A NEW film about the early life and career of Alfred Hitchcock is being planned by a local group.

The world famous director was born in Leytonstone in 1899 and went on to create some of the most successful films of the 20th century, including The Birds, Rear Window and Vertigo.

The film is the brainchild of the McGuffin Film Society.

Spokesman Bill Hodgson said: “We live in an area which is woefully neglectful of its cultural history and landmarks.

“It is therefore particularly important that groups like ourselves do something positive to preserve that heritage while we still can. Hitchcock remains a film icon of world renown and yet most people have no idea about his associations with Waltham Forest.

“The new film will explain why east London was so important to Hitchcock, while demonstrating why his legacy remains valuable to the area.”

The new documentary film will explore the lesser known facts about his early life, while identifying the key sites from his formative years which still exist today.

Initial filming has already taken place in Leytonstone, Walthamstow, Limehouse, Stratford and France while some rarely seen archive film has also been secured for the production.

It is hoped the new film will be completed in time for a major Hitchcock-related event currently being prepared for next year.

Previous McGuffin films about the EMD Cinema and the cult TV series The Prisoner have been released on DVD and it is hoped the new Hitchcock film will be made commercially available in due course.

The society would also like to hear from local residents who may be able to contribute.

“We particularly need help in finding images of Leytonstone, Walthamstow and Limehouse from the early 20th century,” said Mr Hodgson.

“We are also hoping to identify further photographic images and mementoes of the various Walthamstow film studios from the same period.”

The McGuffins can be contacted via their website at mcguffin.info or by writing to: The McGuffin Film Society C/O 458 Hoe Street, London E17 9AH.