Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic film “The Birds” hit theaters six decades ago and was recognized for its innovative use of special effects, earning a nomination at the 36th Academy Awards.

The movie captivated audiences with its intense bird attacks brought to life in a groundbreaking manner.

Despite the film’s success, some moments were more harrowing for the cast than anticipated.

In Julian Jarrold’s 2012 film “The Girl,” there is a chilling scene where Alfred Hitchcock (portrayed by Toby Jones) oversees the brutal on-screen assault of his leading actress, Tippi Hedren (played by Sienna Miller), by a vicious swarm of birds until she collapses in tears.

Amidst a plethora of shocking scenes, this particular moment seems almost too surreal to be true.

In an era of strict safety regulations and careful handling of actors, it’s astounding to imagine a director risking his star’s life so callously — perhaps even cruelly.

Hitchcock, known for his controversial statements like “Actors are cattle,” displayed a streak of cruelty in his films, often targeting female characters.

However, subjecting a living person to genuine danger went beyond the realm of storytelling.

Six decades after the traumatic five-day ordeal on “The Birds,” Tippi Hedren, now 93 years old, still carries emotional scars from her treatment by the renowned director.

Reflecting on those days, she expressed how powerless she felt against the might of the studios and the lack of legal protection back then.

The pivotal scene in question, dramatized in “The Girl,” unfolded towards the end of filming.

As Melanie Daniels, played by Hedren, investigates a fluttering noise in an attic, she becomes trapped and faces a ferocious bird onslaught.

Initially feeling secure with mechanical birds used in prior scenes, Hedren had no inkling of the impending change.

Hitchcock’s decision to switch to real birds for this crucial moment remained unexplained, adding to the tension on set.

Rather than informing her directly, Hitchcock’s assistant director broke the news to Hedren abruptly in her dressing room, leaving her unsettled.

Stepping onto the set, she braced herself for the grueling ordeal ahead, feeling a mix of shock and defiance.

As the cameras rolled, a barrage of live pigeons, starlings, doves, and ravens descended upon Hedren, creating a brutal and unrelenting experience.

Enduring the relentless attacks for five agonizing days, she found solace in her inner resolve not to succumb.

By the final day of shooting, Hedren was emotionally drained, pushed to the brink of collapse.

A pivotal moment arose when a bird pecked too close to her eye, prompting her to confront Hitchcock and demand an end to the torment, breaking down in tears.

Left alone on the silent soundstage, drained and shattered, Hedren felt abandoned and vulnerable.

Subsequently, she was granted a five-day break to recover from the trauma inflicted during filming.

Despite the distressing episode, “The Birds” catapulted the young model into stardom, fulfilling Hitchcock’s promise.

The director hailed her performance, likening her to his former muse, Grace Kelly, and praising her talent and charisma.

For Hedren, the experience, though tumultuous, marked a significant chapter in her career, acknowledging Hitchcock’s role in her rise to fame.

The enduring legacy of “The Birds” serves as a reminder of the fine line between cinematic brilliance and personal sacrifice.