Since I made this video, I finally did get inside the estate (a few times now, actually). It's now the home of Heart o' the Mountain Winery. They're really quite an excellent winery - look them up on Google, and watch their web site for winery events when they're open to the public and you can see the place then.
Back in1970 or 71 my college girlfriend & I hiked up to the house to get an autograph. We were lucky that the gates had been left open by a cleaning crew. My memory is that the main gate by the house was made of heavy wood, not iron. In fact ,I recall it being very similar to the gate to Vandamm's SD house in North by Norrthwest. Hitchcock wasn't there and the cleaners escorted us down to the main road -- refusing to confirm that Hitchcock actually lived there.
In the early 60's I was in junior high in Santa Cruz. One day in downtown Santa Cruz I saw Hitch and his two poodles at a car wash. I dragged my friend, Susie Rysdam, over to him and we got his signature which included the profile he used to talk into on his tv show. He was not happy about being recognized.
I will be back in town after moving away, seven yers ago. Can not wait to get wet and feel the cold. Texas is a toaster over, your video cooled me down.
I wonder if the butterflies in Natural Bridges Park at the end of West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz served as an inspiration for "The Birds." After all, if one visits Natural Bridges Park in the Spring, he runs the risk of being bombarded by millions of butterflies.
Not a bad idea... we'll round up some gulls and a few falcons to lead the pack. You throw the birds in the people's faces while I run past with the camera...
idea: go there at 5:04 pm on october 31st with a small two or three foot tall friend dressed as a ghost or skeleton. then and only then do the trespassing signs turn into welcome signs...
The importance and power of location and scenery in Hitchcock is not something i'd particularly considered before- but watching this it reminds me just how memorable his settings were and how integral to the character and impact of the films.
Cool. Hitchcock was such a "designerly" film maker, controlling every single element in such detail, that every frame is a masterpiece of intent. Thanks for the tour...even if the hunt for the house was a bust!
Obsessive is a word that could be applied, but in a positive manner. I suspect the house is no longer there, and the property divided into the multiple lots that caused the confusion towards the end. I may go on a hunt for more Bay Area movie locations soon.
I stayed in Santa Cruz before (for about a month) -- a few years back. But it was a little too quiet and sedate for my liking. Beautiful scenery however. I never knew that Hitchcock lived there. But now I do.
So, I guess this is another kenrg "educational" video, eh? Wait a minute...let me check. Oh, there it is. I see the "Fair Use" disclaimer now. Nice to see that you've has just pwned the copyright cops! That is:
Ho ho ho...hee hee hee, don't you mess with the kenrg!
Thank-you Ken for your promise. But can I get that "promise" in legalese? Don't forget to quote me a few USC's and some other associated and convoluted legalistic jargon; and definitely don't forget to include some of those interesting penalty clauses and loopholes.
Q: By the way, what's the fastest way to get a lawyer out of a tree?
P.S. Don't get me wrong about Santa Cruz. I did like it. It's the diametric opposite of cities like LA, Chicago, NYC, etc. It's a very mellow and serene place -- a great place to reflect, concentrate, and write. My understanding was that a lot of authors live there -- and I can understand why...
Thanks ken, really good vid. Lots of interesting info in a short space of time and put across in that warm kenlike manner! Looking forward to the next one already.
Good idea. The problem is that I only have an approximate address (end of Canham) and a forty or fifty year old picture. And, the street has obviously changed. Where it ends now and where it ended then may be completely different concepts. I may have to go back.
That was so good even if it was an anti-climactic tribute to the master of suspense...and that "only YT" comment...you've done so many different styles at this point, I think you've become a jack of all videos and master-toober...post on!
Thanks for understanding the implied ;^) after "it's only YT." Master-toober? I don't know. I just get bored and want to try something different. Thanks!
What I didn't really show was how much the mansion itself has been added on to. In older pictures the resemblance to the Bates house & motel is even more striking. It's right up the street from the Santa Cruz pier where Hitch and Alma would go to pick up fresh seafood to serve their guests up at the ranch.
Really enjoyed this! I'm a native Californian and live on the East Coast now, so I really felt like I was roadtripping with you. Informative, too; I'm a huge Hitch fan and knew little of the info you offered.
It's surprising how few local residents are aware of how closely Hitch was associated with the Santa Cruz community back then. That was his weekend home for over thirty years. I love eating certain places and knowing, "Hitch ate here."
I think so, and thanks for mentioning DuMaurier. In the video I implied that a story in the local paper inspired the movie. What happened is that Hitch had already bought the rights to the book when the news story appeared. He used the true local story as research in adapting the book. I just added a link to the video description with more on this.
Nice piece on a great filmmaker...I liked the bloodied blade, the "Psycho" trivia, the fact that you kept saying "we" although no one else appeared in the video (maybe you could have added a "Mother and I"), and the shower reference at the end.
Thanks for catching the shower reference at the end. I had originally planned on inserting a couple of short Psycho and Birds clips (which would have made that reference more obvious), but my recent copyright problems convinced me to cut them out. "We" is my YouTube buddies and myself.
Great!! Hitch is the Man!! The shot of the motel and the Victorian house--FANTASTIC!! I've never seen this pointed out before. Love the titles and music! Looking forward to the Vertigo-San Francisco film!
Hitchcock is awesome. I have The Birds and it still freaks me out. You need to find away around those No Tresspassing signs. They are all hiding something! LOL. Great vid!!!!!
There's a little more to the story... I may try again sometime on a quieter day - there were one or two driveways that I suspect may pay off if there's nobody watching me.
I enjoyed this video so much. I am a huge Hitchcock fan. It was great to see the places that cranked Hitchcock's imagination. Great video!!~Moonchimes
i noticed you wrote "addicting" instead of addictive, was this accidental? i'm asking because i've noticed that a few nth americans on youtube say "complicating" instead of complicated. I'm wondering if it's a general thing there, this use of present participle in place of adjective??
Looking back and reading it I realize that you are correct - I suppose it is sort of a colloquialism. It's accepted in conversational language here, but I don't think I'd use that tense in formal writing. At least, I hope I'd catch it.
Thanks! I've been wanting to looking for the Hitch ranch for about a year. If this vid goes over well, maybe I'll do a Hitch's SF sequel and do some Vertigo locations.
I'm glad I saw this, I was about to take a pilgrimage there and now know not to waste my time!
raieven 2 years ago
Since I made this video, I finally did get inside the estate (a few times now, actually). It's now the home of Heart o' the Mountain Winery. They're really quite an excellent winery - look them up on Google, and watch their web site for winery events when they're open to the public and you can see the place then.
kenrg 2 years ago
Back in1970 or 71 my college girlfriend & I hiked up to the house to get an autograph. We were lucky that the gates had been left open by a cleaning crew. My memory is that the main gate by the house was made of heavy wood, not iron. In fact ,I recall it being very similar to the gate to Vandamm's SD house in North by Norrthwest. Hitchcock wasn't there and the cleaners escorted us down to the main road -- refusing to confirm that Hitchcock actually lived there.
Boozer1984 2 years ago
HEY! I was at that street corner! And in that vehicle! Very cool stuff. I still love how you call him "Hitch."
anakin1814 2 years ago
Sorry. That's Sir Alfred to the rest of you.
kenrgquickresponse 2 years ago
In the early 60's I was in junior high in Santa Cruz. One day in downtown Santa Cruz I saw Hitch and his two poodles at a car wash. I dragged my friend, Susie Rysdam, over to him and we got his signature which included the profile he used to talk into on his tv show. He was not happy about being recognized.
barbgerry 3 years ago
That's very cool! What a great memory to have.
kenrg 3 years ago
Your correct there.....I want to run into the ocean and scream.
Thanks foe the reply.
SparkeyGreenberg 3 years ago
I will be back in town after moving away, seven yers ago. Can not wait to get wet and feel the cold. Texas is a toaster over, your video cooled me down.
thanks
SparkeyGreenberg 3 years ago
It's been pretty darn hot here lately, but I supposed it's nothing compared to Texas. Welcome home!
kenrg 3 years ago
I wonder if the butterflies in Natural Bridges Park at the end of West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz served as an inspiration for "The Birds." After all, if one visits Natural Bridges Park in the Spring, he runs the risk of being bombarded by millions of butterflies.
DartmouthAlum96 3 years ago
Maybe! I hadn't heard that theory before, but Hitch certainly would have been aware of that (and freaked out by it).
kenrg 3 years ago
ahhhhh
Cigotie 4 years ago
;^)
kenrg 4 years ago
where he gets off the freeway at 2:28 is my school. Thats freaking insane.
Cigotie 4 years ago
I'm stalking you!
kenrg 4 years ago
....
LadySayuri 4 years ago
Big Hitchcock fan here - really enjoyed this vid.
Maybe if we can find some birds to distract the owners of the "No Trespassing" signs...
anniehiggy 4 years ago
Not a bad idea... we'll round up some gulls and a few falcons to lead the pack. You throw the birds in the people's faces while I run past with the camera...
kenrg 4 years ago
idea: go there at 5:04 pm on october 31st with a small two or three foot tall friend dressed as a ghost or skeleton. then and only then do the trespassing signs turn into welcome signs...
citizenstand 4 years ago
Excellent idea! I don't suppose you've got a dwarf I could borrow?
kenrg 4 years ago
Fabulous!! Thank you so much.
sidjames1976 4 years ago
Wow... a great video to show to students when they study AH. Great editing! Great acting!
1Cheryl 4 years ago
The importance and power of location and scenery in Hitchcock is not something i'd particularly considered before- but watching this it reminds me just how memorable his settings were and how integral to the character and impact of the films.
That coastline is magical.
Many thanks.
DraculaVision 4 years ago
Very true - In a Hitchcock film, the location is often treated as another character. North by Northwest is a great example of this, as is the Birds.
kenrg 4 years ago
love armchair adventures - esp with you or Curt -
good u added fair use notice - otherwise, someone might think you'll distroy Mr H's career. geez - make sense?
NiteBlogger 4 years ago
what no resolution?!
groovytimes 4 years ago
I resolve to make better videos in the future?!
kenrg 4 years ago
I bet you could find out which address it was then sneak onto the property and illegally blog about it.
groovytimes 4 years ago
Cool. Hitchcock was such a "designerly" film maker, controlling every single element in such detail, that every frame is a masterpiece of intent. Thanks for the tour...even if the hunt for the house was a bust!
tlg847 4 years ago
Obsessive is a word that could be applied, but in a positive manner. I suspect the house is no longer there, and the property divided into the multiple lots that caused the confusion towards the end. I may go on a hunt for more Bay Area movie locations soon.
kenrg 4 years ago
Wonderfully informative mate, keep it up!
5 stars.
Gigolo8 4 years ago
Thanks! I may end up doing some more Bay Area film location history type stuff.
kenrg 4 years ago
WELl for what it's worth, I'm impressed already - I loved hitchcock stuff.
Gigolo8 4 years ago
I hope you do! How about a piece on the history of the Chinese in Santa Cruz? Or the surfing museum?
neohillbilly 4 years ago
This was really neat. I am a big Hitchcock fan :)
Minniver 4 years ago
I'm pleased to see how many of my subscribers are Hitchcock fans. I may just have to track down some more of his Bay Area locations and history.
kenrg 4 years ago
Very cool and informative would luv to see more.
MomoDelicious 4 years ago
I can confirm that if asked, I did indeed find that educational ;)
21stCenturyCat 4 years ago
Very good. I'll be sending the subpoena first thing Monday morning. Thanks!
kenrg 4 years ago
That was such an interesting vid. Didn't realize that he lived in Santa Cruz...a beautiful town....for a beautiful master of suspense. Thank you. mc
mcurren2004 4 years ago
Glad you enjoyed. Thanks!
kenrg 4 years ago
I love this. Hitchcock was a genius. I like how he put himself in each of his movies. Great video!
jinxie3334 4 years ago
Thanks! I like to put myself in each of my videos, too, but nobody ever compares me to Hitchcock!
kenrg 4 years ago
Joan Fontaine and her sister Olivia de Havilland grew up in Saratoga, I think.
costernocht 4 years ago
Actually, I think it was Los Gatos, but yeah, somewhere in the area. Actually, I'm told it was their mother who led the Hitchcocks to Scotts Valley.
kenrg 4 years ago
I stayed in Santa Cruz before (for about a month) -- a few years back. But it was a little too quiet and sedate for my liking. Beautiful scenery however. I never knew that Hitchcock lived there. But now I do.
So, I guess this is another kenrg "educational" video, eh? Wait a minute...let me check. Oh, there it is. I see the "Fair Use" disclaimer now. Nice to see that you've has just pwned the copyright cops! That is:
Ho ho ho...hee hee hee, don't you mess with the kenrg!
KobyBrandt 4 years ago
Feel free to copy and paste that Fair Use Notice yourself - I promise not to sue for infringement.
You've got to get your mellow on before entering Santa Cruz, but once you do, it's a great place.
kenrg 4 years ago
Thank-you Ken for your promise. But can I get that "promise" in legalese? Don't forget to quote me a few USC's and some other associated and convoluted legalistic jargon; and definitely don't forget to include some of those interesting penalty clauses and loopholes.
Q: By the way, what's the fastest way to get a lawyer out of a tree?
A: Cut the rope.
KobyBrandt 4 years ago
P.S. Don't get me wrong about Santa Cruz. I did like it. It's the diametric opposite of cities like LA, Chicago, NYC, etc. It's a very mellow and serene place -- a great place to reflect, concentrate, and write. My understanding was that a lot of authors live there -- and I can understand why...
KobyBrandt 4 years ago
Beautiful area there! Thanks for the ride.
Ravensinger 4 years ago
Glad you could come along!
kenrg 4 years ago
This video kept me rivotted from start to finish! loved it!
askmisscris 4 years ago
I kept your attention for an entire 3-1/2 minutes? I'm truly honored. ;^) Thanks!
kenrg 4 years ago
trust me, that is an honor :P I wish the vid was longer!
askmisscris 4 years ago
Entertaining video but the best bit is the fair use disclaimer, classic kenrg.
Pazma1 4 years ago
Expect a lot more of that in future vids... Thanks!
kenrg 4 years ago
Don't let those little signs stop you next time.Jail is fun just ask Battim.
kidblood1 4 years ago
Okay! I'll go back and try again! But Battim's jail story convinced me not to take any more risks.
kenrg 4 years ago
Mikma makes cameo appearances, just like Hitch!
kenrg 4 years ago
cool video, I love your Fair Use Notice. You tell 'em. But since you didn't actually find it, I fear Bradley might decide to take us in search of it.
majestia19 4 years ago
Now THAT's funny. I'll look forward to seeing that video.
kenrg 4 years ago
Thanks Ken! Enjoyed that. Why can't SoCal be that beautiful?
brignoni68 4 years ago
I've asked that question myself on many occasions. Thanks!
kenrg 4 years ago
Thanks ken, really good vid. Lots of interesting info in a short space of time and put across in that warm kenlike manner! Looking forward to the next one already.
Regards,
Vox.
voxinabox 4 years ago
Thanks. I'm pleased that other people are as interested in old film trivia (Hitch, trivia? No!) as I am.
kenrg 4 years ago
nice video until the bummer ending - next time try using Google Earth
wogsland 4 years ago
Good idea. The problem is that I only have an approximate address (end of Canham) and a forty or fifty year old picture. And, the street has obviously changed. Where it ends now and where it ended then may be completely different concepts. I may have to go back.
kenrg 4 years ago
Very interesting, buddy! Love Hichcock, I feel a spoof coming on!
ajdpadbury 4 years ago
Thanks - Looking forward to your Hitchcock spoof!
kenrg 4 years ago
That was so good even if it was an anti-climactic tribute to the master of suspense...and that "only YT" comment...you've done so many different styles at this point, I think you've become a jack of all videos and master-toober...post on!
liz1060 4 years ago
Thanks for understanding the implied ;^) after "it's only YT." Master-toober? I don't know. I just get bored and want to try something different. Thanks!
kenrg 4 years ago
Awesome vid. Thanks for all the Hitchcock info.
PrincessDiana161 4 years ago
Glad you liked - Thanks!
kenrg 4 years ago
I love that mansion!! Thanks sooo much for taking us!! I really -loved- that!!
awalkingenmity 4 years ago
What I didn't really show was how much the mansion itself has been added on to. In older pictures the resemblance to the Bates house & motel is even more striking. It's right up the street from the Santa Cruz pier where Hitch and Alma would go to pick up fresh seafood to serve their guests up at the ranch.
kenrg 4 years ago
I think there were subliminal messages in this video because suddenly I have the urge to take a shower then take refuge in a phone booth!
curt344 4 years ago
See, I just shower IN the phone booth. Much easier that way.
kenrg 4 years ago
How ironic! I just made a phone call from my shower!
curt344 4 years ago
I just made a call from the toilet...does that count?
PrincessDiana161 4 years ago
Only if you were being attacked by birds at the time... AND wearing your new pink Converse shoes!
curt344 4 years ago
Hey Ken,
Really enjoyed this! I'm a native Californian and live on the East Coast now, so I really felt like I was roadtripping with you. Informative, too; I'm a huge Hitch fan and knew little of the info you offered.
Thanks!
Duke
DukeRightious 4 years ago
It's surprising how few local residents are aware of how closely Hitch was associated with the Santa Cruz community back then. That was his weekend home for over thirty years. I love eating certain places and knowing, "Hitch ate here."
kenrg 4 years ago
Interesting vid Ken. Are "The Birds" and "Rebecca" the only two of Daphne DuMaurier's books which Hitchcock transfered to film?
ovationceleb 4 years ago
I think so, and thanks for mentioning DuMaurier. In the video I implied that a story in the local paper inspired the movie. What happened is that Hitch had already bought the rights to the book when the news story appeared. He used the true local story as research in adapting the book. I just added a link to the video description with more on this.
kenrg 4 years ago
Nice piece on a great filmmaker...I liked the bloodied blade, the "Psycho" trivia, the fact that you kept saying "we" although no one else appeared in the video (maybe you could have added a "Mother and I"), and the shower reference at the end.
thefrozenghost 4 years ago
Thanks for catching the shower reference at the end. I had originally planned on inserting a couple of short Psycho and Birds clips (which would have made that reference more obvious), but my recent copyright problems convinced me to cut them out. "We" is my YouTube buddies and myself.
kenrg 4 years ago
Great!! Hitch is the Man!! The shot of the motel and the Victorian house--FANTASTIC!! I've never seen this pointed out before. Love the titles and music! Looking forward to the Vertigo-San Francisco film!
MichaelLydon 4 years ago
The Vertigo locations should be a lot easier (and more legal) to find and photograph. I'll have to plan on that one in a couple of weeks. Thanks!
kenrg 4 years ago
Hitchcock is awesome. I have The Birds and it still freaks me out. You need to find away around those No Tresspassing signs. They are all hiding something! LOL. Great vid!!!!!
Neotrific 4 years ago
There's a little more to the story... I may try again sometime on a quieter day - there were one or two driveways that I suspect may pay off if there's nobody watching me.
kenrg 4 years ago
I enjoyed this video so much. I am a huge Hitchcock fan. It was great to see the places that cranked Hitchcock's imagination. Great video!!~Moonchimes
Moonchimes 4 years ago
Thank you! It's hard to believe he's been gone for thirty years, and the films are still so addicting.
kenrg 4 years ago
i noticed you wrote "addicting" instead of addictive, was this accidental? i'm asking because i've noticed that a few nth americans on youtube say "complicating" instead of complicated. I'm wondering if it's a general thing there, this use of present participle in place of adjective??
BTW: love your vids!
juliact 4 years ago
Looking back and reading it I realize that you are correct - I suppose it is sort of a colloquialism. It's accepted in conversational language here, but I don't think I'd use that tense in formal writing. At least, I hope I'd catch it.
kenrg 4 years ago
ummm that's a meat cleaver not a hatchet... LOL
Well watched Compadre...
Pappy Stu mumbled it...
stukeck 4 years ago
Cleaver... hatchet... you can take an arm off with either one if you're determined enough.
kenrg 4 years ago
*folding me arms*
stukeck 4 years ago
EXACTLY!!!!!
MHarris1920 4 years ago
We each thank you.
kenrg 4 years ago
well, the idea was a good one.
MHarris1920 4 years ago
It was one of those things where I got home and said, "Is this usable or trash? Well, it's only YouTube, post it."
kenrg 4 years ago
Great video, I love Hitch!
wolfinside 4 years ago
Thanks! I've been wanting to looking for the Hitch ranch for about a year. If this vid goes over well, maybe I'll do a Hitch's SF sequel and do some Vertigo locations.
kenrg 4 years ago
Please DO! :)
juliact 4 years ago