Birds of Prey (Smith novel) Birds of Prey (Smith novel) Birds of Prey is a 1997 novel by Wilbur Smith set in the late 17th century. The novel was the first in the third sequence of the Courtney series of novels, and as of 2013 was chronologically the first in the entire series. Smith says the book established the characteristics of the family: "Right from "Birds of Prey"... the Courtneys were pirates, merchants, looking to seize the main chance. They were very much driven by monetary considerations. But with the Ballantynes it was much more empire, patriotism, glory – the soldierly virtues." In 1667 Holland
Birds of Prey (1930 film) calculating murderer". Rupert Downing also contributed to the screenplay. The film's art direction was by Clifford Pember. Jack Hawkins made his screen debut in this film. The play on which this film is based was produced in London at the Haymarket Theatre in 1928. The play, under the title, "The Perfect Alibi", was produced on Broadway at the Charles Hopkins Theatre on Broadway from November 1928 through July 1929. Birds of Prey (1930 film) Birds of Prey, also known in the United States as The Perfect Alibi, is a 1930 British mystery film produced and directed by Basil Dean, from