Minute 003: Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Credits continue as crowds cross Fifth Avenue at 42nd St in Manhattan. TITLE: DIRECTED BY ALFRED HITCHCOCKA door closes on city bus 2930, shutting Alfred Hitchcock outside. In the lobby of an office building, a man is dictating a letter to his secretary, Maggie. The man is Roger O. Thornhill. “If you accept the belief that a high Trendex means a rising sales curve…” says Thornhill.“Mr. Thornhill?” calls out an elevator operator. “Good night, Eddie,” says Thornhill. “Say hello to the missus.”“We’re not talking,” replies Eddie. Thornhill shrugs at his secretary and continues walking and dictating.“My recommendation is still the same,” he says to his secretary. “Spread the good word in as many small-time segments as we can.”Thornhill stops at a newsstand and buys a paper. “Let the opposition have their high ratings while we cry all the way to the bank,” continues Thornhill as he and the secretary head for the door. He continues dictating. “Why don’t we colonize at the Colony one day next week for lunch. Let me hear from you, Sam. Happy thoughts, etc, etc…” Thornhill looks at his watch. “Come on, you’d better walk me to the Plaza,” he says to his secretary. “I didn’t put a coat on!” says Maggie. “Use your blood sugar, child. Come on!” replies Thornhill. “Next?” he asks. “Gretchen Sabinson,” replies Maggie. “Oh yes,” says Thornhill, “Send her a box of candy from Blum’s. Ten dollars. You know the kind: each piece wrapped in gold paper. She’ll like that – – she’ll think she’s eating money. Just say to her her: ‘Darling, I count the days, the hours…’ ““You sent that one last time,” replies Maggie. “I did?” says Roger, “Oh well, put: ‘Something for your sweet tooth, baby’ “