Alfred Hitchcock Died 45 Year Ago. Do You Remember His Final Film?
Alfred Hitchcock, who died 45 years ago today, earned his place in history as the undisputed Master of Suspense, creating some of the most unforgettable films of the 20th century like Psycho, Rear Window, Vertigo and North by Northwest. But he was more than just his biggest hits: Over five decades, he directed over 50 feature films and was nominated for five Academy Awards for Best Director. Even late into his career, Hitchcock remained a pioneer, constantly challenging himself and the industry, and pushing the boundaries of storytelling, camera work and psychological drama.
Even if you’re a big fan, do you remember Hitch’s final film?
How did Alfred Hitchcock die?
Hitchcock passed away on April 29, 1980, at the age of 80, following a decline in health due to kidney failure. His final public appearance occurred just a month earlier, when he delivered pre-taped comments to kick off the the American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement Award tribute to his friend and collaborator James Stewart. He died at his home in Bel Air, California, surrounded by his family. In keeping with his quiet and private nature, his funeral at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Beverly Hills was an intimate gathering, after which his ashes were scattered over the Pacific Ocean.
What was Alfred Hitchcock’s final film?
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Even in his later years, Hitchcock never stopped working. His final completed film, Family Plot (1976), showcased a different side of the famed director. Based on Victor Canning’s novel The Rainbird Pattern, the story centers around a fraudulent psychic named Blanche Tyler, played by Barbara Harris, and her boyfriend, a cab driver, played by Bruce Dern. Originally intended to be a darker, more sinister film, Hitchcock steered the tone toward something lighter and more mischievous. Family Plot was certainly a departure from the heavy suspense that defined much of his career, offering audiences a glimpse at Hitchcock’s wry sense of humor in his final bow.
Before Family Plot, Hitchcock had spent the early ’70s revisiting the murder-thriller genre that made him famous. His 1972 film Frenzy marked a return to the kind of chilling storytelling audiences loved. Set in London, Frenzy follows a series of brutal murders dubbed the “Necktie Murders,” and for the first time in his career, Hitchcock included explicit scenes of nudity and violence, pushing boundaries like he always had, even in his 70s.
Everett Collection
However, not all of Hitchcock’s late-career efforts were met with the acclaim of his earlier masterpieces. Torn Curtain (1966) and Topaz (1969) were both Cold War-themed spy thrillers that failed to capture the magic of earlier classics like North by Northwest or Notorious. In fact, Torn Curtain was a particularly unpleasant experience for Hitchcock, leading to the end of his long collaboration with composer Bernard Herrmann when Hitchcock rejected his score.
Despite the ups and downs of these final projects, Hitchcock’s passion for filmmaking never wavered. Right up until the end, he was working on another potential film called The Short Night, a spy thriller. Unfortunately, due to his failing health, the film was never completed. Still, the screenplay eventually found life in David Freeman’s book The Last Days of Alfred Hitchcock, giving fans a glimpse of what might have been. Although Hitchcock could have cranked out several more masterpieces in his lifetime, he certainly leaves behind a lasting legacy of iconic films.
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