Archive Voices: Alfred Hitchcock - Interviews 1955 - 1980 is part of the BBC Archive Voices series from AudioGO, which presents interviews with key figures in the fields of entertainment, sport, politics and literature. Selected from the archives of BBC radio and television broadcasting, they offer a chance to hear compelling conversations from years ago. Some of the most lively, entertaining and informative encounters in BBC broadcasting, many of these interviews have not been heard since their original transmission...

In interviews ranging from 1955 to 1980, Alfred Hitchcock talks about the time he was locked in a police cell when he was a child and being typecast as a director of thrillers. He also discusses his early films; the advent of ‘talkies’; planning Psycho; American audiences; cinema techniques; horror films, and the influence of real crimes. He considers the difference between making films in America and Britain; the importance of lighting; his female leads, and being a practical joker. As well as critics, he also touches on avoiding clichés; murder in film; film editing and music; The Birds; the star factor in actors, and making comedies.

It was also interesting to hear his views on who he made movies for - he claims he made them for women as they made up the majority of all cinema audiences - and when on a date they would generally choose the movie.

In addition, talking about Suspicion, he reveals that Cary Grant should never have been cast and that the twist ending of the movie had to be changed because the studio would never permit Grant to be seen in that sort of negative light. Also, in North by Northwest Hitchcock wasn't allowed to show anyone climbing over any of the heads on Mount Rushmore., which scupper ed his plans to have Cary Grant slide down Lincoln's nose and hide in his nostril.

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Nick Smithson