Great Suzanne Pleshette was The new film star - Wonderful Actress. RIP

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I agree. She brought heart to the picture. Steve

[@edreid7872]

Love how Steve described it likely it opened yesterday, and no one has ever it...lol

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Absolutely!

[@JohannaLeigh]

WOW!!!! I don't know how old Bernard Herman was when he died, but if you listen to Orson Welles radio dramatization of A Christmas Carol (with Lionel Barrymore), Bernard (Bernie Herman) was the composer of the score. The last score he worked on, I think, before he died, was the score for Brian DePalma's *Sisters* .

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

It was a Brian DePalma film, but it was " Obsession". He did that and "Taxi Driver" the same year and was nominated for both...but, lost the Oscar to Jerry Goldsmith for " The Omen". Happy Holidays! Steve

[@JohannaLeigh]

Actually, turns out it was both Obsession & Sisters I have the box set of Sisters, that contains the book of how the movie was made. Unfortunately for me, I didn't pay enough attention in high school French class. The book is in French (because the box set was distributed by Wild Side, which is a French Company) Anywho , there's a story about how they were watching the raw movie (pre-editing) and Paul Hirsch, the editor, forgot to add the soundtrack and Mr. Herrrmann proceeded to have a screaming fit. Poor Paul Hirsch is thinking, *"I hope he doesn't die, yelling at me"* . So far as who won the Oscar..... as much as I love Bernard Herrmann's scores, the Jerry Goldsmith score to *The Omen* was the worthy win. That music STILL creeps me out! Ironically, he would write the music for the Don Bluth animated classic, *The Secret of Nimh* and co write the song, *Love is the Key* with Paul Williams. That song was a million miles removed from The Omen. @STEVEHAYESTOQ

[@debbieking5171]

He deliberately leaves off THE END, to make the onslaught continue. Also he said he wanted to get a shot of the birds on SAN FRANCISCO Bridge but couldn't fit it in. He mentioned this on The Dick Cavette show, when he was,being interviewed.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I think it's a mesmerizing. No explanation for it's begining and no explanation as to the ending.Brilliant.

[@kevenpinder7025]

Suzanne Pleshette never got the acclaim she deserved. Her best role, in "Fate is the Hunter," was Oscar worthy.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I like that movie as well. I think she should have nominated for this. She is the "Janet Leigh" of " The Birds".

[@nancystone2917]

JUST DISCOVERED STEVE C.M.R. AND LOVING IT!

[@terrycassidy8388]

The fact that it's using the birds that we see every day, not mutants or aliens, makes this extra disturbing. Not like zombies or monsters that you know don't exist. Whenever I see a whole line of birds on a wire, I think of this movie

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

It stays with you. It was supposed to.

[@royalwedding777]

Love you Steve. Keep up the great work. Love your narration.

[@timbrandt2132]

Love, love LOVE YOUR REVIEWS!!!! You've got me hooked!!! (wish I'd seen you play the Countess in The Women!!)

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Awww, thanks. I hope you subscribe, so I camn bring you a new classic each month. Happy Labor Day and thanks so much for the compliment and for watching! Best; Steve

[@timbrandt2132]

Have you ever done The Reluctant Debutante? Love to see it.@@STEVEHAYESTOQ

[@retroshare]

What a marvelous review - you really are a most knowledgeable man! Thanks so much!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thank you! I'm alright when it comes to movies, but don't ask me anything technological...I'm a TOQ out of water! LOL! Thabk you so much for watching. It's lovely to hear from you and I so appreciate it. Stay well, stay busy and above all, stay SAFE! Best; Steve

[@stephenjohnson2481]

I wish there was a love option rather than just like, cuz I loooooove that Tired Old Queen!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

"Hi-Ho, Steverino!" I'll give you an hour to cut that out! You just made this TOQ's day!!! Thank you SOOO much for watching. Keep watching, and stay SAFE! OXOXOX TOQ

[@josharagon4618]

A timeless classic

[@stevenhayes4063]

I so agree and one of those films where, no matter how many times you've seen it, you see something new. Thanks for watching! Best; Steve

[@infonut]

The only let down to this movie is we never get to see the chickens take out the mother. 🐔

[@stevenhayes4063]

LOL!!! Thanks, you made my day! Have a great weekend! Steve

[@tedwatson9929]

one of my favorite scenes is when the mother of the children says to Melanie, "who are you?"...WHAT ARE YOU? .. WHERE DID YOU COME FROM? ... I THINK YOUR EVIL! EVIL! and tippi slaps her across the face ... this is cinema at its finest!

[@stevenhayes4063]

And, for an added bit of trivia, she is also Cary Grant's secretary in "North By Northwest". Thanls for watching! Best; Steve

[@tedwatson9929]

@@stevenhayes4063 cool fact!

[@thelookuplookdown]

WOW, what a brilliant review of a Hitchcock masterpiece. The maestro himself would have approved (loved your Hitchcock impersonation! ) Michael - South Africa.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Ironically, I'd just started performing my one-man show: "STEVE HAYES: With a "HITCH" when the pandemic occured. I got one performance in and it went sensationally! It's just me as Hitchcock, having returned from the 'Netherworld" and dropped in at your house for the evening. Relaxing and talking as if he was at your dinner table. The challenge was that I didn't script it. I improvised the whole show. Just did it off the top f my head. Thankfully, it went over like gang busters! WHEW! Happy Pride! Stay Safe! Best; Steve

[@thelookuplookdown]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ How I would have loved to see your show, it must have been sensational..You are a gifted human being, and Happy Pride to you! Michael

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

@@thelookuplookdown Dear Michael; as my dear friend...also named Michael...used to say; "I'll give you an hour to cut that out!" Thank you so much! OXOX Steve