- Rod Taylor, The Birds, 1963. Alfred Hitchcock’s chosen scenarist, novelist Evan Hunter, was a better writer than casting director. He wrote to Hitch suggesting Harper for the hero, Mitch Brenner. Harper had been Detective Bert Kling for 30 episodes of 87th Precinct, 1961-62, created – of course – by Hunter as Ed McBain.
Birth year: Death year: Other name: Casting Calls: 1