In 1962 when it was announced that Tippi Hedren would be playing the lead in The Birds, Alfred Hitchcock's followup to Psycho, the general reaction was, "Who's that?" A hitherto unknown blonde model, Hedren was launched into stardom almost overnight after Hitchcock happened to see one of her television commercials and cast her in the film. And just as the director intended, she burns like a cool fire at the center of the movie. Even as the bird attacks grow more vicious, she maintains her coiffed, finely calibrated elegance. Until the climax, that is, a harrowing sequence in an attic room that, in our view, tops even Hitchcock's notorious shower scene as a pure tour de force of film editing. more ›

TCM is offering fans of the film a chance to see it for free. All you have to do is print out this pass. Here is some fair warning: the free admission is being capped to the first 700 people, so make sure you print it out and be near the head of the line when doors open on March 27 for the 7:30 p.m. screening at the Music Box. more ›

Oh sure, Chicago gets its fair share of celebs and movie stars — About Last Night can certainly confirm that. But if you really want to meet the cool, old school movie stars then take a trip out to Hollywood Blvd. in Woodridge. more ›

Interview: The Movie Queens more ›

This is your first movie. One of your co-stars was supposed to have the lead, but you got it instead. The resentment is as thick as pea soup (which, incidentally, is the color of your wardrobe). The director refuses to let you leave the set, insisting you inhabit the role 24 hours a day, and his production supervisor lords over everything with an iron fist. On top of all that, you have to spend a... more ›

The major stories this week are the opening of Crust, the continuing saga of David Hammond, bug eater, and how — if Hammond decides to head to Beverly in the near future — he might have a Tippi Hedren moment fighting with the seagulls who've been dining al fresco on cicadas. There are still plenty of events happening in the next seven days. Here are a few of note. - This weekend would be a... more ›

Feed the Birds? more ›