Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Rod Taylor | ... | Mitch Brenner | |
Jessica Tandy | ... | Lydia Brenner | |
Suzanne Pleshette | ... | Annie Hayworth | |
Tippi Hedren | ... | Melanie Daniels (as 'Tippi' Hedren) | |
Veronica Cartwright | ... | Cathy Brenner | |
Ethel Griffies | ... | Mrs. Bundy | |
Charles McGraw | ... | Sebastian Sholes | |
Ruth McDevitt | ... | Mrs. MacGruder | |
Lonny Chapman | ... | Deke Carter | |
Joe Mantell | ... | Traveling Salesman at Diner's Bar | |
Doodles Weaver | ... | Fisherman Helping with Rental Boat | |
Malcolm Atterbury | ... | Deputy Al Malone | |
John McGovern | ... | Postal Clerk | |
Karl Swenson | ... | Drunken Doomsayer in Diner | |
Richard Deacon | ... | Mitch's City Neighbor |
Melanie Daniels is the modern rich socialite, part of the jet-set who always gets what she wants. When lawyer Mitch Brenner sees her in a pet shop, he plays something of a practical joke on her, and she decides to return the favor. She drives about an hour north of San Francisco to Bodega Bay, where Mitch spends the weekends with his mother Lydia and younger sister Cathy. Soon after her arrival, however, the birds in the area begin to act strangely. A seagull attacks Melanie as she is crossing the bay in a small boat, and then, Lydia finds her neighbor dead, obviously the victim of a bird attack. Soon, birds in the hundreds and thousands are attacking anyone they find out of doors. There is no explanation as to why this might be happening, and as the birds continue their vicious attacks, survival becomes the priority. Written by garykmcd
Another film to prove that Hitchcock really was one of the most gifted film makers ever. His films are more 'fresh' today than any of current Hollywood megabuster.
The screeching bird soundtrack in itself was chilling.
The absence of backgound music added a sense of calm before the storm which made the bird attack scenes all the more intense.
The film builds up slowly and that serves to build up the tension and edginess.
The most chilling scene was definitely when Melanie (Tippi Hedren) was waiting outside the school while the singing was going on in the school. At each loop of the song, a few more crows would perch on the climbing frame. The site of them was truly grotesque. This scene is a lesson to all the "subtle as a sledge hammer" so called 'thrillers' that are churned out today.
By the end of the film, there is no conclusion, no neat result. It is somewhat uncomfortable watching a film like this and not seeing a conclusion. How will it end? Why did the birds attack?
Why spoil the film with an explanation?