The Birds At The Tides

 

 

Alfred Hitchcock's

The Birds

By Daphne  du Maurier

 

Mitch Brenner: I wonder if you could help me?

Mitch Brenner: Do you happen to have a pair of birds that are just friendly?

Melanie Daniels: Just what is it you're looking for, sir?
Mitch Brenner: Lovebirds.
Melanie Daniels: Lovebirds, sir?
Mitch Brenner: Yes, I understand there are different varieties. Is that true?
Melanie Daniels: Oh yes there are.
Mitch Brenner: Well, these are for my sister, for her birthday see, and uh, as she's only going to be eleven, I, I wouldn't want a pair of birds that were too demonstrative.
Melanie Daniels: I understand completely.
Mitch Brenner: At the same time, I wouldn't want them to be too aloof either.
Melanie Daniels: No, of course not.

 

Oh my, Melanie Daniels and Mitch Brenner!

 

The Birds is one of my all time favorite horror films, partly because it is Hitchcock in all his glory. Partly because it is filmed on one of the most beautiful towns in Northern California, and partly for the amazing cast, including Rod Taylor (ooh la la) Tippi Hedren and Suzanne Pleshette. But one of the most compelling performances came from actress, Doreen Lang. She played a terrified mother, stuck in The Tides restaurant, during one of the scariest bird strikes on the town of Bodega Bay. Chilling!

The film was released in 1963, and remains a classic of the horror film genre. The plot revolves around an example of nature hitting back at humans, for ignoring it's plight through the dangers of global warming, or does it mean that at all? Or could it simply be one of those unexplainable occurrences that take place every once in a Blue Moon? Still one other theory is that Melanie Daniels is somehow causing the strange, birds gone insane, happening as it didn't seem to start, until Melanie Daniels arrived in town. She was the first victim of the birds, when she was assaulted by a large gull, while operating a small boat heading across Bodega Bay. 

It was love at first sight between, Mitch and Melanie, although it was initially more combative than romantic. They banter back and forth for a bit, but in the end, Mitch seems to win their verbal dance. Not to be outdone, she pursues finding Mitch's address, and through her stalking mishaps, finds herself on her way to Bodega Bay. Her flirtation with Mitch Brenner, a lawyer from San Francisco, but living on weekends in Bodega Bay, is sexy and smart. It makes you want to see them form a lasting relationship, because in simple terms, you learn of their shared loneliness. They are that couple who finds each other, under difficult circumstances, often sparring, often turning to empathy for each other and the dynamics that leads them to live their respective guarded and lonely lives. Pressure we can all relate to in some way. But the road to love usually has some bumps along the way, but these two take it all to a new level.  LOL. 

Anyway, chances are you are very familiar with the film, so I won't go on and on about the plot, but I want to remind you how much fun it is to watch! It's a Saturday afternoon movie in my opinion, which is great because not all horror movies are geared to dark rooms and blankets to hide under. It is a popcorn movie though, and it's a gem with so many individual impressive scenes it's ridiculous! See the cool clips below. So, as you can see, I enjoy spending time in the famous town, not just as a movie buff, but also for the amazing birding opportunities it provides! Ironic, right? And I love the cheesy sense of humor Bodega Bay has about being the home of one of the most beloved horror movies ever!

The Bodega Harbor. The trees that stood in front of the house featured as the Brenner house, and the Potter Schoolhouse, used for the Bodega Bay school, are still there, as are is the Tides Restaurant. Although while it has gone under significant redesign, they maintain a small display outside the restaurant that runs the movie, in full, several times a day. Fans can stand outside the exhibit and do selfies next to the scenes behind them. It doesn't really put you in the film or anything, but it's kinda cool to stop and watch the movie. I have no idea who I would have been best to play in the film, but being a customer in The Tides, during all the drama, would have been an absolute hoot!

Enjoy my favorite clips...

"I think you're evil!"
 

From The Tides Display...

Hey, just because October, and Halloween, is over doesn't mean the chills, horror and all manner of things scary has to end! I am planning another trip to Bodega Bay before the atmospheric rive arrives, so I will post more photos from around the town later this month. Now, go watch the movie, and stay tuned!