Alma Reville

Alma Reville
source
Name	Alma Reville
Birth date	1899
Birth place	Nottingham, England
Death date	1982
Death place	Bel Air, California
Occupation	Film editor, screenwriter
Spouse	Alfred Hitchcock
Children	Pat Hitchcock

Alma Reville was a renowned British film editor and screenwriter, best known for her collaborations with her husband, the legendary director Alfred Hitchcock, on films such as Psycho, Rear Window, and Vertigo. Reville's work with Hitchcock spanned over five decades, during which she worked with other notable directors, including Carol Reed and Roy Ward Baker. Her contributions to the film industry were often overlooked, but she played a crucial role in shaping the careers of many prominent filmmakers, including David Lean and Michael Powell. Reville's association with the British Film Institute and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences further solidified her position within the film community, alongside other influential figures like Cecil B. DeMille and Billy Wilder.

● Early Life and Education

Alma Reville was born in Nottingham, England, in 1899, to a family of modest means. She developed an interest in the film industry at a young age, inspired by the works of D.W. Griffith and Charlie Chaplin. Reville began her career in the film industry as a title card designer for the London Film Company, where she worked alongside other aspiring filmmakers, including Alfred Hitchcock and Ivor Novello. She later attended the London County Council's Regent Street Polytechnic, where she honed her skills in film editing and screenwriting, studying the techniques of Eisenstein and Kurosawa. Reville's education and early experiences in the film industry prepared her for a successful career, during which she would work with notable actors, including Ingrid Bergman, Cary Grant, and James Stewart.

● Career

Reville's career as a film editor and screenwriter spanned over five decades, during which she worked on numerous films, including The 39 Steps, The Lady Vanishes, and Rebecca. Her collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock are particularly notable, as they resulted in some of the most iconic films in cinematic history, such as North by Northwest and Strangers on a Train. Reville's work with other directors, including William Wyler and George Cukor, further demonstrated her versatility and skill as a film editor and screenwriter. She was also an active member of the Screen Writers Guild and the Film Editors Guild, where she worked alongside other prominent industry figures, including Ben Hecht and Nunnally Johnson. Reville's contributions to the film industry were recognized by her peers, including Frank Capra and John Ford, who admired her dedication to her craft.

● Personal Life

Alma Reville married Alfred Hitchcock in 1926, and the couple had one daughter, Pat Hitchcock, who also worked in the film industry. Reville was known for her strong personality and her ability to balance her career and family life, often working closely with her husband on his films. The couple's relationship was marked by a deep mutual respect and admiration, with Reville serving as a sounding board for Hitchcock's ideas and a collaborator on many of his projects. Reville's friendships with other industry figures, including Joan Crawford and Bette Davis, were also an important part of her personal life. She was a frequent guest at the Hollywood parties hosted by William Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies, where she mingled with other celebrities, including Greta Garbo and Clark Gable.

● Filmography

Alma Reville's filmography is extensive, with credits on over 50 films, including The Pleasure Garden, The Mountain Eagle, and Downhill. Her work with Alfred Hitchcock includes some of his most famous films, such as Notorious and Lifeboat. Reville also worked with other notable directors, including Alexander Korda and Anthony Asquith, on films like The Thief of Bagdad and Pygmalion. Her collaborations with actors, including Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, resulted in some of the most iconic performances in cinematic history. Reville's filmography is a testament to her skill and dedication as a film editor and screenwriter, with films like The Paradine Case and Under Capricorn showcasing her ability to work with a wide range of genres and styles.

● Legacy

Alma Reville's legacy as a film editor and screenwriter is profound, with her contributions to the film industry recognized by scholars and industry professionals alike. Her collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock are widely regarded as some of the most influential and iconic in cinematic history, with films like Rear Window and Vertigo continuing to inspire new generations of filmmakers. Reville's work with other directors, including David Lean and Michael Powell, has also had a lasting impact on the film industry, with films like The Bridge on the River Kwai and The Red Shoes remaining classics of world cinema. Reville's association with the British Film Institute and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has ensured that her contributions to the film industry are remembered and celebrated, alongside those of other industry legends, including Cecil B. DeMille and Billy Wilder. Today, Reville's films continue to be studied and admired by scholars and film enthusiasts, including those at the University of Southern California and the University of California, Los Angeles, who recognize her as a pioneering figure in the history of cinema. Category:Film editors