Fans of the macabre may spend their lives dreaming of working for a director like Alfred Hitchcock. In just a few short years, Joan Harrison was able to turn that dream into a reality, going from Hitchcock’s secretary to a producer on his hit series, Alfred Hitchcock Presents.

Originally, Harrison was hired by Hitchcock for secretarial work, but was brought in on a more creative capacity when she showed talent for developing story and script details. According to Harrison, her dedication to horror began at an early age.

“Even before I went to work for Mr. Hitchcock years ago, I was fascinated by actual accounts of crime, especially murder, and the psychological analyses of what prompted them,” said Harrison during an interview with The San Francisco Examiner.

Watch Alfred Hitchcock Presents on MeTV!

Weeknights at 1 AM & Sundays at 1:30 AM

*available in most MeTV markets

Harrison’s penchant for the terrifying earned her the job. Once she began working with Hitchcock, the young producer was delighted to learn that there was no shortage of learning opportunities when she began assisting with film work.

“It was a lucky association for me,” said Harrison. “As with most persons who are truly brilliant, Hitchcock likes to impart his knowledge. I was present during all phases of movie-making, story selection, camera breakdown, dubbing, casting, and cutting.”

Later, Hitchcock invited her to become a producer on Alfred Hitchcock Presents. “When he told me the type of shows he had planned, I decided to return to Hollywood,” said Harrison.

While the producer loved her role on the series, she maintained that the job of a producer is not for everyone.

“They won’t spend the time required,” said Harrison of many of those vying for a film production opportunity during an interview with The Atlanta Journal. “It’s a full-time career that doesn’t leave much room for early romance and a family.”