Hitchcock Stars Help Unveil Bust of Master

Alfred Hitchcock made Janet Leigh film the bloody shower scene in “Psycho” 70 times before he was satisfied. Even so, Leigh still remembers the luminary filmmaker as one of the easiest people to work with in Hollywood.

“Hitchcock was always so well-prepared that filming with him was pleasant no matter how scary the material,” said Leigh, who starred in the 1960 Hitchcock classic. “He’s made some of the best pictures ever. You just can’t say enough about him.”

On Tuesday, Leigh, “The Birds” star Tippi Hedren and other Hitchcock loyalists turned out for an early birthday party for the late director, who would have turned 100 on Aug. 13.

Universal Studios, which produced many Hitchcock films, marked the event by unveiling a life-sized bronze bust of the director, which will lurk at the entrance of the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park. Universal also is re-releasing several Hitchcock classics on video, including “Psycho,” “The Birds,” “Vertigo” and “The Man Who Knew Too Much.”

“He was truly a grand master of his craft,” said Bob Brisco, president of Universal Studios Hollywood.

When the time came for Hedren to share a few thoughts in front of the bust, Universal pulled an impressive stunt. A black raven, trained by Universal handlers, swooped down and landed next to Hedren, whose career was launched in the thriller “The Birds.”

“Sir Alfred, I promise you, you will never be forgotten,” said Hedren, seemingly oblivious to the huge black bird pecking away at a sign next to her. “Your work will entertain people until eternity.”