Few directors have celebrated the macabre quite like Alfred Hitchcock. And although he left this realm more than three decades ago, his influence on the silver screen has never waned. While plenty of his films were shot on sets that have since been destroyed, the Master of Suspense also utilized a number of real places across America as he crafted his inimitable filmography. Here are five Hitchcock movie locales every film fan should see. Crazed birds and hoodwinked heroes bid you welcome.
San Juan Bautista, California (Vertigo)
If you ever want a quick jaunt through Hitchcock-land, visit San Francisco. Many have called the filmmaker’s 1958 film, Vertigo, a dark love letter to the city he adored. He also filmed scenes for Shadow of a Doubt and The Birds in and around the city. In fact, an entire book is dedicated to Hitchcock locales in the Bay Area. However, if you’re looking for a venture outside of the city limits, then travel about ninety minutes south on Highway 101 to a town frozen in time. San Juan Bautista is a gorgeous 200-year-old mission complete with free-range chickens (really). It also served as the climactic locale in Vertigo where a hapless Jimmy Stewart sees Kim Novak meet an untimely end (on two separate visits, no less). The place is so unchanged from the mid-twentieth century, you’ll practically expect Hitch to round a corner and yell action at any moment.
Craftsbury, Vermont (The Trouble with Harry)
In a famous behind-the-scenes story, when Hitchcock and the crew arrived in Craftsbury, Vermont in late September, they discovered–much to their horror–that all of the foliage was already gone for the season. To capture a glorious New England effect, they had to glue individual leaves to the trees. Don’t make Hitch’s mistake; arrive early for Craftsbury’s fall fun or visit this picturesque agricultural haven any other time of year.
The Plaza Hotel in NYC (North by Northwest)
Though by no means the primary setting for the 1959 tale of mistaken identity and Hitchcockian intrigue, the Plaza Hotel does get a few choice scenes during North by Northwest. For the truly devoted fan, be sure to hop a plane from the Big Apple to South Dakota where you can visit Mount Rushmore. Just don’t try to hang from the presidents’ faces a la Cary Grant. Park rangers tend to frown down on it.
Universal Studios Hollywood (Psycho)
Arguably, there’s no better remembered Alfred Hitchcock film than his 1960 magnum opus, Psycho. Based on Robert Bloch’s novel, the celluloid masterpiece relied heavily on its unsettling atmosphere, including that creepy mansion on the hill, which you can visit on a Studio Tour at Universal. Recently, the old Bates house has fallen into abject disrepair, so a widespread petition to preserve the place circulated earlier this year. No word yet on the fate of Norman’s abode, so plan those visits now if you want to see it before the structure collapses altogether. Mother would approve.
Bodega Bay, California (The Birds)
Yes, the ill-fated seaside town of the 1963 avian nightmare is a real place. And yes, the schoolhouse is still there, though sadly, there’s no bird-covered playground anywhere in the vicinity. I’m such a Hitchcock fan that my husband and I spent part of our honeymoon in Bodega Bay. Perfectly located near wine country and redwoods country, there may not be a better vacation spot for fans of the Master of Suspense. But watch out for those seagulls. You never know when they’ll plan another sneak attack.
For a few more locales, be sure to visit Big Sur, California as featured in Rebecca (sorry, no Manderley Estate on site) and Red Fox Inn & Tavern, which figured into the 1964 Freudian mystery, Marnie.
Happy haunting!