Plot Synopsis

Based on the book "Spellbound by Beauty" by Donald Spoto. In 1962 Alfred Hitchcock was riding a wave of success with his acclaimed film "Psycho." Eager to top his latest box-office hit, he decided to make a suspense film called "The Birds." He believed the birds were actually the stars of the film, which eliminated the need to cast a well-known actress in the lead role. The director chose Tippi Hedren, a striking ex-model with no acting experience for the part, giving her a seven-year contract. Hitchcock took a Svengali approach to his young protege, grooming her for months to be a star. Being so close to Hollywood royalty was uncharted territory for her, so she thought it was wonderful and felt close to him and his wife, Alma. But Hedren soon found herself fending off his crude sexual advances and enduring his abusive, manipulative behavior. Her rejection of his misguided attempts only added to his obsession, putting both their careers and personal lives in jeopardy. After doing two pictures with Hitchcock, Hedrin battled to get out of her seven-year contract, by the time she eventually did, her career was in ruins.