Eva Marie Saint: The Icon Behind Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest” and Her Untold Story

As we reflect on the glamorous, suspense-filled films of Alfred Hitchcock, one name stands out—Eva Marie Saint. Celebrated for her role as Eve Kendall in North by Northwest, her contribution to the film industry and her personal journey from the challenges of early life to Hollywood stardom offer a unique glimpse into the golden age of cinema. At 100 years old, Saint is revealing her hidden truths, especially regarding her steamy on-screen chemistry with Cary Grant, and the fascinating circumstances surrounding her casting in Hitchcock’s 1959 classic.

The Early Years: Overcoming Adversity

Born on July 4, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, Eva Marie Saint’s story began with a tough start that would shape her future. At just three years old, she nearly died from scarlet fever, a traumatic event that left her with a fierce will to survive. Her childhood continued to test her resolve: at age seven, she accidentally started a fire in the family garage. Instead of scolding her, her parents turned it into a lesson on responsibility, a principle she carried with her throughout her life.

Amidst the financial struggles of the Great Depression, young Eva’s father showed resourcefulness, trading tire sales for a cow to provide fresh milk for the family. These formative years built the resilience that would become central to her acting career.

From College to Broadway: The Leap into Acting

Although Eva initially planned to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a teacher, fate had a different plan. In college at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, she won a scholarship after writing an essay about the school. Although initially paralyzed by stage fright and rejected by the drama club, Saint’s perseverance eventually led her to join the theatre department. By the time she graduated in 1946, she had appeared in numerous plays and discovered her passion for acting.

Eva’s early career in New York City was filled with challenges. After arriving with only $40, she worked as a human mannequin and faced rejection from multiple auditions. However, her persistence paid off when she snuck into NBC Studios, eventually landing a job that launched her television career. It wasn’t long before she found herself on Broadway, where her breakthrough role in The Trip to Bountiful earned her critical acclaim and set the stage for future success.

The Big Break: On the Waterfront and an Academy Award

In 1954, Eva’s path took a dramatic turn when she was cast in On the Waterfront, alongside Marlon Brando. Despite having little film experience, her natural acting ability won over director Elia Kazan, and her portrayal of Edie Doyle earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her performance marked a turning point, setting the stage for her to become a Hollywood mainstay.

Her win at the Oscars in 1955, while pregnant with her first child, was a momentous occasion. Despite her doctor’s advice, Eva attended the ceremony in a custom white gown, and her acceptance speech became a memorable, heartfelt moment. She later revealed that she won by just three votes, a detail that was kept hidden for years.

Hitchcock’s North by Northwest: A Surprising Casting Choice

Eva’s career took another defining turn in 1958 when she was cast by Alfred Hitchcock in North by Northwest. Despite being 34 years old—considered too old for a leading lady in Hollywood at the time—Saint stood out to Hitchcock for her ability to blend innocence and sensuality, perfect for the role of Eve Kendall.

Hitchcock was notorious for controlling every aspect of his films, and North by Northwest was no different. He personally chose Eva’s wardrobe, spending an extravagant $50,000 on designer clothes for her, a sum that would be equivalent to $450,000 today. Hitchcock also worked with her to modify her voice, encouraging her to lower her pitch to sound more seductive. Eva later recalled that her husband was taken aback when he first heard her altered voice on set.

Working with co-stars Cary Grant and James Mason, Eva’s chemistry with Grant was undeniable. The tension in their scenes was palpable, and one particular scene on a train became so charged with energy that it had to be filmed multiple times. Despite Hitchcock’s exacting direction, Saint appreciated the guidance, feeling that it helped elevate her performance and add depth to her character.

A Film Full of Drama: The Mount Rushmore Chase Scene

One of the most iconic moments in North by Northwest is the famous chase scene at Mount Rushmore. However, this moment was fraught with complications. The National Park Service initially allowed filming on the monument, only to revoke permission at the last minute, fearing the violence depicted in the scene would be disrespectful. Hitchcock and his team managed to circumvent this by taking detailed photographs of the monument, which were then used to create realistic backdrops for the chase sequence filmed in a studio.

When the movie premiered in 1959, the controversy surrounding the Mount Rushmore sequence persisted, with many believing it had been filmed on location. Despite the drama, the scene became one of the most memorable in cinematic history, showcasing Hitchcock’s trademark brilliance and creativity.

Hitchcock’s Legacy and Saint’s Place in It

In many ways, Eva Marie Saint represented a departure from the typical Hitchcock blonde. Unlike his earlier leading ladies, such as Grace Kelly and Tippi Hedren, who were younger and often portrayed as cool and distant, Saint brought maturity, intelligence, and depth to her role as Eve Kendall. Hitchcock’s meticulous attention to detail in shaping her character added a layer of sophistication that enhanced the film.

Saint’s portrayal of Eve Kendall remains one of Hitchcock’s most memorable heroines. Unlike the traditional “cool” elegance of his previous female leads, Saint’s Eve was complex and captivating, her chemistry with Cary Grant creating an unforgettable cinematic experience. Her performance earned her a BAFTA nomination for Best Foreign Actress, cementing her place as one of the most influential actresses of the era.

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy

Eva Marie Saint’s career, spanning decades, showcases her resilience, versatility, and unyielding dedication to her craft. From her early struggles to her iconic roles in On the Waterfront and North by Northwest, her impact on the film industry is undeniable. Hitchcock may have been the mastermind behind the scenes, but it was Eva’s own talent, grace, and determination that made her a true star.

Today, as Saint celebrates a century of life, her contributions to film and her role in shaping the iconic “Hitchcock blonde” legacy remain a testament to her exceptional legacy. Eva Marie Saint’s journey is a remarkable story of overcoming obstacles, embracing opportunities, and leaving an indelible mark on the history of cinema.