The Birds opens in the U.S. in 1963. Alfred Hitchcock’s influential and Oscar-nominated natural horror thriller stars Tippi Hedren and Rod Taylor and is based on a real-life California incident in 1961. Notable for its early environmental and female sexuality themes, sparse electronic musical score and sophisticated effects, the film gets mixed reviews but is a hit. A TV sequel follows in 1994. The film is added to the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry in 2016.
This Day in Halloween: Alfred Hitchcock’s influential and Oscar-nominated "The Birds" opens in the U.S. in 1963. / Illustration by Andrew Truong