Hitchcock's Birds Are Coming to Hazelwood

Nearly 50 years ago, movie director and producer icon Alfred Hitchcock launched a publicity campaign for his new project based on four words:  “The Birds are Coming.”

In celebration of Universal Pictures’s 100th Anniversary, NCM Fathom Events, Turner Classic Movies and Universal's managers brought this American classic—The Birds—back to the big screen for only one night, which is this evening, Sept. 19.

Editor's Note: I vividly remember begging my parents to let me see this movie. Finally, my cousin and I convinced my aunt to take us to the local drive-in to see it. If you've ever witnessed the movie, imagine young children being out in the open, at night, with only a car in which to retreat when the birds start attacking everyone! We nearly killed each other trying to get in and down onto the floor boards. Then we worried that the glass of the car windows wouldn't be strong enough to keep the real birds out!

The Birds was inspired by a Daphne du Maurier short story as well as an actual news story about a mysterious infestation of birds in California. It was Hitchcock's 49th film. The scenes of birds attacking people included hundreds of shots, mixing actual and animated sequences. The cause of the birds' attack is left unanswered in the movie.

Did you ever see this psychological horror movie? Yes, it was considered pretty tense and suspenseful at the time Hitchcock released it.

If you'd like to experience The Birds with other movie-goers, it is showing tonight at 7 p.m. at the Regal St. Louis Mills Stadium 18 in Hazelwood.

Tonight's special film presentation includes an interview with Tippi Hedren, who discusses how Alfred Hitchcock selected her for the role of Melanie Daniels.

It is hosted by Turner Classic Movies representative Robert Osborne.

Anyone know of another St. Louis area theater showing the film this evening? Share locations in the comments' section, please, because B&B Theatres Wildwood10 does not have it available tonight. (Sigh.)