Television is like the invention of indoor plumbing. It didn't change people's habits. It just kept them inside the house.

In films murders are always very clean. I show how difficult it is and what a messy thing it is to kill a man.

Actually, I have no regard for money. Aside from its purchasing power, it's completely useless as far as I'm concerned.

For me, suspense doesn't have any value if it's not balanced by humor.

Suspense is like a woman. The more left to the imagination, the more the excitement. ... The conventional big-bosomed blonde is not mysterious. And what could be more obvious than the old black velvet and pearls type? The perfect ‘woman of mystery’ is one who is blonde, subtle and Nordic. ... Although I do not profess to be an authority on women, I fear that the perfect title [for a movie], like the perfect woman is difficult to find.

[When accepting the American Film Institute Life Achievement award] I beg permission to mention by name only four people who have given me the most affection, appreciation, and encouragement, and constant collaboration. The first of the four is a film editor, the second is a scriptwriter, the third is the mother of my daughter Pat (Patricia Hitchcock), and the fourth is as fine a cook as ever performed miracles in a domestic kitchen. And their names are Alma Reville.

A lot of movies are about life, mine are like a slice of cake.