What films did Alfred Hitchcock and Bernard Herrmann collaborate on?

They collaborated on classics such as 'Psycho,' 'Vertigo,' 'North by Northwest,' 'The Man Who Knew Too Much,' and 'The Trouble With Harry.'

Why did the Hitchcock and Herrmann collaboration end?

Their partnership ended due to creative differences, particularly concerning the score for 'Torn Curtain,' where Herrmann's approach clashed with Hitchcock's vision.

What is Bernard Herrmann known for besides Hitchcock films?

Bernard Herrmann also composed acclaimed scores for films like 'Taxi Driver,' 'Citizen Kane,' and 'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir,' and influenced countless other artists.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Hitchcock & Herrmann: A Cinematic Friendship's Rise & Fall

Hitchcock & Herrmann: A Cinematic Friendship's Rise & Fall

12 Dec, 2025

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Summary

The book explores the profound creative and personal bond between Alfred Hitchcock and Bernard Herrmann.
Their collaboration produced iconic scores for films like 'Psycho', 'Vertigo', and 'North by Northwest'.
The partnership ended abruptly due to creative differences on 'Torn Curtain'.

Hitchcock & Herrmann: A Cinematic Friendship's Rise & Fall

The dynamic partnership between director Alfred Hitchcock and composer Bernard Herrmann, spanning the 1950s and '60s, is explored in Steven C. Smith's new dual biography. Their collaboration resulted in groundbreaking scores for iconic films like "Psycho," "Vertigo," and "North by Northwest," profoundly shaping mid-century cinema.

Smith's research uncovers the intimate details of their creative process, highlighting how their shared artistic vision and distinct personalities fueled cinematic masterpieces. The book details their early successes, including Hitchcock's delight with Herrmann's score for "The Trouble With Harry," which cemented their bond.