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Spot the Master

Alfred Hitchcock's Sneaky Cameos

A photograph of Alfred Hitchcock sitting next to Cary Grant at the back of a bus in the movie "To Catch A Thief."

Alfred Hitchcock made cameo appearances in nearly all of his films—39 in total! His cameos became a fun trademark for audiences to spot. Here are some more notable examples of Hitchcock's cameos:


Psycho (1960)

In this iconic thriller, Hitchcock appears very early in the film. He is seen standing outside Marion Crane's office, wearing a cowboy hat. It's a quick appearance, which makes it easy to miss, but it comes right before the chilling suspense begins.


Vertigo (1958)

Hitchcock’s cameo in Vertigo occurs at around the 11-minute mark, where he can be seen walking across the street in front of the Ernie’s restaurant. He walks past the entrance as James Stewart's character enters the restaurant, giving viewers a fleeting glimpse of the director.


Rear Window (1954)

In Rear Window, Hitchcock appears winding a clock in the apartment of the composer, which is visible across the courtyard from James Stewart's character. It's a fitting cameo for a movie all about peering into other people's lives.


Lifeboat (1944)

Hitchcock’s cameo in Lifeboat is one of his most creative. Since the entire movie takes place on a small lifeboat, he appears in a fictitious before-and-after weight-loss ad in a newspaper one of the characters is reading. It's a clever way to include himself without physically being in the scene.


The 39 Steps (1935)

In The 39 Steps, Hitchcock can be seen tossing litter while walking past the bus station where Robert Donat's character is escaping from the villains. It’s one of his earlier cameos and helped set the trend for his signature appearances.


North by Northwest (1959)

Aside from the famous bus-door-close cameo at the very beginning, North by Northwest almost had another Hitchcock cameo! He initially planned a scene where he’d be sitting next to Cary Grant on the train while knitting, but it didn't make the final cut.


The Lady Vanishes (1938)

In The Lady Vanishes, Hitchcock appears near the end of the film at Victoria Station, wearing a black coat and smoking a cigarette. He’s seen walking past the camera as the train arrives at the station.


The Birds (1963)

In The Birds, Hitchcock makes a cameo as Melanie Daniels (played by Tippi Hedren) enters the pet shop. He walks out of the shop with his two terriers on leashes, a charming nod to his personal life, as those were his own dogs.


Saboteur (1942)

In Saboteur, Hitchcock can be seen at a New York City street, where he walks past the camera while talking to a woman. It’s a subtle, everyday moment in the bustling city—easy to miss, but fun for viewers in the know.


Dial M for Murder (1954)

In Dial M for Murder, Hitchcock appears in a photograph. He can be seen in a college reunion photo on the wall, making it another creative way to sneak into a scene without being physically present.


To Catch a Thief (1955)

Alfred Hitchcock makes a cameo appearance that’s a classic, understated moment. In this scene, he is seen sitting next to Cary Grant's character, John Robie, on a bus.


Strangers on a Train (1951)

Hitchcock makes an appearance in Strangers on a Train while carrying a double bass as he boards a train. This cameo comes fairly early in the film, and his appearance with the cumbersome instrument adds a touch of humor.


Torn Curtain (1966)

In Torn Curtain, Hitchcock appears sitting in a hotel lobby, holding a baby on his lap. The scene is early in the film, and it's unusual for him, as the baby makes this cameo particularly memorable!


Frenzy (1972)

In Frenzy, Hitchcock appears in a crowd scene. He’s one of the spectators watching a politician give a speech, and he’s also the only one who doesn’t clap at the end—a classic Hitch moment of subtle humor.


These cameos became a playful signature, a little game for audiences to spot the master of suspense himself. Whether it’s on the street, in a photograph, or cleverly disguised in a newspaper ad, Hitchcock’s appearances added an extra layer of entertainment to his already thrilling films!

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