Film Society of Lincoln Center
The Film Society of Lincoln Center based in New York City, United States, is one of the world's most prominent film presentation organizations. Founded in 1969, the film society's focuses is on putting spotlights on American Independent and World Cinema, and to recognize and support new filmmakers.
Each year the organization presents its annual Gala Tribute honoring legendary stars and industry leaders at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall.
In April 1974, director Alfred Hitchcock was the Gala Tribute recipient.
Other recipients with links to Hitchcock include:
- Laurence Olivier (1983)
- James Stewart (1990)
- Gregory Peck (1992)
- Shirley MacLaine (1994)
- Sean Connery (1997)
Hitchcock's Pre-recorded Speech
Transcript
Good evening.
They a that when a man drowns, his entire life flashes before his eyes. I am indeed fortunate for having just had that same experience without even getting my feet wet.
First of all, I wish to express my deep satisfaction for this honour. It makes me feel very proud indeed.
As you will have seen, murder seems to be the prominent theme. As I do not approve of the current wave of violence that we see on our screens, I have always felt that murder should be treated delicately. And, in addition to that, with the help of television, murder should be brought into the home, where it rightly belongs. Some of our most exquisite murders have been domestic — performed with tenderness in simple homey places like the kitchen table or the bathtub.
Nothing is more revolting to my sense of decency than the underworld thug is able to murder anyone, even people to whom he has not been properly introduced. After all, I'm sure you will agree that murder can be so much more charming and enjoyable — even for the victim — if the surroundings are pleasant and the people involved are ladies and gentlemen like yourselves.
Finally, I think I can best describe the insidious effect of murder on one's character by quoting a paragraph from Thomas De Quincey's delightful essay "Murder as One of the Fine Arts." He said: "If once a man indulges himself in murder, very soon he comes to think little of robbing; and from robbing he comes next to drinking and Sabbath-breaking, and from that to incivility and procrastination. Once begun on this downward path, you never know where you are to stop. Many a man dates his ruin from some murder or other that perhaps he thought little of at the time."
They tell me that murder is committed every minute, so I don't want to waste any more of your time. I know you want to get to work.
Thank you.
See Also...
Image Gallery
Images from the Hitchcock Gallery (click to view larger versions or search for all relevant images)...
Links
