When I was in college, I took a cinema history class. One of the units we studied was entirely devoted to Alfred Hitchcock films. I have always considered myself a movie fan, but that was the first time I understood how to watch a film for themes, camera work, lighting and all that technical stuff. That opened up a whole new way of watching films for me.

The past couple of nights, I have been watching some of these films again on television. Or perhaps for the first time. Isn't it odd how we think we've seen a movie because of all the hype or ads, but we realize we probably never have when we do see it?

What I never realized before at my oh so young and idealistic age, was how incredible the women in these films are.

They are opinionated, they speak their minds, they take risks, they go after what they want, they get into trouble, they are full of faults and charm, they have secrets, they are living, breathing, real live women. And beautiful. And blond. They are sexy and classy, a bit naughty but always ladylike, and smart!

I don't know why that never dawned on me before. I think I hadn't yet seen the way of the world. I hadn't realized yet the difference between the way the world ought to be and the way it really is.

My one question would be, did he portray women as he saw them, or as the way he thought they out to be?

I like to think he saw those things in the actresses or in the women in the stories, or maybe even the women around him.

I tip my hat to Mr. Hitchcock, and while I'm at it, to Mr. Tarantino. Thanks for making films with women that I not only love to watch, but really admire.