Hitchcock derived a great deal of pleasure through humiliating his heroines, or, in his own words, "Nothing pleases me more than to knock the ladylikeness out of them." Tippi Hedren, the star of The Birds and the mother of Melanie Griffith, fared the worst of all Hitchcock's leading women. "The aging auteur tutored her, dressed her and even had her handwriting analyzed," according to USA Today. "But nothing topped a week spent being attacked by live versions of her winged co-stars during filming of The Birds, which sent her into clinical shock — except for when he demanded that Hedren be at his sexual beck and call during Marnie, which she refused."

Spellbound by Beauty offers some insight into Hitchcock's personal life, which could explain the cruelty he inflicted on his female stars. Apparently, he only had sex once. Hitchcock married Alma Reveille in 1926 and allegedly, their single sexual encounter produced their daughter, Patricia. The sexual frustration, argues the author of Spellbound, "resulted in Hitchcock's compensating need to harass many of his lovely leading ladies."

It's undeniable that Hitchcock produced some of the greatest cinema of the 20th century, and for me at least, this knowledge will probably not change my view of his films. As we've pondered before in terms of novelists, is it possible to separate a person's private behavior from their artistic output?

Alfred Hitchcock Bio Swoops In On Leading Ladies [USA Today]
Spellbound by Beauty: Alfred Hitchcock and His Leading Ladies [Amazon]

Earlier: Well, Is There A Scientific Link Between "Genius" And "Shithead"?

This Barbie is for The Birds! Actually, this Barbie from The Birds is for you! Celebrating Alfred Hitchcock's classic film, this incredible collector's doll features our heroine being attacked by a trio of fine feathered foes, just like in the movie. Will these plastic birds damage her delightful handbag or her carefully styled hair? We certainly hope not! Be sure to let Barbie into your home and pray that the birds don't come in with her!

Modeled after the ritually abused Hitchcock blonde Tippi Hedren, we're told the figurine features "real fake birds" and a "high-quality head [that] looks scared and has awesome hair!" And at the low, low price of $44.99, fetishized victimhood has never been more affordable for the little girl in your life. Still, here's hoping this is just the start: When Shower-Scene and/or Notorious Spy Slut Barbie hit the market, then we'll know Mattel has really hit its empowering stride.

• Alfred Hitchcock The Birds Barbie Doll [Entertainment Earth via Boing Boing]