Alan Jepson

Mel Brooks on how Alfred Hitchcock reacted after seeing the premiere of “High Anxiety” (1977): “‘High Anxiety' premiered on December 25, 1977. At that premiere screening, Hitch sat right next to me. I had my own high anxiety awaiting his reaction. He didn’t laugh. He just sat and he watched. He only broke up once. When the birds let go and plastered me with their droppings, then I could see his shoulders shaking. When the film was over, he got up and walked out. He didn’t say he liked the picture. He didn’t say he hated the picture. He didn’t say anything. He just left. I was devastated. And really worried. Not long after, when I came into the office, there on my desk was a huge box covered with silver paper and red ribbon. I tore the paper open and underneath was an impressive wooden case with a label that read: CHATEAU HAUT BRION 1961. I opened it to see six big, beautiful magnums of Chateau Haut Brion 1961. A priceless gift of one of the finest wines ever made. There was a note: "My dear Mel, What a splendid entertainment, one that should give you no anxieties of any kind. I thank you most humbly for your dedication and I offer you further thanks on behalf of the Golden Gate Bridge. With kindest regards and again my warmest congratulations. --- Hitch"