Alfred Hitchcock, one of the most influential directors in cinema history, is known for his mastery of suspense in films like "The 39 Steps" (1935), "Strangers On A Train" (1951), "Rear Window" (1954), and "Psycho" (1960). Beyond his professional acclaim, Hitchcock was also known for his peculiar personality and penchant for practical jokes. Hitchcock's stunts ranged from playful to cruel, revealing a complex individual with a darker sense of humor.
One of Hitchcock's favorite tricks involved telling a captivating story in a lift, timing his exit perfectly to leave eavesdroppers hanging before the punchline. At dinner parties, he often placed whoopee cushions under the chairs of unsuspecting, pompous guests. In a more elaborate prank, he once served an all-blue meal to his guests.
Some of Hitchcock's stunts were more sinister. During the filming of "The 39 Steps," he had actors Robert Donat and Madeleine Carroll handcuffed together for hours. Hitchcock exploited actress Elsie Randolph’s fear of fire by blowing smoke into a telephone box while she was inside, forcing her to confront her fear.
Hitchcock’s daughter, Pat, was also subjected to his dark pranks. During the filming of "Strangers On A Train," he bet her to go on the Ferris wheel. Once she reached the top, he ordered the ride stopped and turned off the lights, leaving her stranded for an hour.
These pranks may have stemmed from Hitchcock's own childhood trauma. At age five, following some misbehavior, his father sent him to a police station with a note, leading to a brief imprisonment and a lesson about the consequences of naughtiness. Hitchcock often cited this experience as a source of his lifelong fear of the police and possibly his drive to induce fear in others.