RSCC to hold Hitchcock Film Festival
A “Hitchcock Film Festival” sponsored by Roane State Community College will be held Thursday and Friday, Aug. 30 and Aug. 31, at the Princess Theatre on Roane Street in downtown Harriman.
The festival pays tribute – as well as airing critical questions – of the famed film director and producer Alfred Hitchcock, often called the “Master of Suspense.”
The event is free and open to the public.
Hitchcock directed more than 50 feature films over a career spanning six decades. He became as well-known as many of his actors for his many interviews, his cameo roles in most of his films, and his hosting of the long-running TV series “Alfred Hitchcock Presents.”
A 2012 film titled “The Girl,” depicting the turbulent relationship between Hitchcock and actress Tippi Hedren, will be screened at 6:30 p.m. (EDT) on Aug. 30 in the Princess. According to the documentary, Hitchcock became sexually obsessed with Hedren, who starred in his horror film, “The Birds.” When Hedren rebuffed his advances, Hitchcock put her through days of filming where she was attacked and injured by birds.
The film is a study in the psychology of harassment and its consequences, said Roane State associate professor Casey Cobb. There will be a discussion of the film after it’s screened, he said.
Two of Hitchcock’s better-known movies, “Marnie” and “Spellbound,” will be screened on Friday, Aug. 31. “Marnie” stars Hedren and a young Sean Connery. Hedren is the title character in the film and portrays a woman who is a habitual thief with serious psychological problems. That film will begin at 6:30 p.m.
“Spellbound” will be shown at 8 p.m. and stars Gregory Peck and Ingrid Bergman. The film includes an award-winning dreamscape scene based on the paintings of surrealist artist Salvador Dali.
The festival was organized by Roane State’s DeAnna Stephens, assistant professor of English.