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The Secret Hitchcock: How Hollywood's Legendary Director Lived through Cary Grant and James Stewart
Not yet published
Expected 27 Oct 26Cary Grant and James Stewart were everything Alfred Hitchcock was not. Grant radiated charm and sophistication. Stewart embodied resilience and depth. Hitchcock—a meticulous, private man ruled by fear—found the freedom to express himself through their performances. Between 1941 and 1959, Hitchcock made eight unforgettable films with these two four with Stewart—Rope (1948), Rear Window (1954), The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956), and Vertigo (1958)—and four with Grant—Suspicion (1941), Notorious (1946), To Catch a Thief (1955), and North by Northwest (1959). In those eighteen years, Grant shed his comedic persona to become a hero, Stewart transformed from boy next door to a war-hardened everyman, and Hitchcock reached the pinnacle of his craft—living his most daring, mysterious self through their performances. These relationships are key to understanding Hitchcock's creative process and the deeper layers of meaning in his iconic films.
These films are more than entertainment; they are veiled confessions of Hitchcock's deepest obsessions, fears, and desires. Through Grant and Stewart, Hitchcock could experiment and vicariously love, kill, and conquer—inviting viewers to glimpse his inner world.
In The Secret Hitchcock, Nat Segaloff pulls back the curtain to reveal the profound connection between Hitchcock and his art. Hitchcock's characters could do what he never expose a killer, rescue a child, or solve a crime. Behind his creative partnerships with actors lay a web of secrecy that Segaloff unravels with precision, offering a fresh, compelling portrait of the Master of Suspense—and the stars who embodied his imagination and brought his darkest dreams to life.
These films are more than entertainment; they are veiled confessions of Hitchcock's deepest obsessions, fears, and desires. Through Grant and Stewart, Hitchcock could experiment and vicariously love, kill, and conquer—inviting viewers to glimpse his inner world.
In The Secret Hitchcock, Nat Segaloff pulls back the curtain to reveal the profound connection between Hitchcock and his art. Hitchcock's characters could do what he never expose a killer, rescue a child, or solve a crime. Behind his creative partnerships with actors lay a web of secrecy that Segaloff unravels with precision, offering a fresh, compelling portrait of the Master of Suspense—and the stars who embodied his imagination and brought his darkest dreams to life.
256 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 27, 2026
About the author
Nat Segaloff
63 books55 followersNat Segaloff is a writer-producer-journalist. He covered the film industry for The Boston Herald, but has also variously been a studio publicist (Fox, UA, Columbia), college teacher (Boston University, Boston College), and broadcaster (Group W, CBS, Storer). He is the author of twenty books including Hurricane Billy: The Stormy Life and Films of William Friedkin, Arthur Penn: American Director and Final Cuts: The Last Films of 50 Great Directors in addition to career monographs on Stirling Silliphant, Walon Green, Paul Mazursky and John Milius. His writing has appeared in such varied periodicals as Film Comment, Written By, International Documentary, Animation Magazine, The Christian Science Monitor, Time Out (US), MacWorld and American Movie Classics Magazine. He was also senior reviewer for AudiobookCafe.com and contributing writer to Moving Pictures magazine.
In 1996 he formed the multi-media production company Alien Voices with actors Leonard Nimoy and actor John de Lancie and produced five best-selling, fully dramatized audio plays for Simon & Schuster: The Time Machine, Journey to the Center of the Earth, The Lost World, The Invisible Man and The First Men in the Moon, all of which feature Star Trek casts.
In 1996 he formed the multi-media production company Alien Voices with actors Leonard Nimoy and actor John de Lancie and produced five best-selling, fully dramatized audio plays for Simon & Schuster: The Time Machine, Journey to the Center of the Earth, The Lost World, The Invisible Man and The First Men in the Moon, all of which feature Star Trek casts.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is my 3rd ARC review but my first from Netgalley. Idk what I'm required to include so hopefully that will cover it?
I enjoyed it. I admittedly don't know much about Hitchcock and haven't actually seen his films. I only know him because my dad liked his TV series Hitchcock Presents which according to this book, he didn't actually write for.
There were a few lines here and there that rubbed me the wrong way. It is nonfiction and includes plenty of facts and quotes, yes, but the author even states that they include their own speculation as well, which is also fascinating because I personally don't know much about film so it's interesting seeing what a film geek would say about films, at least I would assume given the circumstances.
As for the lines, they leaned just a bit misogynistic for me. In one sentence while discussing a plot movie, he descibes a male character's actions as "marital r*pe", but also that this man "believes he can redeem her need to steal." My problem is not this sentence but the following, "this is admirable on one level". In my opinion, that's just highly inappropriate to say, even if the act was arguably admirable, which I just don't see how. At the very least, don't put these two statements so near each other.
Another is how casually it discusses Carey Grant's abusive tendencies towards women, such as that he "reportedly ventured into spousal abuse" and was quoted has having wanted to strangle his female costar. By all means, praise Grant all you want, but so little words are even dedicated to this side of him and it completely brushes it off. And like I mentioned before, this is a work that is not completely objective as the author's opinions are woven through-out, so it is definetely strange to discuss these topics in such a robotic, tell-y fashion but not about his acting skills and handsome good looks. They also use "jews" instead of "jewish people" which is known to be offensive, especially for a book coming out in 2026. It is not directly quoting anyone, so it's the author's words themself.
Finally, I just found it humoruous that they described this period of history as a "prewoke era" because people were able to pay to kiss actors. Considering the rest of the book is written with professional, formal language, it's jarring to use such a casual, slang-y word. It kinda makes me think this writer wishes they could pay money to kiss some actors, lol.
I still decided to give it 3 stars (a positively "good" rating from me) though because like I said, those were small nitpickings, and the rest of the book was pretty interesting. It's nice that the book did address the LGBT community multiple times through out, including gay actors Hitchcock worked with and the homosexual undertones of the movie "Rope".
I enjoyed it. I admittedly don't know much about Hitchcock and haven't actually seen his films. I only know him because my dad liked his TV series Hitchcock Presents which according to this book, he didn't actually write for.
There were a few lines here and there that rubbed me the wrong way. It is nonfiction and includes plenty of facts and quotes, yes, but the author even states that they include their own speculation as well, which is also fascinating because I personally don't know much about film so it's interesting seeing what a film geek would say about films, at least I would assume given the circumstances.
As for the lines, they leaned just a bit misogynistic for me. In one sentence while discussing a plot movie, he descibes a male character's actions as "marital r*pe", but also that this man "believes he can redeem her need to steal." My problem is not this sentence but the following, "this is admirable on one level". In my opinion, that's just highly inappropriate to say, even if the act was arguably admirable, which I just don't see how. At the very least, don't put these two statements so near each other.
Another is how casually it discusses Carey Grant's abusive tendencies towards women, such as that he "reportedly ventured into spousal abuse" and was quoted has having wanted to strangle his female costar. By all means, praise Grant all you want, but so little words are even dedicated to this side of him and it completely brushes it off. And like I mentioned before, this is a work that is not completely objective as the author's opinions are woven through-out, so it is definetely strange to discuss these topics in such a robotic, tell-y fashion but not about his acting skills and handsome good looks. They also use "jews" instead of "jewish people" which is known to be offensive, especially for a book coming out in 2026. It is not directly quoting anyone, so it's the author's words themself.
Finally, I just found it humoruous that they described this period of history as a "prewoke era" because people were able to pay to kiss actors. Considering the rest of the book is written with professional, formal language, it's jarring to use such a casual, slang-y word. It kinda makes me think this writer wishes they could pay money to kiss some actors, lol.
I still decided to give it 3 stars (a positively "good" rating from me) though because like I said, those were small nitpickings, and the rest of the book was pretty interesting. It's nice that the book did address the LGBT community multiple times through out, including gay actors Hitchcock worked with and the homosexual undertones of the movie "Rope".
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and University Press of Kentucky for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There’s a lot to be said about nostalgia for things from our childhood; sometimes, those things don’t age well. In the case of Alfred Hitchcock movies, they have their issues, sure, because of when they were made, but the suspense and mystery aspect has held up very well. The Secret Hitchcock delves into one aspect I’ve not seen before: analyzing how Hitch sort of lived vicariously through his top leading men, James Stewart and Cary Grant. The book is less about the history of cinema and more about the inner workings of Hitchcock’s mind.
The Secret Hitchcock could have gone done with deep introspection and psychological analysis of every choice Alfred Hitchcock made in his films with Stewart and Grant. However, the author keeps things decidedly light in tone. James Stewart was often in films that made him seem like an everyman. And that was the appeal for Hitchcock. Cary Grant’s onscreen persona made him seem like the perfect man that most men aspired to. And that was the appeal for Hitchcock, too. He loved putting these men in difficult situations.
The films Hitchcock made with Cary Grant:
Suspicion
Notorious
To Catch a Thief
North by Northwest
The films Hitchcock made with James Stewart:
Rope
Vertigo
Rear Window
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956 version)
Most of the films mentioned include some of Hitchcock and the actors’ best work. The author dissects the films and their stars’ role, as well as how Hitchcock was projecting his ideas about himself onto Grant’s and Stewart’s roles. It’s really fascinating because so much has been written about Hitchcock’s Blondes. The Secret Hitchcock explores a facet of the Master of Suspense’s films that I’ve not seen studied before. It's not a perfect book, but it is well worth a read.
There’s a lot to be said about nostalgia for things from our childhood; sometimes, those things don’t age well. In the case of Alfred Hitchcock movies, they have their issues, sure, because of when they were made, but the suspense and mystery aspect has held up very well. The Secret Hitchcock delves into one aspect I’ve not seen before: analyzing how Hitch sort of lived vicariously through his top leading men, James Stewart and Cary Grant. The book is less about the history of cinema and more about the inner workings of Hitchcock’s mind.
The Secret Hitchcock could have gone done with deep introspection and psychological analysis of every choice Alfred Hitchcock made in his films with Stewart and Grant. However, the author keeps things decidedly light in tone. James Stewart was often in films that made him seem like an everyman. And that was the appeal for Hitchcock. Cary Grant’s onscreen persona made him seem like the perfect man that most men aspired to. And that was the appeal for Hitchcock, too. He loved putting these men in difficult situations.
The films Hitchcock made with Cary Grant:
Suspicion
Notorious
To Catch a Thief
North by Northwest
The films Hitchcock made with James Stewart:
Rope
Vertigo
Rear Window
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956 version)
Most of the films mentioned include some of Hitchcock and the actors’ best work. The author dissects the films and their stars’ role, as well as how Hitchcock was projecting his ideas about himself onto Grant’s and Stewart’s roles. It’s really fascinating because so much has been written about Hitchcock’s Blondes. The Secret Hitchcock explores a facet of the Master of Suspense’s films that I’ve not seen studied before. It's not a perfect book, but it is well worth a read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Much has been written about the elegant & sophisticated female film stars featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s movies – So much that they coined the phrase, The Hitchcock Blondes.
On these pages though, two male film legends receive their top billing with Cary Grant & James “Jimmy” Stewart directed by the illustrious Hitchcock.
The author provides some new research that hasn’t been written about despite the enormous popularity of all three film icons.
Highlights I noted include Hitchcock retelling a gruesome story while in an elevator specifically to terrify a child & the family that dared to get on the same elevator with him.
Equally amusing was his granddaughter coming home from school after receiving his professional assistance in a school project & announcing her teacher’s less than enthusiastic reaction.
This isn’t a lengthy book, but it is an entertaining read. Old -time Hollywood devotees will appreciate the behind-the-scenes of each classic film with Grant & Stewart & want to include it on their shelves.
I thank NetGalley, the publisher & the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair & honest review.
On these pages though, two male film legends receive their top billing with Cary Grant & James “Jimmy” Stewart directed by the illustrious Hitchcock.
The author provides some new research that hasn’t been written about despite the enormous popularity of all three film icons.
Highlights I noted include Hitchcock retelling a gruesome story while in an elevator specifically to terrify a child & the family that dared to get on the same elevator with him.
Equally amusing was his granddaughter coming home from school after receiving his professional assistance in a school project & announcing her teacher’s less than enthusiastic reaction.
This isn’t a lengthy book, but it is an entertaining read. Old -time Hollywood devotees will appreciate the behind-the-scenes of each classic film with Grant & Stewart & want to include it on their shelves.
I thank NetGalley, the publisher & the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair & honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A fascinating read! As a fan of all three men, I have seen a lot of their movies together and independent of each other. I love looking at their films under the guise of a different kind of watcher. Also, loved the tidbits of trivia. Often the stories shared made it feel like I was actually there.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A fascinating read! As a fan of all three men, I have seen a lot of their movies together and independent of each other. I love looking at their films under the guise of a different kind of watcher. Also, loved the tidbits of trivia. Often the stories shared made it feel like I was actually there.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was such a pleasant surprise. The Secret Hitchcock is easy to digest and easy to read without being over simplified. I loved how it digs into the filmmaking process and shines a light on the creative process, including the constrains and regulations of the Hays Code. It also felt refreshing hearing about the lives of Cary Grant and James Stewart, two of Hitch's favourite leading men, rather than the leading ladies. Overall, very engaging and well researched. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
"The Secret Hitchcock: How Hollywood's Legendary Director Lived through Cary Grant and James Stewart" offers an insightful look at the famous director and his two favorite leading men. Beautifully written, meticulously researched, this book is a must-read for avid fans of Hitch, Grant, and Stewart, and the unforgettable movies they made together. Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a book that makes you feel like you are living in the story. I am a fan of all three of these men and loved the insight and stories.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews