Tippi Hedren on Sexual Harassment by Alfred Hitchcock: 'He Was an Extremely Sad Character'
Actress Tippi Hedren has spoken out about her experience of working with famed producer Alfred Hitchcock. She told reporters he sexually harassed her while she was under contract and that Hitchcock was "an unusual genius, and evil and deviant, almost to the point of dangerous."
Hedren was a model before being hired by Hitchcock for his masterpiece, "The Birds." After that, she was placed under contract and worked on "Marnie," another well-known Hitchcock classic. While Hedren enjoyed acting, she did not appreciate Hitchcock's behavior and treatment while she worked with him.
"There were times of delight and joy," Hedren told reporters. "I think he was an extremely sad character. The effect that he could have on people was totally unsuspecting," she explained.
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Hedren's relationship with Hitchcock is the subject of a new documentary by HBO, entitled "The Girl." Sienna Miller will play Hedren's character, while Toby Jones will bring Hitchcock back to life.
"He ruined my career but he didn't ruin my life. If this had happened today I would be a very rich woman," she commented, alluding to the protection afforded by sexual harassment laws today. She could have possibly sued Hitchcock.
Because of her contract with Hitchcock, Hedren was prevented from working on other roles that were offered to her. Hitchcock also refused to let her work for others after she finished work on "Marnie." Finally, Hedren was able to break free and establish her own career.
She has appeared in almost 50 films, including "Citizen Ruth," "Pacific Heights," and "I Heart Huckabees." Hedren has also had guest appearances on popular shows such as "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and "The 4400."
The new film based on Hedren will air on HBO in October. It is based on the book "Spellbound by Beauty" by Donald Spoto.
