The lecture, titled Who done it? Hitchcock: master of suspense will cover Hitchcock’s Catholic upbringing and uneasy relationship with femininity via his early work of the silent era, his London-based dramas such as Blackmail (1929) and Dial M for Murder (1954), and discussion of the film techniques used in his Hollywood masterpieces Vertigo (1958) and Psycho (1960).

Francis said the lecture would have something for both hardcore Hitchcock fans, and movie-goers with a general curiosity about the famous director.

“People can expect to increase their enjoyment of cinema through an understanding of some of the techniques that are used to make suspense and horror films,” he said.

“The aim is to understand and enjoy the masterful direction and construction of meaning in his films.

“Hitchcock was not just a film maker he was an artist. If you like film you like Hitchcock – ask any director in any country. We are still learning from him.” 

The event will include wine and sandwiches, and will be held in a different room to normal: Lecture Theatre 9, The Arts Building, University of Tasmania, Newnham. It will be held on Tuesday, September 4, 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start, $30.