Miller cast as Hitchcock ‘victim’

Sienna Miller will play Alfred Hitchcock’s obsession, actress Tippi Hedren, in a harrowing drama.

The Girl, to screen on BBC Two next year, details the famous director sexually harassing and intimidating Hedren as the last “Hitchcock blonde”.

British actor Toby Jones, best known as the voice of Dobby the house-elf in the Harry Potter films, will play Hitchcock.

Playing the director’s wife is fellow Harry Potter star Imelda Staunton, who had the role of Dolores Umbridge in the Potter series. Penelope Wilton, of Downton Abbey fame, is Peggy Robertson, Hitchcock’s loyal assistant.

Hitchcock was at the height of his fame when in 1962 he chose an unknown fashion model to star in his most ambitious film, The Birds.

But as he sculpted Hedren into the perfect Hitchcock blonde of his imagination, he became obsessed with the impossible dream of winning her love. His failure arguably destroyed both of their careers.

Writer Gwyneth Hughesinterviewed Hedren and surviving members of Hitchcock’s crew before scripting the drama.

“At the time [of the sexual advances], in the early 1960s, the American star suffered in silence,” Ms Hughes said.

“But now, at the age of 81, her wisdom and insights have helped me to put her real life ordeal on to the screen.

“I know Tippi is absolutely thrilled, as I am, with the casting of Sienna Miller to play her, and when the two of them met recently they got on like a house on fire.”