‘Psycho’ (1960)

Alfred Hitchcock‘s legendary career included many terrifying feature films, no doubt he inspired a legion of filmmakers that we see today.  In 1960 a film was released to the public that has gone on to become one of the most popular “horror” movies of all time, ‘Psycho‘.

‘Psycho‘ revolves around “momma’s boy” Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), the caretaker of the Bates Motel who is under a lot of stress from his domineering mother.  Norman doesn’t get out much, isn’t too much of a social being.  When Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) shows up one rainy night at the hotel, he can’t help but be mesmerized by her.  Norman’s mother disapproves of his unpure thoughts of a beautiful woman, so she arranges for Marion to go away.  After one of the most iconic shower/murder scenes in the history of film, Norman’s mother forces him to dispose of Marion‘s car & body.  Then, the motel is hounded by detectives, as well as Marion’s sister (Vera Miles) and lover (John Gavin), all investigating her disappearance from her last known location: the Bates Motel.

The film is amazing to watch, tense and thrilling with twists and turns masterfully crafted in a way that Hitchcock was known for.  A true masterpiece of film, iconic and memorable from start to finish, including the classic score by Bernard Herrmann.  Please visit our ‘Psycho’ Sound Quotes Collection page and experience the thrills for yourself from a film that has been an eye-opening inspiration for over 50 years.

Pop Quiz, Hotshot:  Did you know that ‘Psycho‘ shower victim Janet Leigh‘s daughter is Jamie Lee Curtis?  Curtis was the star of 1978′s ‘Halloween‘, making her the first cinematic “scream queen” by birth.  Also, John Gavin‘s role in ‘Psycho’ as Sam Loomis was the same character name given to Donald Pleasence‘s character (Dr. Sam Loomis) in ‘Halloween‘ as well.  ’Psycho‘ was also remade in 1998 with Vince Vaughn as Norman Bates, a shot-for-shot redux of the original.

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