Friday, December 20, 2013

The Birds and Sally Spectra



One of the most famous scenes in Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" is the one that takes place in the Tides Restaurant. While trapped inside, the patrons attempt to make sense of the avian attacks, most notably Mrs. Bundy, played by Ethel Griffies. Also notable in this photo is the bespeckled waitress, played by an uncredited Darlene Conley.



Best known to soap opera fans as flaming redheaded fashion designer Sally Spectra in "The Bold and the Beautiful," Conley's larger than life portrayal made her a fan favorite. This is why watching the scene from "The Birds" is so funny, as her character seems so nerdy and shy. Amazing what a pair of thick glasses can do for you!



Conley passed away in 2007, but her tribute in wax can still be seen at Madame Tussaud's in Las Vegas.



See more "The Birds" photos on my Tippi Hedren web page.

5 comments:

K. Martinez said...

As a B&B and Y&R fan, I do remember Sally Spectra. Didn't know Darlene Conley was in "The Birds". I'll have to check that out.

Did you know that Melody Thomas Scott who plays Nikki Newman on "The Young and the Restless" also played the young Marni in Alfred Hitchcock's "Marni"?

Daveland said...

Hi Ken - Yes, I did know about Melody. However, every time I see her in "Marnie," I just do not see a resemblance to how she looks now. I wonder if she has any memories of her experience with Hitchcock?

JG said...

I remember that old interior of the Tides Cafe, now long gone. A piece of Sonoma county history, that. The new place doesn't have the same charm. They tore it down too soon, it would be cool now.

Fun stuff with the bit players.

We have been watching a lot of '60's TV recently and play "take-a-drink" when recognizing the character actors.

I think Dragnet had a supporting cast of less than 10, you see the same faces over and over in different roles.

JG

Snow White Archive said...

You know you've made it when they make you out of wax.

Courtney Suzanne said...

Darlene Conley was also the baby-selling Rose DeVille on The Young and the Restless, with Melody Thomas Scott. How's that for your six-degrees of separation?