Lovely Girl   +  kim novak

The women of Hitchcock films

Since I don't have a costume post and it is Halloween I figured I would do a celebration post by showcasing of some of the beautiful actresses who have graced Alfred Hitchcock's films.

Joan Fontaine starred in Alfred Hitchcock's first American project 'Rebecca' opposite Laurence Olivier in 1940. She was Oscar nominated for her role, and the film itself won 2 awards (one being Best Picture) out of 11 nominations.

She again starred in another Hitchcock film in 1941's 'Suspicion' this time opposite Cary Grant. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in this film.

Ingrid Bergman became a Hitchcock favorite. She starred in 3 of his films in the 40's. 'Spellbound' (1945), 'Notorious' (1946), and 'Under Capricorn' (1949). 'Spellbound' won the Academy Award for Best Music and was nominated 5 other categories.

A funny little fact about 'Notorious' is that Ingrid Bergman was taller than one of her co-stars Claude Rains so Hitchcock had to build a ramp for one particular scene so that he would appear taller when he walked up to her.

Grace Kelly was in 3 of Hitchcock's most popular films in the short time span of 2 years during the 1950s'. 'Dial "M" for Murder' (1954), 'Rear Window' (1954), and 'To Catch a Thief' (1955). She was stopped from making anymore films with Hitchcock when she married Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956.

The costume designer Edith Head was hired to work on both 'Rear Window' and 'To Catch a Thief'.

Doris Day was in only one Hitchcock film, 'The Man Who Knew Too Much' (1956). A Techincolor remake of his own film.

The film won an Academy Award for Best Song, "Whatever will be, will be" which was sung by Doris Day. It became a signature song for her.

Kim Novak starred in 1958's 'Vertigo'. The film is considered a classic today, but was met with mixed reviews upon it's release. She is best known for her role in this film, although Hitchcock had dismissed her ability.

Janet Leigh starred in 'Psycho' (1960). The film was nominated for 4 Academy Awards including Best Supporting Actress. Although she didn't win the Oscar, she won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress.

Janet Leigh was at first hesitant to take the part since her character is killed off halfway through the film, but it has become one of the most recognized films in movie history.

I know Hitchcock has had other leading and supporting ladies in his films, but I would be here all day recognizing all of them. So instead, I think I am just going to spend the day watching some films!