Alfred Hitchcock's London

Updated 1737 GMT (0137 HKT) August 2, 2012

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Director Alfred Hitchcock is one of East London's most famous exports -- the Hollywood legend was born and brought up in Leytonstone. Sadly, little evidence of his life there remains.

Photos: Alfred Hitchcock's London

Alfred Hitchcock's London – Director Alfred Hitchcock is one of East London's most famous exports -- the Hollywood legend was born and brought up in Leytonstone. Sadly, little evidence of his life there remains.

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A blue plaque marks the site of Hitchcock's birthplace, above the family's greengrocer's shop at 517 High Road, Leytonstone. The building was demolished many years ago to make way for a petrol station and fried chicken shop.

Photos: Alfred Hitchcock's London

Alfred Hitchcock plaque Leytonstone – A blue plaque marks the site of Hitchcock's birthplace, above the family's greengrocer's shop at 517 High Road, Leytonstone. The building was demolished many years ago to make way for a petrol station and fried chicken shop.

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But the director's links with the area are celebrated in other ways: At Leytonston tube station, on the Central Line, the walls are decorated with mosaic murals featuring scenes from Hitchcock's life and films.

Photos: Alfred Hitchcock's London

Hitchcock mosaic mural Leytonstone – But the director's links with the area are celebrated in other ways: At Leytonston tube station, on the Central Line, the walls are decorated with mosaic murals featuring scenes from Hitchcock's life and films.

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Hitchcock was already a big name in the British movie business before he and his family moved to the U.S. in 1939. He married long-term collaborator Alma Reville at Brompton Oratory in upmarket Kensington in December 1926.

Photos: Alfred Hitchcock's London

Alfred Hitchcock's London – Hitchcock was already a big name in the British movie business before he and his family moved to the U.S. in 1939. He married long-term collaborator Alma Reville at Brompton Oratory in upmarket Kensington in December 1926.

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Hitchcock frequently used instantly recognizable London landmarks as the backdrops to some of his most famous set-pieces: The British Museum's domed roof is the scene of the climax of 1929's "Blackmail."

Photos: Alfred Hitchcock's London

Alfred Hitchcock's London – Hitchcock frequently used instantly recognizable London landmarks as the backdrops to some of his most famous set-pieces: The British Museum's domed roof is the scene of the climax of 1929's "Blackmail."

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His 1935 film "The 39 Steps" adapted from John Buchan's novel and starring Robert Donat, was set in London and Scotland, with locations including the London Palladium.

Photos: Alfred Hitchcock's London

Alfred Hitchcock's London – His 1935 film "The 39 Steps" adapted from John Buchan's novel and starring Robert Donat, was set in London and Scotland, with locations including the London Palladium.

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Even after his move stateside, Hitchcock returned to his roots on several occasions. In 1956, he came back to London to remake his 1934 film "The Man Who Knew Too Much." The climax of both movies takes place at the Royal Albert Hall.

Photos: Alfred Hitchcock's London

Alfred Hitchcock's London – Even after his move stateside, Hitchcock returned to his roots on several occasions. In 1956, he came back to London to remake his 1934 film "The Man Who Knew Too Much." The climax of both movies takes place at the Royal Albert Hall.

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"Frenzy," Hitchcock's penultimate film and his last London movie sees a serial killer use a necktie to strangle his victims. It was shot in and around Covent Garden, when it was still a bustling fruit and vegetable market. Today the area is a popular stop on the city's tourist trail.

Photos: Alfred Hitchcock's London

Alfred Hitchcock's London – "Frenzy," Hitchcock's penultimate film and his last London movie sees a serial killer use a necktie to strangle his victims. It was shot in and around Covent Garden, when it was still a bustling fruit and vegetable market. Today the area is a popular stop on the city's tourist trail.

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The British Film Institute has spent the past three years restoring Hitchcock's little-seen early silent movies. The finished works can be seen at the BFI on London's South Bank, in the Genius of Hitchcock season, which runs until October 2012.

Photos: Alfred Hitchcock's London

Alfred Hitchcock's London – The British Film Institute has spent the past three years restoring Hitchcock's little-seen early silent movies. The finished works can be seen at the BFI on London's South Bank, in the Genius of Hitchcock season, which runs until October 2012.

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