Calling all Hitchcock fans

Yesterday, /Film uncovered a rare interview with the Master of Suspense himself, Alfred Hitchcock. Taped in 1973 for the “Tomorrow Show,” host Tom Snyder sat down with the famed director for an hour-long discussion on Hitchcock’s background, his films, and some of the ideas and experiences that fed into his work.

The interview provides fans with new insights into the mind, views and drollness of one of the 20th century’s most gifted filmmakers.

To view the entire interview (in six parts), visit /Film.

Another great site for Hitchcock enthusiasts (and film aficionados in general) is “Saul Bass on the Web.” This great new site is devoted to the work of talented title designer, Saul Bass who designed the credits and title sequences for more than 60 films, including Vertigo (1958), North by Northwest (1959), and Psycho (1960) – of which Bass co-directed the very famous shower scene. Bass also created titles for such films as The Seven Year Itch (1955), Anatomy of a Murder (1959), West Side Story (1961), Bunny Lake is Missing (1965), Big (1988) and Casino (1995).

The site is still in beta, but it’s a great resource on Bass’ career and tremendous visual creativity.

The Great Directors

I’m beginning to think I should just work for Turner Classic Movie’s (TCM) PR department, but, as a cinephile, it’s hard not to sing the praises of this wonderful network. TCM will once again deliver countless hours of pure movie delight in June by celebrating the work of more than 50 top directors from around the world.

TCM’s month-long “Great Directors” festival will showcase the work of two directors each day, including pictures from classic filmmakers like Fritz Lang to modern directors like Woody Allen. This 30-day festival offers a dream line-up of some of the silver screen’s greatest films, while also screening some lesser known movies from the featured directors.

Of those masters behind the camera, I’m particularly looking forward to the days devoted to:

• Frank Capra (Tuesday, June 2)
• Blake Edwards (Friday, June 19) - pictured above
• Alfred Hitchcock (Saturday, June 27)
• Sidney Lumet (Monday, June 29)
• Francois Truffaut (Thursday, June 18)
• Billy Wilder (Saturday, June 15) - pictured below

Needless to say, my television will be permanently set to TCM in June. To experience some tour de force films and discover lesser known gems, check out the TCM schedule for specific directors and films: http://tinyurl.com/mfpqee.

Be sure to tune back in to TCM in August for their annual “Summer Under the Stars” festival featuring the work of different acting legends each day.