It’s not just the fact that Hedren so perfectly hallmarks the fundamental ideas of the well-composed Nordic with the finest of facial structures. She was, indeed, from Minnesota. And had, of course, dreams of performing as an ice skater. Briefly, nature and predisposition were already in place. But there was more. This object of elegant proportions and exact drama found itself in the hands of Alfred Hitchcock. Twice!

Alfred Hitchcock – The Birds

In The Birds and in Marnie, Tippi Hedren, as the young woman trying to navigate with diplomacy the various threats to her almost survivalist existence, immediately became the center of attention in an art form focused on the determination of the individual. At that point, the stars were firmly aligned. That same art form was going through golden years in which directors, native and from other shores, took to cinema with the help of inventiveness, gusto, budget, power and exquisite blond beauties at the ready. In a studio system where the ladies were supposed to have a body but not their own voice, Tippi Hedren was there. And she was it.

Tippi Hedren and Elmar Biebl

Tippi Hedren and Elmar Biebl

Now, cable television brings us The Girl, about her traumatic experiences during the filming of The Birds (premiering in October). “HBO had a screening for me and 30 other people, about two months ago”, Ms. Hedren shared with us the other day. “At the end of the screening nobody moved. Nobody said anything. I think that they were so stunned to see this story come to fruition”. Later, she added, “I think this will empower young women. They should know that you do not have to acquiesce to the demands of anyone. Ever”. At Shambala, the wild animal preserve she created — and shares with lions, tigers, and leopards — her journey continues quietly. Only, this time, she feels less alone.