PSYCHO (1960) REVIEW!!!

*** There is still time to catch the 1960 classic at the Dietrich Theater tomorrow night at 7 pm!!!***

The “Master of Suspense” Alfred Hitchcock is one of the most acclaimed and influential filmmakers in film history. All of his films have had a major impact throughout the years and have been highly regarded by film buffs and critics. Hitchcock’s 1960 suspense classic “Psycho” is one of his best films ever and his biggest hit.

In the Alfred Hitchcock classic “Psycho,” Phoenix secretary Marion Crane, on the lam after stealing $40,000 from her employer in order to run away with her boyfriend, Sam Loomis, is overcome by exhaustion during a heavy rainstorm.

Traveling on the back roads to avoid the police, she stops for the night at the ramshackle Bates Motel and meets the polite but highly string proprietor Norman Bates, a young man with an interest in taxidermy and a difficult relationship with his mother.

“Psycho” is a riveting mystery from start to finish. The black and white classic does an amazing job delivering the mystery and the suspense that the film offers. This chilling story really kicks the suspense up a notch as soon as the Bates Motel enters the picture. Even after all these years later, all of the chilling moments that are scattered throughout will still startle you.

And, of course, who can ever forget the unexpected conclusion? Filled with very suspenseful moments and a terrifying conclusion, “Psycho” is a definite don’t miss!

The cast: Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates, Vera Miles as Lila Crane, John Gavin as Sam Loomis, Martin Balsam as Det. Milton Arbogast, John McIntire as Sheriff Al Chambers, John McIntire as Sheriff Al Chambers, Frank Albertson as Tom Cassidy, Patricia Hitchcock as Caroline, Vaughn Taylor as George Lowery, Lurene Tuttle as Mrs. Chambers and Janet Leigh as Marion Crane.

“Psycho” is based on a novel by Robert Bloch and the screenplay is written by Joseph Stefano. This chilling feature is directed by the one and only Alfred Hitchcock, who has also directed “The Birds,” “Torn Curtain,” “North by Northwest,” “Vertigo,” among many others.

As stated from above, “Psycho” is based on Robert Bloch’s 1959 novel of the same name, loosely inspired by the case of convicted Wisconsin killer and grave robber Ed Gein. During filming, Hitchcock withheld the ending part of the script from his cast until he needed to shoot it. Hitchcock originally envisioned the shower sequence as being silent, but the composer went ahead and scored it anyway, and upon hearing it, Hitchcock immediately changed his mind.

“Psycho” was shot on a tight budget of only $807,000. In 1992, this film was selected for preservation by The Library of Congress at the National Film Registry. The character of Norman Bates is ranked the second great villain of AFI’s 100 Years … 100 Heroes & Villains list.

And, did you know the film actually spawned a franchise? After Hitchcock’s death in 1980, the studio went ahead and got started on a follow up. “Psycho II” was released in 1983, “Psycho III” in 1986 and “Psycho IV: The Beginning” in 1989. In 1987, a TV movie called “Bates Motel” was shown on TV as a possible TV pilot for a potential series. Plans fell through due to low ratings and viewership for the TV movie. In 1998, a shot-for-shot remake was released with poor reviews and low box office returns. And, in 2013, A&E aired an acclaimed series, also titled “Bates Motel” and lasted five seasons.

“Psycho” was initially released on September 8, 1960. Over time, the 1960 film has earned roughly $50 million with the help of a few re-releases. The thriller also became Alfred Hitchcock’s biggest hit.

“Psycho” is rated R and has a running time of 109 minutes.