Why did Alfred Hitchcock move from Britain to Hollywood in 1939?

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Master of suspense — Alfred Hitchcock Alfred Hitchcock's talent as both filmmaker and storyteller is abundantly evident in a film catalog that includes *Dial M for Murder*, *Vertigo*, *Psycho*, and *The Birds*.

Alfred Hitchcock moved to Hollywood in 1939 after signing a long-term contract with the American producer David O. Selznick.1

Selznick was inspired to recruit Hitchcock following the international success of the director's 1938 film, The Lady Vanishes, which demonstrated a masterful synthesis of comedy and suspense. Before departing for Hollywood, Hitchcock completed one final British production, the Gothic film Jamaica Inn (1939).1