Alfred Hitchcock frenzy begins with four films

The master of suspense's presence will be felt in several upcoming film and stage projects over the next year. What's it all about, Alfred? Who knows, but here are four Hitchcock-related projects you won't want to miss.

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This time it's Anthony Hopkins as Hitch in Fox Searchlight's biographical comedy-drama that focuses on the making of the director's groundbreaking film "Psycho," including his battles with censors, self-doubts about whether he could still be edgy and his relationship with Alma, played by Helen Mirren. As actress Janet Leigh, Scarlett Johansson will take that famous shower-turned-bloodbath. Brit James D'Arcy co-stars as Anthony Perkins and Jessica Biel plays Vera Miles.

Speaking of "Psycho," we'll finally get to meet Norman Bates' mom in the flesh in A&E's 10-episode series, a prequel to Hitchcock's 1960 classic. "Departed" actress Vera Farmiga will check in as Norma Bates, proprietor of the Bates Motel and mommy dearest to one of the screen's most famous wackos. The network promises the miniseries, which is slated to air sometime next year, will give viewers "the dark, twisted back story" between mother and son.

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Hitchcock's 1940 Oscar winner about a young bride who moves into an eerie mansion -- complete with loony housekeeper and the looming presence of her husband's dead first wife -- is being resurrected on Broadway, as a musical. Rehearsals for the show, which were supposed to begin last week, were postponed until Sept. 24 after the death of a major investor. Previews had been scheduled to begin Oct. 30 at the Broadhurst Theatre, although it's possible they also could be delayed.

"Rebecca" may still find life beyond Broadway -- Variety reported earlier this year that DreamWorks is planning a movie remake and has a screenplay in the works.