Born in Leytonstone, Essex, England, Alfred Hitchcock enters the world in a family of modest means. His early environment, steeped in the rigors of Jesuit education, would later infuse his cinematic works with a unique blend of suspense and moral complexity.

Hitchcock embarks on his illustrious career in the film industry at Famous Players-Lasky studio, where he starts at the age of 20 y designing title cards and quickly absorbs the mechanics of filmmaking.

Works with Alma Reville on "Number 13," an unfinished project that initiates their lifelong professional collaboration and personal relationship.

Hitchcock directs his first feature film, "The Pleasure Garden," leveraging European cinematic techniques that would later distinguish his unique style.

With "The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog," Hitchcock introduces audiences to psychological complexity and atmospheric suspense, elements that become hallmarks of his career.

Marries Alma Reville, his collaborator and confidant, whose influence is pivotal in his career.

The birth of their daughter, Patricia, adds a new dimension to Hitchcock’s personal life, enriching his world beyond the camera.

Hitchcock's journey through British cinema reaches new heights as he directs "Blackmail" in 1929, heralded as the first British sound film. This period from "Downhill" to "Waltzes from Vienna" showcases his versatility and innovation in the evolving film industry.

From "The Man Who Knew Too Much" to "Jamaica Inn," Hitchcock cements his status as a luminary of British cinema, crafting films that captivate audiences with their psychological depth and suspenseful narratives.

With the release of "The Man Who Knew Too Much," Hitchcock introduces a new depth to the thriller genre. This film not only showcases his knack for tension and drama but also sets a standard for his future works, blending international intrigue with tightly paced storytelling.

"The 39 Steps" marks a pivotal moment in Hitchcock's career, establishing him as a master of suspense. This film, along with "The Lady Vanishes" (1938), is celebrated as one of the greatest British films of the 20th century, praised for its innovative narrative techniques and the introduction of what would become the quintessential Hitchcockian style.

By 1939, he had international recognition and producer David O. Selznick persuaded him to move to Hollywood. A string of successful films followed.

His American debut, "Rebecca," not only wins the Academy Award for Best Picture but also firmly establishes Hitchcock as a major director in Hollywood.

“Suspicion” marked Hitchcock's first film as a producer and director. The film is the first of four in which Cary Grant was cast by Hitchcock, and it is one of the rare occasions that Grant plays a sinister character.

His personal favorite, “Shadow of a Doubt,” explores the darker undercurrents of American life, creating a suspenseful and psychological family drama.

During World War II, Alfred Hitchcock actively supported the war effort, directing impactful films such as "Lifeboat," which portrayed human endurance in the face of adversity. In a significant 1945 project, he collaborated with British producer Sidney Bernstein to create a documentary about the recently liberated Nazi extermination camp Bergen-Belsen.

Works with Dali on the dream sequences for "Spellbound," merging surrealism with psychological thriller elements.

"Notorious" features complex narrative weaving and stellar performances by Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman.

From "Rope" to "Stage Fright," this period features experiments with continuous takes and complex narrative structures.

"Rear Window" breaks new ground in storytelling with its innovative use of perspective, making the audience voyeurs alongside its protagonist, played by James Stewart.

From 1955 to 1965, Hitchcock was the host of the television series Alfred Hitchcock Presents. With his droll delivery, gallows humour and iconic image, the series made Hitchcock a celebrity. The title-sequence of the show pictured a minimalist caricature of his profile (he drew it himself; it is composed of only nine strokes), which his real silhouette then filled.

His third Grace Kelly film, “To Catch a Thief,” combines star power with picturesque settings, crafting a visually stunning and engaging thriller.

"Vertigo" delves into the depths of obsession and identity, featuring a complex narrative and groundbreaking cinematography that have earned it a place among the greatest films of all time.

During pre-production of North by Northwest (1959), which was a "slow" and "agonising" process, his wife Alma was diagnosed with cancer. While she was in hospital, Hitchcock kept himself occupied with his television work and would visit her every day. Alma underwent surgery and made a full recovery,

"Psycho" revolutionizes the horror genre, with its iconic scenes and score influencing countless films and filmmakers.

On 13 August 1962, Hitchcock's 63rd birthday, the French director François Truffaut began a 50-hour interview of Hitchcock, filmed over eight days at Universal Studios, during which Hitchcock agreed to answer 500 questions.

"The Birds" is another showcase of Hitchcock’s flair for suspense and technical innovation, with its pioneering special effects creating a lasting impact on the horror genre.

The Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award is bestowed upon Hitchcock, celebrating his lifelong contributions to cinema.

"Family Plot" marks Alfred Hitchcock's final film, showcasing his undiminished knack for blending suspense with humor.

Receives the AFI Life Achievement Award, honoring his profound impact on filmmaking.

Alfred Hitchcock, the seminal figure in the art of suspense cinema, passes away in Bel Air, Los Angeles, California. His death marks the end of an era in filmmaking, leaving behind a legacy that has profoundly influenced the craft and narrative of cinematic storytelling.