Summary

Iconic English director Alfred Hitchcock, considered by many The Master of Suspense, is revered as one of the greatest creative minds in the history of cinema. Known for his psychological thrillers, Hitchcock focused on characters in peril, on the run, or under suspicion. His leading men were handsome but compromised; his leading ladies were cool, beautiful and preferably blonde. One such actress was Tippi Hedren, an unknown fashion model given her big break when Hitchcock’s wife saw her on a TV commercial. Brought to Universal Studios by Hitchcock and offered a seven-year contract, Hedren was shocked when the gifted director, at the peak of his successful career, quickly singled her out and cast her to star in the ambitious and terrifying film “The Birds.” Little did she know that the most daunting aspect of the film would come from behind the camera. THE GIRL stars Toby Jones as Alfred Hitchcock and Sienna Miller as Tippi Hedren, and tells the story of the director’s obsessive relationship with his leading lady during the making of “The Birds” and “Marnie.” As he attempted to sculpt Hedren into the perfect Hitchcock blonde of his imagination, he became obsessed with the impossible dream of winning the real woman’s love. Her rejection of his misguided attempts only added to his obsession, putting both their careers and personal lives in jeopardy. Directed by Julian Jarrold from a screenplay by Gwyneth Hughes, and based on the book “Spellbound by Beauty,” by Donald Spoto, the film is a complex tale of power, obsession and the price exacted for stardom. Imelda Staunton, Carl Beukes and Penelope Wilton also star. Produced by Amanda Jenks and executive produced by Leanne Klein for Wall To Wall Television, THE GIRL is an HBO Films presentation in association with BBC.