Very well written. A comprehensive look into the personalities and lives of Hitch's leading ladies who were blonde. Almost all of them were. Why? That's what the book examines.
Hitch made scary movies. But what's more arresting is that Alfred Hitchcock was scary himself. He wasn't attractive. He knew it and he had lots of stumbling blocks even though he did get married and stayed married to the same woman. Nevertheless he had bigtime fantasies about his leading ladies, wanting to make them over into his ideal woman.
Good book, If it had been more detailed it would have been beter still. I read it through without stopping.

I've seen most of the movies mentioned in this book (and other Hitchcock films) several times, and own copies of five of them. So I was hoping this would be a book I'd love. I did enjoy learning about events on the sets of the movies, but for the most part, it's thumbs way down for me.

Hitchcock's behavior could be horrible and abusive, and certainly wouldn't be accepted today. Lots of it directed toward 'his blondes' gets described in the book, with a couple Me Too mentions--this could have led to interesting ideas about Art vs Artist, how Hitchcock might have reacted to current culture, how these great movies might not have been made under different circumstances, etc. But there's none of that.

The author does a lot of detailed recounting of the plots of movies, so you certainly wouldn't want to read this before seeing them.

I thought the book had a trashy tabloid tone with way too much space devoted to people's sex lives.

Thanks to Penguin/Putnam and NetGalley for the advance copy.

I love Hitchcock film and tv shows so I was excited to review book . I like how it's talking about his famous leading lady in the film that he did my fav film of course psycho . His was something else with Tippi and how you treated her in the film birds he was really mean to her didn't like that but overall what a great book .

Laurence Leamer, who most recently tackled Truman Capote as a subject, takes on another complex male creative who was obsessed with a certain type of woman—this time, gorgeous, cool, aloof blonde actresses. It seems as if the legendary director was the James Stewart character in his classic movie Vertigo—obsessed with a cool, elegant blonde and trying to control everything about her. I'm a huge Hitchcock movie fan and was worried that reading this book would make me never watch another one of his movies, as he isn't known for being kind to his actresses. But provided you weren't Tippi Hendren or Kim Novak, he apparently was a pretty decent director for you. At least, he seemed to have treated Ingrid Bergman (who knew she was a Nazi sympathizer?!), Grace Kelly, and Eva Marie Saint pretty well. Who knows why some of his blondes got the star treatment and some got treated like dogs. In a time when most male directors acted like beasts, he was probably one of the better ones to work with—at least you knew you'd get a great movie out of it.

Thank you to Laurence Leamer, the publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this intriguing book in exchange for an honest review.

Hitchcock’s Blondes is a superb book that is well written exploration of Hitchcock and the relationships he had with the women around him: Actresses, Writers and his own wife Alma.

Leamer is a phenomenal writer with the book being laid out in a proper way that shows the change in Hitchcock, Hollywood and overall the women and their relationships with the director and the impact it had on all of them.

A disappointing title, at least for this reviewer. It is accurate to call this a biography, but there's not enough serious commentary on the actresses' work in film. Too much of bedroom detail....some readers may appreciate this gossipy approach, but it falls short, far short, of serious commentary, even serious biography.

Very revealing story behind Hitchcock's obsession with the women who starred in his movies. Laurence Leamer lets us in on the toll that it took. Fascinating read. Thank you #NetGalley for this advanced copy.

In Hitchcock's Blondes, Laurence Leamer delivers a captivating and intimate exploration of the complex relationship between Alfred Hitchcock and the dazzling actresses who starred in his legendary films. With meticulous research and keen storytelling, Leamer shines a spotlight on these talented women, finally placing them at the center of the narrative and shedding light on the enigmatic director himself.

Hitchcock's fixation on blondes is a well-known aspect of his career, but Leamer delves deeper, offering a nuanced understanding of the lengths to which the director went to showcase and sometimes manipulate these actresses. From June Howard-Tripp to Tippi Hedren, the book delves into the lives of eight iconic actresses who played significant roles in Hitchcock's filmography. Leamer expertly guides readers through their journeys, from their early days in the British film industry to their pivotal roles in Hitchcock's American films, revealing the impact they had on the director's artistic vision and the toll it took on their lives.

Leamer's storytelling prowess is evident as he weaves together the personal and professional lives of these actresses, showcasing their triumphs, challenges, and the complexities of their relationships with Hitchcock. Through their stories, we gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the camera, his obsessions, desires, and the dynamics that shaped his work.

The author's research is impeccable, providing a wealth of historical context and insightful anecdotes that bring the era and the characters to life. Leamer's writing is engaging and accessible, making the book accessible to both Hitchcock enthusiasts and those less familiar with his films. The narrative flows seamlessly, drawing readers into the lives of these women and the complex dynamics they navigated within the world of cinema.

Hitchcock's Blondes is a thoroughly modern examination of the enduring art and legacy created by an iconic director and the toll it took on the women who played pivotal roles in his films. Leamer's approach is thoughtful and respectful, giving voice to these actresses who often found themselves overshadowed by Hitchcock's reputation. The book offers a nuanced exploration of power dynamics, artistic vision, and the challenges faced by women in the film industry during that time.

Overall, Hitchcock's Blondes is an engrossing and revealing portrait that highlights the contributions and experiences of these talented actresses while illuminating the fascinating world of Alfred Hitchcock. Leamer's dedication to storytelling and his meticulous research make this book a must-read for anyone interested in cinema history, Hitchcock's films, or the lives of these remarkable women who left an indelible mark on the silver screen.

Hitchcock’s Blondes is as much an abbreviated biography of the actresses Alfred Hitchcock hired as it is Hitchcock’s emotional journey to film greatness and his feelings about the role of women in his world and how those well known blonde actresses ( Ingrid Bergman, Grace Kelly, Kim Novak, Eva Marie Saint, Janet Leigh, Tippi Hedren ) illustrated his views. Readers get an in-depth look at Hitchcock’s movies, the actors chosen, and gossipy tidbits about what transpired during filming and after…as well as a refresher course on world events during the making of each film. The book is a wonderful resource for film lovers. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Highly recommend.

I so enjoyed this book! Laurence Leamer tells the compelling stories of the famous "Hitchcock Blondes," the leading ladies in several of Alfred Hitchcock's movies. Readers get a behind-the-scenes look at the films and how they came to be, while also learning about these actresses' lives, from their childhoods to their careers and everything in between. The attention to detail in the book was amazing, and each woman's story was so fascinating. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in film and history, especially Classic Hollywood! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

The best thing about this book is that you get several biographies in one book. The author wants to impart what went on in the mind and emotions of a cinematic genius, and he did that quite clearly.

Each chapter is about an actress and the movie(s) she made with Hitchcock, and each chapter tells more of a story about these actresses than you might think you'd find. From movies some of us might not have seen, made quite early in the 20th Century to those with which we are more familiar, each chapter is full of revelations about the director, those who surrounded him and his relationship with each of the actresses.

This is a well-done story of not only the main character, but the women who made his movies unique and compelling.

I think this book was a great telling of the story behind Hitchcock’s films. Not only did I get so much insight on the women in the film, I also got to know Hitchcock’s backstory. I really enjoyed knowing the women and their horror stories. I think overall this book was a great book if you’re interested in film and history in general.

This book was great! Leamer gave us a glance not only into Hitchcock's life but the lives of the blondes he loved. While Leamer detailed the lives of Ingrid Bergman, Grace Kelly, Janet Leigh, Tippi Hedren and more he also told us a bit about Hitchcock's most famous films. The way he wove all of this information was incredibly engaging and kept me interested in every page. I'd recommend this book to any fan of Hitchcock, the famous actresses in his films, or just a fan of film in general. Look for this book on shelves near you on October 10.
I will definitely be reading more from Leamer.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I received a copy of "Hitchcock"s Blondes" from NetGalley.The author Laurence Leamer.writes about the actresses that have worked in Alfred Hitchcock's movies. The famous director was known to hire an actress that had blonde hair. They did not have to be a natural blonde. Each chapter has a focus on each actress. It writes a biography on each actress that leads up to the movie or movies the actress starred in. Some of the actresses had good experiences with Hitchcock others were miserable. He did have reputations for making the actor do many takes. he could be cruel according to some of the actresses but others had a good experience with the director. the author writes of each actress and their experience with Hitchcock. at the end of the book their is more writing of the what became of each actress. Some of the actresses in this book include. Indgrid Bergman. Janet Leigh, Tippi Hedren, Grace Kelly. An interesting book. I enjoyed reading.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for providing this advance readers copy, in exchange for an honest review.

If you’ve ever watched any of Alfred Hitchcock’s movies, you’ve likely noticed a few common threads between them, one of which being that the main female character is blonde and that she’s certainly not your traditional “good girl”. This book, Hitchcock’s Blondes, is about the lives of eight of those such blonde actresses who starred in Hitchcock’s most well known films. The author highlights how these women, both their characters and true personas, shaped the filmmakers career; we also learn a great deal about the life of each women outside of her direct work with Hitchcock.

I thought this book was excellent! As a big Hitchcock fan, I loved learning more about the behind the scenes of how his films came to be and how key scenes/characters came to life. I also thought the book was well structured, as each section being about a particular actress and their film(s). In this way, it was easier to understand how Hitchcock’s career and personal life was shaped over time by these interactions and depending on how successful they were, would lead more quickly or slowly to the next woman. Additionally, I appreciated the frank and non-judgmental way that the author described each woman’s sexuality, especially considering how “dirty” this was viewed in the past and even is today, even if to a lesser extent. Learning about the history of these actresses was enjoyable too and I enjoyed that the author described their lives after Hitchcock, rather than just showcasing his interactions/role in their lives.

Overall, I felt like this book was fast paced and enjoyable to breeze through! I took away a lot about the story of each actress and collectively, how they significantly influenced Hitchcock and his films. I would recommend this book to pop culture fans or fans of either Hitchcock/any of these actresses!

An absolutely incredible read and one of the best books I've read this year! I would rate it higher if I could. Each story of one of Hitchcock's women included the background of life, how he discovered her and the specifics of the movie. It also showcased the intimate relationships between them. I really can't do this review justice but to say you will not be disappointed with this book. This is the second book I've read by this author and will definitely not be my last. Thanks to the author, publishers and Netgalley for the honor of an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I absolutely loved reading this book. I was completely drawn into the topic and could not stop reading it.

Once again Leamer spins a wonderful book out of the stories of Alfred Hitchcock’s blonde stars. Leamer has woven the story of Hitchcock around these women and the great films in which they starred. Essentially this is a fabulous read for those of us that love film and enjoy the gossipy stories of these fascinating women.

Just as I loved Capote’s Women, I was engaged in these mini-biographies. I especially enjoyed the story of Eva Marie Saint and the filming of North By Northwest. Cary Grant is also included in this memoir.

I enjoy Leamer’s style which combines film history and biography with a dash of social history. I highly recommend this book to all of us who enjoy films and those who made them.

Thank you Netgalley for this incredibly informative and enjoyable book.