Horror

Psycho Series (1960–Present)

Psycho Series & Related Films & Shows (1960–Present)

In the mid 1950’s writer Robert Bloch (pronounced: “Block”) wrote a short story titled Your’s Truly, Jack The Ripper. The premise of the story was that Jack The Ripper survived the end of his murder spree in 1888 and resurfaced in America in the 1950’s only to kill again. In the late 1950’s Bloch, influenced / inspired by the killer Ed Gein, wrote a novel titled: Psycho. The story consisted of a 40 – something year old man who did intimate acts on himself while spying on women staying at the motel he ran, before killing them. The man’s name was Norman Bates. Almost as soon as the book was published, producer and director Alfred Hitchcock bought the film rights for $9,000 in an anonymous bid and subsequently bought as many of the books out of circulation has he could so as to not spoil the ending. Hitchcock went into production in 1959 for a 1960 release of his film Psycho (1960).

While much of the story remained intact, the more seedy elements were removed due to film censorship of the day. Years later the film would go through various ratings leading up to and landing finally on its current R rating in 1984. The studios involved with the production were dubious as to how well the film would do and therefore gave Hitchcock little money with which to make his film. They also gave him over 50% of the box office profits, thinking the film wouldn’t do that well. When the film became a sleeper it, Hitch amassed a small fortune. The film has since gone on to be hailed as one of the best films of all times generally speaking and specifically in the Horror and Thriller genres.

After Alfred Hitchcock’s death in 1980, Robert Bloch went back to the Psycho well and wrote 3 sequels. Subsequently these novels were turned into films starring Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates, reprising the role he made famous in Hitchcock’s Psycho. The films were made from 1983–1990. Two were theatrical and the final one was made for cable television. Robert Bloch then returned in 1984 to the Jack The Ripper story and wrote the novel: The Night Of The Ripper. While it is noteworthy to this reviewer that Bloch toggled between two knife–wielding killers, the general public remembers him best for his Psycho writings.

A failed television show pilot from 1987 titled Bates Motel (1987) now rests on DVD as a television movie in the franchise. It would, in story anyway, follow the three Perkins sequels. In the late 1990’s there was talk of: “Who would dare make a remake of Psycho (1960)?” Fortunately people didn’t have much time to speculate since director Gus Van Sant viewed it as a challenge and took it upon himself to remake Psycho. Unfortunately for him, despite updating the story and having more freedom content wise as to what was allowed in the film censorship wise, he decided to make a shot by shot remake of Hitchcock’s classic.

The general public and film critics did not take kindly to this film. It was notoriously panned as a BOMB while the original is notoriously hailed as a classic. No one dared to touch the Psycho properties for a while after that. In 2012 Anthony Hopkins played Alfred Hitchcock and Helen Mirren played his wife Alma in the film: Hitchcock (2012). It was a satirical look at the making of the film and the strong bond between Hitch and his wife. It was highly sanitized though given the plethora of information available about how nasty and crude Hitchcock could be. That film is reviewed elsewhere. See the review for more details on that film.

A successful television show was made titled: Bates Motel (2013–2017). The show took place in then present day but had clothing styles, cars, and sets that looked straight out of 1959. The series starred Vera Farmiga as Norma Bates and Freddie Highmore as Norman Bates. The show chronicled the teen Norman Bates and how he became the notorious killer depicted in Psycho (1960). Concurrently with the final season of the show there was a documentary film released titled: 78/52: Hitchcock’s Shower Scene (2017). It was a in depth look at the making of that infamous scene from the 1960 film. With the exception of Hitchcock (2012), all the aforementioned shows and films have been reviewed below. They are divided into the category in which they properly fit. Enjoy…    

The Films:

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Psycho (1960)

B&W – 109m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, Production 9401, Psychosis, Wimpy
Novel: Psycho by Robert Bloch
Screenplay By: Joseph Stefano
Prod. (uncredited) – Dir.: Sir Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, John Gavin, Janet Leigh, Martin Balsam, John McIntire, Simon Oakland, Frank Albertson, Patricia Hitchcock (as Pat Hitchcock), Lurene Tuttle, John Anderson, Mort Mills, Francis De Sales (uncredited), Virginia Gregg (uncredited), Sir Alfred Hitchcock (uncredited), Ted Knight (uncredited), Jeanette Nolan (uncredited), Robert Osborne (uncredited) and Helen Wallace (uncredited).
Music By: Bernard Herrmann

A Phoenix secretary embezzles $40,000.00 from her employer’s client, goes on the run, checks into a remote hotel run by a young man under the domination of his mother. A truly horrifying picture for anyone seeing it for the first time who doesn’t know anything about the film. After that it is a well–done thriller that still has shock to it even decades after it was made and released. The acting is superb, script is nice and tight, the pacing is perfect and the story does have genuine shock value to it. Particularly when one reads the story of the real life killer the novels were based on and subsequently reads the novels and sees the films and shows. In short, this is a well – orchestrated film, in every sense of the phrase. Dig Bernard Herrmann’s haunting and jolting score – particularly in the Shower Scene, which made this film notorious!

Trivia:

In this film, director Alfred Hitchcock wanted to do a pan / zoom over the entirety of Marion Crane’s hotel room, as the first shot of the film. The technology was not yet capable of such a shot so Hitch did it with pans and dissolves. In the 1998 remake, director Gus Van Sant was able to achieve the shot Hitchcock wanted because the technology had advanced many years between the films. This film was shot in six weeks, as was the 1998 remake. Alfred Hitchcock was initially disappointed with the final cut of the film. He believed it would be on a double bill at a Drive–In Theatre. According to Bernard Herrmann Hitchcock even considered editing it down for broadcast on his television show: Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955–1962).  Hitchcock did on conceive of the idea of music for the Shower Scene. Bernard Herrmann did however and wrote the score. Also according to Herrmann, he brought back the title sequence music to the scene where Marion Crane drives away after taking the money. He said that the scene didn’t work until he did so. Hitch was so happy with the score by Bernard Herrmann that he doubled Herrmann’s salary to: $34,501.00. Hitch later said, “33% of the effect of Psycho was due to the music.”

Sir Alfred Hitchcock would only call Anthony Perkins, “Master Bates,” on the set of this film (one of the director’s many double entendres). On the first day of work Hitchcock made the cast and crew raise their right hands and swear not to reveal any part of the plot to anyone. Hitchcock also withheld the end of the script from the actors until he actually had to shoot it. Alfred Hitchcock bought the film rights to the novel from Robert Bloch anonymously for $9,000.00 in U.S. dollars. He then bought up as many copies of the novel as he could to keep the ending a secret. Walt Disney refused to allow Hitchcock to film at Disneyland because he made, “that disgusting movie Psycho.” Hitchcock wanted to make this film so badly that he deferred his standard salary of $250,000 in lieu of 60% of the profits of the film. Paramount gave Hitchcock a very small budget to work with, because of their distaste for the source material. They also deferred most of the net profits over to Hitchcock because they thought it would be a flop. When the film became a sleeper hit, Hitchcock made a small fortune. His personal earning from the film exceeded $15 million. Adjusted for inflation, that would be just over $120 million in 2016 dollars. Incidentally, this was Hitch’s final film for Paramount Studios. It was also Hitch’s final film in Black And White. This was even Hitch’s final time being Oscar® nominated for Best Director. He was nominated a total of five times but never won. He did however get an honorary Oscar® and an AFI Life Achievement Award.

Every theatre that showed this film had a cardboard cutout of Hitch pointing at his watch installed in the lobby. The cutout said, “The manager of this theatre has been instructed at the risk of his life, not to admit to the theatre, any persons after the picture starts. Any spurious attempts to enter by the side doors, fire escapes or ventilation shaft will be met with force. The entire object of this extraordinary policy, of course, is to help you enjoy PSYCHO that much more. Alfred Hitchcock.”  Some theatres also had a record player installed with a special record that would play music and sporadically announce the countdown times to a Psycho screening. This was to further emphasize the point that no one was allowed in after the start of the film. Additionally, the theatres were told to lock the doors to the screening rooms when Psycho was playing so that no one would come in after show times.

In the opening of the film Marion Crane is shown in a white bra to symbolize “angelic”. After she steals the money, her bra is black because she did something sinful. The same color scheming goes for her purse in before and after the crime. This was the first American film to SHOW a toilet flushing. The first film that a toilet is HEARD flushing was: Frankenstein 1970 (1958). Joseph Stefano was adamant that the toilet had to flush on screen. Hitchcock told him if he wanted to see it, he had to make it so on paper. This caused Stefano to add the scene of Marion Crane adding up the money on paper and then flushing it down the toilet, thus making it impossible for the scene to be nixed by the censors. For the shot of the showerhead looking up at the water stream, Hitchcock had a six–foot diameter showerhead made and blocked the central jets so that the water sprayed in a cone past the lens of the camera, without spraying water directly at it.

Janet Leigh received threatening letters, which detailed what people wanted to do to Marion Crane. One was so bad that she contacted the FBI with it. The culprit behind that letter was caught. The FBI further informed Janet Leigh that, should she get more letters of that ilk, she should contact them immediately. The official trailer for this film ran over 6 minutes and 30 seconds in 1960, a feat unheard of in today’s film world. There was even a mandate installed in the 2010’s to keep film trailers 2 minutes 30 seconds or less.

The real life killer who inspired the novel, Ed Gein, also inspired: Deranged: Confessions Of A Necrophile (1974), The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), and its sequels and prequels, and The Silence Of The Lambs (1991). According to Janet Leigh, the wardrobe she had as Marion Crane was purchased “off the rack” in regular stores rather than made for her, thus adding to the “realism” of the film. Filming of the famous Shower Scene took about two weeks. Janet Leigh said she never showered again after making this film; she only took baths. Leigh’s daughter Jamie Le Curtis went on to be in a knife wielding film franchise – Halloween (1978–Present). Alfred Hitchcock produced this film after his plans for making No Bale For The Judge, starring Audrey Hepburn fell through.

In the shower scene there is someone dressed as Mother Bates but it was never Anthony Perkins. It was a different man every day for two weeks while the scene was shot. (Spoilers!) Anthony Perkins only had the dress on during the finale climax. It was later reported that Anthony Perkins had two shower scenes in 1960: the one in this film and the one he did with Jane Fonda in her film debut, Tall Story (1960). Due to the technicality of Perkins not being present during this film’s shower scene while it was being shot, one can argue the point that he only had one shower scene. 

For years after making this film Anthony Perkins refused to talk about it or his character because people only knew him as his character in this film – reference wise. He did talk about it in the early 1990’s, shortly before his death. There is video of it, though the video is in rough shape it does give some idea of his feelings on the character and how Hitchcock instructed him to play the part. It can be found in a few documentaries and on YouTube.com for those who are interested. Alfred Hitchcock had a prop torso made up that would shoot blood out of it when it was stabbed with a knife but didn’t use it. He used Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup for the blood since he thought it showed up better than the typical makeup blood mixture on camera.

The scene where Martin Balsam, as Detective Milton Arbogast, has his career–ending, run–in with Mrs. Bates that has him going down the stairs backwards was done with him sitting in front of a screening waving his arms and making a face while rear projection of the stairs was played behind him. When the film was played back, it looked as if he had gone down the stairs himself. The story of the torso and the aforementioned scene was revealed on: The Dick Cavett Show (1968–1974), by Alfred Hitchcock himself in 1972. In his interviews on Cavett’s show, he appears impish with his humor. A stark contrast to the tyrant he was reported to be my actors and actresses, starting most famously with Tippi Hedren. Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh were allowed to improvise parts of their roles, such as Norman Bates habit of eating candy corn.

As part of a publicity campaign prior to the film Hitchcock said, “It has been rumored that Psycho is so terrifying that it will scare some people speechless. Some of my men hopefully took their wives to a screening. The women emerged badly shaken but still vigorously vocal.” This is considered by many to be Alfred Hitchcock’s first horror film. This film cost $800,000.00 in U.S. dollars to make and earned $40 million U.S. dollars. This was the highest grossing film of Hitchcock’s career. Some biographers have said that Hitchcock’s own issues with his mother influenced him to make this film, though his issues were not as disturbing as the ones in this film. Further, it is reported that screenwriter Joseph Stefano was dealing with his mother issues in therapy as he wrote the script for this film. A scene of Marion Crane removing her black bra before her shower was cut from U.S. prints of the film for censorship reasons. It did however remain intact in the U.K. release of the film.

Anthony Perkins was paid $40,000.00 for his role as Norman Bates, the exact amount that Marion Crane, played by Janet Leigh in this film, embezzles. In 1992, this film was selected for preservation in The Library Of Congress. Over the years this film has been rated and rerated. First it was released with no rating, then it was rated PG, then PG–13, and finally R – rated. The R rating was given to this film in 1984. The shower scene, which runs a mere 45 seconds and is comprised of 78 shots, with 52 camera setups became the subject of the documentary: 78/52: Hitchcock’s Shower Scene (2017). Alfred Hitchcock lamented for the rest of his life that this film was meant as a joke in his eyes and that no one but him thought it was funny.

Vera Miles wore a wig for her role in this film, as she had her head shaved for her role in: 5 Branded Women (1960). In the novel it was explained that Marion and Sam met on a cruise and fell in love. This explained why it was a long distance relationship between them, with Marion in Phoenix and Sam in Fairvale. The novel Psycho by Robert Bloch was originally part of an anthology of novels published in conjunction with the popular and spooky radio show: “Inner Sanctum”. Kim Stanley was reportedly offered the role of Lila but turned it down citing personal reservations about working with Anthony Perkins.

This film was originally set to air on television in the fall of 1966. Shortly before it was to air, the daughter of then U.S. Senate candidate Charles H. Percy (U.S. Senate – Republican, Illinois 1967–1985), was stabbed to death by an intruder. As of 2011, the murder was still unsolved. Due to the murder, this film was not shown on U.S. network television until 1970, after a hugely successful theatrical re–release the previous year. In a grisly and ironic twist of fate, Janet Leigh’s body double for this film was found raped and murdered at the age of 71 in 1988. Her murderer was arrested and charged just days after this film’s remake premiered. A book has been written about the case titled: The Girl In Alfred Hitchcock’s Shower by Robert Graysmith.

In an early draft of the script for this film: In Mr. Lowery's office the following exchange is heard:

CASSIDY (to Marion): You should take a vacation in Las Vegas, playground of the world!
MARION: Thank you, but I think I'll spend this weekend in bed. CASSIDY: “Only playground to beat Las Vegas.”

The last sentence was in the script but Hitch had to cut it due to the censors. Gus Van Sant used it in his remake of this film since Hitch had intended to use it.

The Psychiatrist Explanation Scene at the end of the film was the most panned part of this film by Hitchcock, critics and Hitch’s fans. Three women recorded the dialogue of Norma Bates. Hitchcock mixed them together until he found the right tone of voice for each scene. Alfred Hitchcock preferred working on sound stages rather than outdoors. As such, most of the work of the actors outside the house and motel were done in studio. The exterior of the Bates house and motel were mixed in with the footage of the actors. If one looks closely it can be discerned which footage is which by looking at the lighting. Two cameras were usually used in the shooting of this film to avoid having to reset everything up for multiple angles. While this was not uncommon for a television show production, it was certainly a rarity at the time in filmmaking. The A.K.A. title: Wimpy was in reference to second unit cameraman Rex Wimpy.

Eva Marie Saint, Lee Remick, Angie Dickinson, Piper Laurie, Martha Hyer, Hope Lange, Shirley Jones and Lana Turner were all considered for the role of Marion Crane. Angie Dickinson went on to star in a film that was heavily influenced by this film: Brian De Palma’s Dressed To Kill (1980). There were false reports that actor George Reeves was hired for the role of Detective Milton Arbogast. The facts around the timing of his death, and the timing of the start of production on this film prove them false. For more information of George Reeves’ untimely death see Hollywoodland (2006). James P. Cavanagh was the first to adapt Robert Bloch’s novel into script form. His script was jettisoned in favor of Joseph Stefano’s script however.

The camera used to shoot Norman’s perspective as he watched Marion Crane undress through the peephole required a circular mask on the lens. Alfred Hitchcock wanted Sam Whitman, Tom Tryon, Brian Keith, Cliff Robertson, or Rod Taylor for the role of Sam Loomis but Universal insisted on John Gavin. Reflections are often used to imply Schizophrenia, but everyone in this movie except Norman Bates is shown in a mirror. Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles and Virginia Gregg all reprised their roles in: Psycho II (1983). Janet Leigh is shown in a flashback at the beginning of Psycho II (1983), but is not considered to have reprised her role, as it was stock footage. This was Janet Leigh’s only Oscar® nominated performance. Ted Knight (A.K.A.: Ted Baxter) made an appearance in this film as one of the guards at the end of the film. He opened the door so they could bring Norman a blanket in his cell. 

Oscar® nominated for: Best Supporting Actress – Janet Leigh, Best Director – Sir Alfred Hitchcock, Best Black And White Cinematography, and Best Black And White Art Direction – Set Decoration.

Followed by: Psycho II (1983), Psycho III (1986), a failed television show pilot that now stands as a movie: Bates Motel (1987), Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990), and the television show Bates Motel (2012–2017). Remade as: Psycho (1998).            

Rated: [R]
Out Of Print on VHS & Laserdisc but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Psycho II (1983)

C – 113m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Characters By: Robert Bloch
Screenplay By: Tom Holland
Exec. Prod.: Bernard Schwartz
Prod.: Hilton A. Green
Dir.: Richard Franklin
Starring: Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, Meg Tilly, Robert Loggia, Dennis Franz, Hugh Gillin, Jill Carroll, Tom Holland, Lee Garlington, Oz Perkins (as Osgood Perkins) and Virginia Gregg (voice only, uncredited).
Music By: Jerry Goldsmith

After 22 years of psychiatric care, Norman Bates attempts to return to a life of solitude, but the specters of his crimes – and his mother – continue to haunt him. Funny to think at some point someone would have been considered psycho to try and make a sequel to: Psycho (1960), pardon the redundancy of that statement. Fortunately for that psycho this Psycho sequel is quite well done. Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, Virginia Gregg and Meg Tilly turn in powerhouse performances. Props should also be given to Tom Holland for coming up with such a Hitchcock worthy script. Sadly the third act of the film is a bit wobbly but when the first two acts work, and the conclusion of the film works, why quibble? Naturally, nothing will live up to the original film but this was a worthy sequel. Don’t hesitate to see it.

Trivia:

Producer Hilton A. Green suggested Jamie Lee Curtis for the role of Mary Loomis, as she was the daughter of Janet Leigh and had success with: Halloween (1978). When Mary and Norman go into Norman’s mother’s room, before they turn the lights on, Alfred Hitchcock’s silhouette can be seen on the wall to the far right. Meg Tilly was never allowed to watch television when she was growing up and thus never saw Psycho (1960). Not understanding the significant stature of the film, she asked someone on set, “Why is Tony getting all the attention?” Anthony Perkins heard this and was upset; he didn’t talk to her during filming and even suggested that she be fired in spite of the fact that over half of her scenes had already been filmed. Meg Tilly went on to say that this film was her worst working experience because Anthony Perkins and director Richard Franklin were difficult to work with. The reflection of a young Norman Bates in the doorknob, when he flashes back to his mother’s poisoning, was Anthony Perkins’ son Oz Perkins (Osgood Perkins).

The way Norman Bates says, “cutlery,” in the scene in the kitchen, was conceived during a table read of the script. When Anthony Perkins said the word he stuttered during the table read. Director Richard Franklin liked it and instructed him to say it like that when the film was being shot. The original house set was used and the motel set was reconstructed. The original showerhead was going to be used in this film but someone stole it before filming commenced. When Anthony Perkins was ambivalent about this film and leaning towards not reprising his role, a rumor circulated that Christopher Walken would step into the role and that this would be a television movie event. Perkins did however decided to do the film. On the commentary track for this film, screenwriter Tom Holland was asked if he could confirm that rumor about Walken as Norman Bates. Holland said he could neither confirm nor deny the rumor and quickly changed the subject. Quentin Tarantino said that this was one of his favorite films and that he preferred it to: Psycho (1960).

The scene in Norman’s childhood bedroom where Mary comforts Norman on the bed, was added by Tom Holland at the request of Anthony Perkins. Perkins felt Norman needed a touching scene with the character of Mary Loomis. Composer Jerry Goldsmith gave Anthony Perkins a cassette tape of the opening title theme. Reportedly he was so touched while listening to it that he started to cry. Writer Robert Bloch published the novel "Psycho II" in 1982. The plot of the book is very different than the feature film. It has Norman Bates escaping from the mental institution and traveling to Hollywood, California to stop the production of a film based on his life. Universal Studios was reportedly upset by Bloch's take on the horror film industry and this lead to the development of this 1983 film sequel.

Meg Tilly’s character’s name in this film was Mary Samuels, a reference to: Psycho (1960). In the original film Marion Crane signs her name Marie Samuels in the Bates Motel Guest Ledger. The novel Psycho by Robert Bloch had Marion’s name as: “Mary”. Richard Franklin was selected to direct this film because of a film he made titled: Road Games (1981), which was considered to be influenced by another famous Hitchcock film: Rear Window (1954). It didn’t hurt either that Franklin was a Hitchcock student, hosting a discussion / retrospective during his first semester at University Of Southern California (U.S.C.). Further, Franklin even visited Hitchcock on the set of his film: Topaz (1969). Lee Garlington, who played Myrna in this film, also produced the handwriting shown in “Mother’s” notes. In the original screenplay, there was dialogue between Mary and Dr. Raymond when he drives her to work, but it was cut from the film. This film made over $34 million in the worldwide box office and was shot in just 32 days.

Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, and Virginia Gregg reprise their roles from: Psycho (1960). Richard Franklin was so keen on having Jerry Goldsmith compose the music for this film that he turned down Universal Studios’ offer for the use of the Bernard Herrmann music cues from the original film and even Herrmann’s unused work for: Torn Curtin (1966). John Williams was originally suggested to compose the music for this film. The character of Sam Loomis from the original film was written out of this one since actor John Gavin, who played the role in 1960, was then currently serving as the American Ambassador to Mexico. It took screenwriter Tom Holland 6 months to complete the screenplay. Sheriff Hunt was originally named Sheriff Chambers and Dr. Raymond was originally named Dr. William Richmond in the script. They were both from the original film but their names were changed at the last minute. The producer’s name is Barnard Schwartz, Bernard Herschel Schwartz, better known as Tony Curtis, is of no relation to this film’s producer. He was however married to Janet Leigh, Marion Crane in: Psycho (1960), and was the father of Jamie Lee Curtis, from: Halloween (1978). Janet Leigh did appear in both Psycho II (1983), this film, and Psycho III (1986), only through stock footage from Psycho (1960) though. 

Followed by: Psycho III (1986), Bates Motel (1987), Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990), Psycho (1998) and Bates Motel (2013–2017).

Rated: [R]
Out Of Print on VHS & Laserdisc but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

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Psycho III (1986)

C – 93m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Characters By: Robert Bloch
Screenplay By: Charles Edward Pogue
Prod.: Hilton A. Green
Assoc. Prod.: Don Zepfel
Dir.: Anthony Perkins
Starring: Anthony Perkins, Diana Scarwid, Jeff Fahey, Roberta Maxwell, Hugh Gillin, Lee Garlington, Robert Alan Browne, Gary Bayer, Patience Cleveland, Katt Shea, Juliette Cummins and Virginia Gregg (voice only, uncredited).
Cinematography By: Bruce Surtees

Norman Bates falls in love with a fallen nun who stays at the Bates Motel along side a drifter and a curious reporter. Meanwhile, “Mother” is still watching. A valiant effort by Anthony Perkins and company to keep Norman Bates alive… Sadly this film falls short of the previous entry’s success and feels mildly forced. Perkins gets props from this reviewer for getting good performances out of himself and the other actors as the director of this film though! Worth a look but nothing special.

Trivia:

This was Anthony Perkins’ directorial debut. Actress Juliette Cummins was nearly fired by director – actor Anthony Perkins after making an unintentional joke about his homosexuality. In an interview with American Movie Classics shortly before his death, Anthony Perkins admitted that he felt he wasn’t up to the task of directing this film, feeling that his technical knowledge was too limited. During the filming of this film, Anthony Perkins was diagnosed as H.I.V.–positive when he went into a clinic for a routine medical examination. Mary Loomis’ book from Psycho II (1983), The Belly Of The Beast, is seen lying in the dirt by Norman’s house. Anthony Perkins originally suggested that this film be shot in Black & White as a homage to the 1960 Alfred Hitchcock classic, but Universal opposed it.

This was the lowest grossing entry in the Psycho series, with just $14,481,606.00 in worldwide box office returns. The famous opening line, “There is no God!” was improvised by actress Diana Scarwid on the set. Brinke Stevens performed Diana Scarwid’s bare bottom nude scene. Actress Diana Scarwid fondly remembered Anthony Perkins as loving, sensitive and caring. Anthony Perkins originally wanted to use a stuntwoman for the scene where Duane throws Red out of the motel room. Juliette Cummings talked him out of it and performed her own stunt. Actress Katt Shea got her part of Patsy because she read her lines to a bush outside at the audition. Anthony Perkins’ main inspiration for the style of this film came from the film: Blood Simple (1984), the Coen Brothers’ film. Before production began on this film, he took the entire cast and crew to a screening of the film.

When the film went into Pre–Production, Anthony Perkins asked Psycho II (1983) director Richard Franklin to co–direct the film with him, though Franklin declined. Director Of Photography (D.P. / DP) Bruce Surtees quizzed Anthony Perkins on the blockings of scenes and what lenses to use. He was surprised to find that Perkins knew the answers to all the questions, and never questioned him again. It was Anthony Perkins’ idea for the unique transitions in the film, like the light under the door that is actually a knife, and the scene were Norman leaves the hospital, and closes the door and finds himself in “Mother’s” room. After the completion of the film, Universal Studios felt that it needed a better ending, one with a twist, so Anthony Perkins was called back to shoot the final scene. Screenwriter Charles Edward Pogue claimed that Anthony Perkins would get so many off–beat ideas for the film that Perkins would call him late at night to pitch them.

This film takes place in 1982, one month after the events of Psycho II (1983). Director – actor Anthony Perkins originally wanted Jeff Fahey completely nude in the foreplay scene between Duke and Red. Jeff Fahey felt too uncomfortable though and was allowed to hold two lamps to partially cover himself with. Producer Hilton A. Green cited this as his least favorite entry in the series due to the excessive graphic violence and nudity. The reporter Tracy Venable was supposed to be younger but when Roberta Maxwell was cast, the character became older. Anthony Perkins and Virginia Gregg were the only two actors to reprise their roles from: Psycho (1960). Hugh Gillin, Robert Alan Browne and Lee Garlington were the only actors in addition to Perkins and Gregg to reprise their roles from Psycho II (1983). Once again, Janet Leigh appears in this film in stock footage from Psycho (1960).

During the opening shots of the Bates house, it shows the cellar window from the second film with fingerprints on the glass. It is a nod to the boy who was murdered. After production wrapped, Anthony Perkins and screenwriter Charles Edward Pogue were asked to pitch an idea for Psycho IV. After the poor box office performance of this film, the idea of a 4th theatrical film was shelved. In 1988 the idea was dusted off as a made for television film. That one was penned by the original screenwriter Joseph Stefano.

Followed By: Bates Motel (1987), Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990), Psycho (1998) and the television series Bates Motel (2013–2017).    

Rated: [R]
Out Of Print on VHS & Laserdisc but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

 

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Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990) 

C – 96m
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 – Fullscreen (original broadcast Aspect Ratio) / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy Aspect Ratio)
Based On The Characters Created By: Robert Bloch
Screenplay By: Joseph Stefano
Exec. Prod.: Hilton A. Green
Co–Prod.: Alan Duncan Ross
Dir.: Mick Garris
Starring: Anthony Perkins, Henry Thomas, Olivia Hussey, CHH Pounder, Warren Frost, Donna Mitchell, John Landis, Alice Hirson (voice only), Ryan Finnegan (as Ryan Finnigan), Peggy O’Neal and Bob Barnes.

Norman Bates recalls his childhood with his abusive mother while fearing his unborn child will inherit his split personality disorder. A strange and incestuous finale to the Anthony Perkins Psycho series, finds Perkins in good form as an actor. The story is interesting but never thrilling. The cinematography is a tad soft given the crispness of the rest of the series, but there are a few visually captivating moments in spite of it. Recommended as a solid finish to the series.  

Trivia

When Anthony Perkins saw the first screening of this film, he called it the best out of all the Psycho sequels. Anthony Perkins and Psycho III (1986) screenwriter Charles Edward Pogue originally pitched and idea for Psycho IV that had the Bates Motel and House turned into a tourist attraction for horror weekends. From there Norman escapes the mental institution with a mute patient and the actor who was set to play Norman Bates for the weekend quits and Norman returns home to be hired to play himself. Pogue claimed that the idea was meant to be a black comedy but Universal opposed the idea. Director Mick Garris called Anthony Perkins the most difficult actor he ever worked with. When shooting the first murder scene, Henry Thomas got so involved in the stabbing that part of the knife went into his hand, causing nerve damage. He had the scar from that point forward in his life.

When Norman Bates first called into the radio show, he said his name was Ed. Psycho books author Robert Bloch modeled Norman Bates after real life serial killer and cannibal, Ed Gein. Gein was also the basis for The Texas Chain Saw Massacre series (1974–Present). When Janet Leigh did her intro for the television broadcast of this film, she stated that multiple endings were shot. Director Mick Garris said subsequently that only one ending was shot and that the claim of multiple endings was a publicity stunt by Universal Studios. When screenwriter Joseph Stefano, screenwriter of Psycho (1960) and this film, ignored the Mrs. Spool story arch from Psycho II (1983) and Psycho III (1986), preferring to and actual did use the original film as a source. Olivia Hussey did not audition for her role but was asked if she was interested and she said.  

This was the only Psycho sequel to use Bernard Herrmann’s score from: Psycho (1960). During Pre–Production, the idea of having Norman’s flashbacks being in black and white, as homage to the classic film, was talked about but ultimately was nixed. The bed in Norma Bates’ room in this film is the same bed used in the 1960 classic film. Anthony Perkins improvised the scene where Norman Bates rips an apple in half. The script called for Norman to slam a butcher’s knife into the apple, but Perkins thought it was too corny and went for ripping the apple. This film was shot in 24 days. The house and motel used in this film were built in 1988 on the Backlot of Universal Studios in Florida. It remained there until 1998 when it was torn down.

Rumors spread about a Psych V after this film aired on Showtime, the television network. None came to pass. In 1998 Gus Van Sant put out a frame–by–frame remake of the original film. This was the only Psycho sequel to not feature footage from the shower scene in: Psycho (1960). This was reportedly the first film to be filmed at Universal Studios in Florida. This was the first Psycho film not to have Virginia Gregg providing the voice of Norma Bates. Gregg died on September 15, 1986 at the age of 70. During the filming of this movie, Anthony Perkins continued to get treatment for HIV.      

Rated: [R] – Violence & Sensuality
Out Of Print on VHS & Laserdisc but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

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Psycho (1998)

C – 105m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Gus Van Sant’s Psycho, Psychosis
Novel: Psycho by Robert Bloch
Screenplay By: Joseph Stefano
Prod. – Dir.: Gus Van Sant
Starring: Vince Vaughn, Anne Heche, Julianne Moore, Viggo Mortensen, William H. Macy, Robert Forster, Philip Baker Hall, Chad Everett, Rance Howard, Rita Wilson, James Remar, James Le Gros, Flea, Marjorie Lovett, Ryan Cutrona, Ken Jenkins, Roy Brocksmith, Rose Marie (voice only, uncredited) and Gus Van Sant (uncredited).
Music By: Bernard Herrmann, Danny Elfman and Steve Bartek

A young female embezzler arrives at the Bates Motel, which has terrible secrets of its own. One of the best things about Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960) was that it was original and horrifying. And who, up to that point, would dare to kill off the leading lady so soon in the film? Hitchcock, that’s who! So why then, after four sequels (one of which was a failed television show pilot), would there be a reason to do an almost frame–by–frame remake of the classic Hitchcock film? Why would someone willingly remake a classic film frame–by–frame and expect to come out of the project unscathed? These are some of the questions that educated viewers may have. Leaving aside the novelty of seeing a color version with then current actors, this film doesn’t have much to recommend it. The film isn’t a total turkey but it isn’t far off either. The cast does their best with tried and true material, but director Gus Van Sant’s heavy–handed approach to the material makes it drearily slow and flat. A shame given the cast… This film is mesmerizing the same way watching a trainwreck is. One knows it is bad but one can’t quite bring them selves to tear one’s eyes away from it.

Trivia:

Scriptwriter Joseph Stefano felt that Anne Heche played the role of Marion Crane completely differently than Janet Leigh, despite using the exact same lines. In his film Psycho (1960), director Alfred Hitchcock wanted to do a pan / zoom over the entirety of Marion Crane’s hotel room, as the first shot of the film. The technology was not yet capable of such a shot so Hitch did it with pans and dissolves. In this version Gus Van Sant was able to achieve the shot Hitchcock wanted because the technology had advanced many years between the films. When Gus Van Sant was asked why he made a color shot–by–shot remake of Psycho (1960), he said, “So no one else would have to. Gus Van Sant brought a DVD copy of the original film to the set to use as a guide for his remake. When he spotted an error of a door opening without a key, he decided to put that in the remake too.

In the original film Marion Crane embezzled $40,000.00. This was upped to $400,000.00 for this remake. This film was critically panned. In spite of that, Pat Hitchcock, Hitch’s daughter, gave this film her blessing stating that a shot for shot remake of one of Hitch’s films is what her father would have done to his own work. This appears to have flown in the face of the fact that Hitch’s original The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) was nothing like Hitch’s own remake, The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956). This remake was shot in 6 weeks, just as the original was. In a grisly and ironic twist of fate, Janet Leigh’s body double for the original film was found raped and murdered at the age of 71 in 1988. Her murderer was arrested and charged just days after this film’s premiere. A book has been written about the case titled: The Girl In Alfred Hitchcock’s Shower by Robert Graysmith.

Tobey Maguire, Christian Bale, Robert Sean Leonard, Jeremy Davies, Henry Thomas and Joaquin Phoenix were all considered for the role of Norman Bates, which ultimately went to Vince Vaughn. In Mr. Lowery's office the following exchange is heard:

CASSIDY (to Marion): You should take a vacation in Las Vegas, playground of the world!
MARION: Thank you, but I think I'll spend this weekend in bed. CASSIDY: “Only playground to beat Las Vegas.”

The last sentence was in the original script used by Alfred Hitchcock for the original film but Hitch had to cut it due to the censors. Gus Van Sant used it in this remake since Hitch had intended to use it. Anne Heche had never seen the original Psycho (1960), before getting the part as Marion Crane. Bernard Herrmann did the score for the original film, which was adapted for this remake by Danny Elfman and Steve Bartek. By the time this film was made, the original exterior to the Bates Motel had long since been demolished. The one here was used for Psycho II (1983). The house was a new set constructed in front of the old one on the Backlot of Universal Studios. Upon completion of this film, the house was moved along side the first house on the Universal Backlot. Laura Linney was offered the role of Marion Crane but turned it down to do The Truman Show (1998) with Jim Carrey. This film marks the second time Viggo Mortensen was in a Hitchcock remake. The first was: A Perfect Murder (1998), which was a remake of: Dial ‘M’ For Murder (1954) – Hitch’s only 3D film. Julianne Moore was considered for the role of Marion Crane before being cast as Lila. Nicole Kidman was offered the role of Marion Crane but turned it down and Drew Barrymore was also considered for the role. The kitchen knife used in this film was credited as belonging to John Woo. The skull, which is superimposed over Vince Vaughn’s face at the end of the film, is the same skull put over Anthony Perkins’ face in the original film’s ending.

This film version of Psycho served as a springboard for a comedic segment on the Kevin Smith and Ralph Garman podcast: “Hollywood Babble–On”. In the first installment of the segment, Kevin Smith informed listeners that he spotted a rarely seen in film part of anatomy on Anne Heche in this film at the end of The Shower Scene. In subsequent segments listeners would send in stills and video of different famous backsides in films and television shows for Smith and Garman to view with their audience during the recording of the podcast. The segment also inspired two versions of a jingle for the podcast for the segment. One was almost like a kid’s show intro but with crude lyrics, while the other one had a beat that one could dance to, once again with crude lyrics. Mileage may vary as to how people may receive these segments, let alone this trivia. However, this reviewer found it all very amusing. 

Rated: [R] – Violence & Sexuality / Nudity
Out Of Print on VHS & Laserdisc but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

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The Psycho Legacy (2010)

B&W / C – 87m / 90m (sources vary)
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Psycho Legacy: 50 Years Of Norman Bates
Writer – Prod. – Dir.: Robert V. Galluzzo (as Robert Victor Galluzzo)
Starring: Juliette Cummins, Jeff Fahey, Lee Garlington, Cynthia Garris, Mick Garris, Stuart Gordon, Adam Green, Hilton A. Green, Tom Holland, Olivia Hussey, Robert Loggia, Andrew London, Joe Lynch, Anthony Perkins (archive footage), Charles Edward Pogue, Diana Scarwid, Donovan Scott, Brinke Stevens, Henry Thomas, Clint Carney, Richard Franklin (archive footage), Robert V. Galluzzo, Alfred Hitchcock (archive footage), Janet Leigh (archive footage) and Vera Miles (archive footage).

The cast and crew of all four Psycho films (1960–1990) recall their time working on the influential horror series as today’s masters of horror reminisce on what the movies stirred in them. This documentary on the Psycho film series (1960–1990) is slow moving but informative. While there is precious little time spent on the sequels there is a plethora of archive video that helps round out an appreciation for them. See this one.  

Trivia:

Writer, Producer, Director Robert V. Galluzzo started filming this documentary back in January 2007 by himself. Galluzzo went to Universal and pitched the idea of them financing the film and releasing it in a box set with the four Psycho films. Universal, uninterested, turned down the idea and it became an independent project. Richard Franklin was originally supposed to be interviewed in this documentary. Sadly he passed away before the interview took place. Two segments on Bates Motel (1987) and Psych (1998) were supposed to be included on the two–disc DVD version of this film. Strangely they were left off when the DVD set was released.

Rated: [NOT RATED]
Available on DVD & Digital Copy

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78/52: Hitchcock’s Shower Scene (2017)

C / B&W – 91m
Aspect Ratio:
A.K.A.: 78/52
Writer – Dir.: Alexandre O. Philippe

The story of how the, “Shower Scene,” in Alfred Hitchcock’s: Psycho (1960), was filmed. Fascinating if somewhat repetitive analysis of the legendary scene features an interesting approach to the new footage. Where most documentaries would conduct their non–archival footage interviews in color, it was decided to do them in black and white here, so as to note break the flow of black and white from Psycho (1960). There is color footage from other Hitchcock films that were in color though. While there is some great psychological analysis of the film and the famous scene in particular, there is one factual error to report. While showing a fragment of The Lodger (1927), it is incorrectly dated as 1928. In actuality, The Lodger was shot in 1926 and released in 1927. Oops!

Trivia: The titled scene that is the subject of this documentary was comprised of 78 camera setups and 52 cuts. Thus the title.  

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Shows:

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Bates Motel (1987)

B&W / C – 90m
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 – Fullscreen
Writer – Exec. Prod. – Dir.: Richard Rothstein
Starring: Bud Cort, Lori Petty, Moses Gunn, Gregg Henry, Jason Bateman, Kerrie Keane, Robert Picardo, Kurt Paul, Peter Dobson, Paula Irvine and Greg Finley.
Music By: Jerry Cohen

A mentally disturbed man, who roomed with the late Norman Bates at the state lunatic asylum, inherits the legendary Bates Motel after the death of Norman and tries to fix it up and make it a respectable business. An interesting premise gone awry… This had a promising premise but just about everything that exists here is below sub–par. Maybe worth a look once just as a curio, but it isn’t a recommended viewing. 

Trivia:

This was a failed television series pilot that has since been released as a made for television movie on video. Bud Cort called Anthony Perkins for advice on how to prep for the role. Perkins told him to get in shape by doing pushups. Anthony Perkins, who played Norman Bates from 1960–1990, said that this film / show was terrible. Kurt Paul, who played Norman Bates here, was previously Anthony Perkins’ stunt double for: Psycho II (1983) and Psycho III (1986). He later played another killer being interviewed on a talk show in: Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990). He’s the only actor to appear in all the Psycho sequels done during Anthony Perkins’ lifetime. This was a popular bootleg film, due to low availability of the VHS tape, until 2013 when it was finally offered as a Manufactured On Demand (MOD) DVD. It has subsequently been released as part of a Psycho sequels 4 film collection on regular DVD. The opening shot of the Psycho house was lifted from the opening credits of: Psycho II (1983). The original house and motel exteriors were used during the production of this show / film. The alterations done in the film remained on the Universal Tour until 1993. This is still the lowest rated entry in the Psycho Franchise (1960 – Present).   

Out Of Print on VHS but Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Bates Motel: The Complete Series (2013–2017)

C – 2207m
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen
Characters Created By: Robert Bloch
Developed By: Anthony Cipriano, Carlton Cuse and Kerry Ehrin
Writers: Philip Buiser, Torrey Speer, Bill Balas, Erica Lipez, Alyson Evans, Steve Kornacki, Scott Kosar, Jeff Wadlo, Alexandra Cunningham, Liz Tigelaar, Nikki Toscano, Freddie Highmore and Tom Szentgyorgyi.
Dir.s: Tucker Gates, Ed Bianchi, Phil Abraham, Nestor Carbonell, Tim Southam, Sarah Boyd, Roxann Dawson, Christopher Nelson, Olatunde Osunsanmi, S.J. Clarkson, Paul A. Edwards, Johan Renck, David Straiton, John David Coles, Lodge Kerrigan, T.J. Scott, Stephen Surjik, Steph Green, Freddie Highmore and Max Thieriot.
Starring: Vera Farmiga, Freddie Highmore, Max Thieriot, Olivia Cooke, Nestor Carbonell, Kenny Johnson, Ryan Hurst, Nicola Peltz, Keenan Tracey, Ian Tracey, Aliyah O’Brien, Isabelle McNally, Kevin Rahm, Michael Eklund, Damon Gupton, Andrew Howard, Michael O’Neill, Keegan Connor Tracy, Mike Vogel, Jaime Ray Newman, Paloma Kwiatkowski, Joshua Leonard, Austin Nichols, Brooke Smith, Michael Vartan, Jenna Romanin, Rebecca Creskoff, Diana Bang, Vincent Gale, Kathleen Robertson, Peter Stebbings, Brittney Wilson, Jillian Fargey, Terence Kelly, Anika Noni Rose, Jere Burns, Marshall Allman, David Cubitt, Tomiwa Edun, Richard Harmon, Fiona Vroom, Emmalyn Estrada, Matthew Mandij, Kelly–Ruth Mercier, Terry Chen, Craig Erickson, Tracy Spiridakos, Nicholas Carella, Travis Breure, Farrah Aviva, Lini Evans, etc.

A contemporary prequel to Psycho that tracks Norman Bates and his mother, Norma, as he progresses through his teen years and becomes one of the most notorious serial killers of all time. This show may cause some to have the song, “Let’s Do The Time Warp Again”, stuck in their heads while watching it. A smart remake / prequel to Psycho (1960) featured an updated time setting but features clothing styles and cars from 1959. This may be a mind bender for some; it may even turn some people off to it, but not this reviewer. The performances are solid, particularly Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore and the cinematography is excellent. The sets are splendid and there is just enough feeling of oddity to the show that will keep viewers wondering what will happen next. As a film historian this reviewer can say that nothing will top the original film but this is a splendid companion to that Hitchcock masterpiece. See it! 

Trivia:

This was the first successful TV series from the Norman Bates world. There was a failed TV pilot that has since been released to video as a movie: Bates Motel (1987). The Wi–Fi password for the Bates Motel was: MOTHER. Vera Farmiga suggested Freddie Highmore for the role of Norman Bates. The exterior of the Bates’ house is a faithful reproduction of the design for the characters’ house in: Psycho (1960). That house in turn was modeled by Sir Alfred Hitchcock after Edward Hopper’s 1925 painting: “The House By The Railroad”. Series writer Bill Balas actually has Cystic Fibrosis and was the inspiration for the character Emma Decody having the disease. Despite the setting of the show being present day (at the time it aired), Norma Bates’ look, costumes, house design, etc. are modeled after the fashions of 1959, when the first Psycho film was being shot. Freddie Highmore studied at Cambridge during the filming of the first few seasons, so the shooting worked around that. Highmore then took six months off in order to go and finish at Cambridge. Timothee Chalamet auditioned for the role of Norman Bates but botched his audition, according to him, because he based his take on the character on Christian Bale in American Psycho (2000), rather than Anthony Perkins in Psycho (1960). This was based on his search results on Netflix.

Olivia Cooke was English, though she played her character with an American accent, her character’s backstory said she was English. Rihanna shot all her scenes in five days due to her busy schedule. When asked if she wanted to direct an episode of this show, Vera Farmiga hesitated because, on a TV show, the director doesn’t have any say over the final cut of an episode. She ultimately declined. Freddie Highmore, Nester Carbonell and Max Thieriot all directed episodes though. Brooke Smith plays a sheriff in the fifth season. She was also in The Silence Of The Lambs (1991), in which she played a young woman who was kidnapped by the bad guy, “Buffalo Bill”. Norman Bates and “Buffalo Bill” were both based on the same serial killer, Ed Gein. Tucker Gates directed the first episode and the final episode, bookending the series. Bates Motel is the third time that the Bates’ house has been replicated. The first time was for Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990) and the second time was in 2010 in Winnemucca, Nevada to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Psycho (1960).

Freddie Highmore, who plays Norman Bates here, was born in 1992, the same year Anthony Perkins, the actor who made the role of Norman Bates famous in Psycho (1960) and three subsequent films, died. The company Marion Crane worked at was R.A. Bloch, an homage to Robert Bloch who wrote the Psycho book series. In the novels and films Dylan Massett did not exist, nor did Norman Bates have any siblings. The character of Marion Crane, played here by Rihanna, was originally played by Janet Leigh in: Psycho (1960). Olivia Hussey played Norma Bates in: Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990).   

Rated: [TV–14] & [TV–MA]
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Life (2017)

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Life (2017)

C – 104m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
Screenplay By: Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick
Dir.: Daniel Espinosa
Starring: Hiroyuki Sanada, Ryan Reynolds, Rebecca Ferguson, Jake Gyllenhaal and Ariyon Bakare.

A team of scientists aboard the International Space Station discover a rapidly evolving life form that caused extinction on Mars and now threatens all life on Earth. While this film is basically a retooling of Alien (1979), (see Trivia), it is a better–paced version of it in this reviewer’s opinion. There is one good kill in this film. Everything else is pretty much what you would expect to see.

Trivia: Ryan Reynolds intended to play the lead role but took the supporting role due to scheduling conflicts with this film while making: The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017). Rebecca Ferguson almost didn’t make the movie until she met with director Daniel Espinosa who talked her into doing the film. This was Skydance’s first [R]–rated film. In a TV Spot (commercial) it was revealed that this movie reused old B–Roll footage from Spider–Man 3 (2007). This was inspired by the film: Alien (1979).   

Rated: [R] – Language Throughout, Some Sci–Fi Violence & Terror
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Sherlock Holmes Vs. Jack The Ripper Films

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A Study In Terror (1965 / 1966)

C – 95m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Sherlock Holmes Vs. Jack The Ripper, Fog
Characters By: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Loosely Adapted From The Novel: A Study In Terror by Ellery Queen (Daniel Nathan / Fredric Dannay and Emanuel Benjamin Lepofsky / Manfred Bennington Lee) 
Original Story By: Jim O’Connolly
Screenplay By: Donald Ford and Derek Ford
Dir.: James Hill
Starring: John Neville, Donald Houston, John Fraser, Anthony Quayle, Barbara Windsor, Adrienne Corri, Frank Finlay, Judi Dench, Cecil Parker, Georgia Brown, Barry Jones, Robert Morley, Peter Carsten, Christiane Maybach and Patrick Newell. 

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John H. Watson join the hunt for the notorious serial killer, Jack The Ripper. Slick loose adaption of the Ellery Queen classic novel features an interesting take on The Ripper story. The novel it is loosely adapted from has the Holmes story framed by armchair detective / writer Ellery Queen reading the manuscript by Dr. John H. Watson. This film is simply the Holmes Vs. The Ripper story that Queen was, “reading”… For what it was at the time the film does a swift job of telling the story, though there are many loose ends not so well tied up. Still, it is of interest for Ripperphiles and should be screened with Murder By Decree (1979).   

Trivia: The close of the film, set a Baker Street eludes to The Adventure Of The Blue Carbuncle by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Frank Finlay also plays Inspector Lestrade in: Murder By Decree (1979). Anthony Quayle appears in both films as well. John Neville reprised his role as Sherlock Holmes on Broadway in the 1970’s. Robert Stephens was the first choice to play Sherlock Holmes here; he would go on to do so in 1970 and Thorley Walters was the first choice for Dr. Watson. Jim O’Connolly was at first attached to direct the film. Mary Anne Nichols, The Ripper’s first victim, bought a hat that she was proud of the night she was murdered. This bit of info was given to his third victim in this film: “Long Liz” – Elizabeth Stride. The final victim, Mary Jane Kelly’s one room flat was historically located on the first floor.

Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

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Murder By Decree (1979)

C – 124m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Sherlock Holmes: Murder By Decree, Sherlock Holmes And Saucy Jack
Characters By: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Book: The Ripper File by Elwyn Jones, Stephen Knight and John Lloyd
Screenplay By: John Hopkins
Novelization By: Robert Weverka
Prod. – Dir.: Bob Clark
Starring: Christopher Plummer, James Mason, David Hemmings, Susan Clark, Anthony Quayle, John Gielgud, Frank Finlay, Donald Sutherland, Genevieve Bujold, June Brown, Hilary Sesta, Anthony May, Ann Mitchell and Iris Fry.

Sherlock Holmes investigates the murders committed by Jack The Ripper and discovers a conspiracy to protect the killer. Sherlock Holmes Vs. Jack The Ripper once again – basic but fun. The ending feels a tad rushed but the film is entertaining. For a shoe–string budget film, this is quite impressive. Worth a look and should be on a double bill with A Study In Terror (1965). 

Trivia: Alien (1979) was filming concurrently with this film, Murder By Decree (1979). Peter O’Toole was originally cast as Sherlock Holmes with Sir Laurence Olivier as Dr. Watson. Director Bob Clark had to research to see if the word, “fart,” existed in 1888, it was. According to Bob Clark the film’s budget was less than $4 million. Christopher Plumber, who plays Sherlock Holmes here, was a cousin of Nigel Bruce, who played Dr. Watson to Basil Rathbone’s Sherlock Holmes from 1939 – 1946. Plummer previously played Holmes in the tele-movie: The Sunday Drama: The Silver Blaze (1977). Frank Finlay also played Inspector Lestrade in A Study In Terror (1965). Anthony Quayle also was in that film. This was the first Ripper film released in 1979. The other was: Time After Time (1979).

Rated: [PG]
Out Of Print on VHS but Available on DVD & Digital Copy 

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From Hell (2001)

C – 122m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Jack
Graphic Novel By: Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell
Screenplay By: Terry Hayes and Rafael Yglesias
Exec. Prod.s – Dir.s: Albert Hughes and Allen Hughes
Starring: Johnny Depp, Heather Graham, Sir Ian Holm, Robbie Coltrane, Sir Ian Richardson, Jason Flemyng, Katrin Cartlidge, Terence Howard, Susan Lynch, Lesley Sharp, Annabelle Apsion, Joanna Page, Mark Dexter, Sophia Myles, Donald Douglas, John Owens, Ian McNeice, Vincent Franklin, Anthony Parker, James Greene, Dominic Cooper and Carey Thring.

In Victorian Era London, a troubled clairvoyant police detective investigates the murders of Jack The Ripper. Other critics and film historians panned this film thoroughly. This reviewer on the other hand loves this film. The period detail is fairly good, the CGI and makeup are great and the story is basically Sherlock Holmes, as a clairvoyant, chasing Jack The Ripper, as previously depicted in A Study In Terror (1965/1966) and Murder By Decree (1979). The cast plays this to the hilt and it has some wonderful visuals – the red London skyline and the drugged visions of the streets including The Elephant Man – Joseph Carey Merrick ( incorrectly called: “John Merrick”). There is also great attention paid to the details of The Ripper’s crimes. A must!  

Trivia: Heather Graham almost went into softcore pornography until she got her role in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999), then, subsequently made this film where she plays a prostitute. Real photos of The Ripper’s victims were pinned to the walls of the police station set. The directors did this to unnerve the actors in order to get better performances out of them. Commissioner of Police Sir Charles Warren never really visited the site of the fifth ripper victim as he was relieved of his duties, forced resignation, prior to the final victim’s murder. Daniel Day–Lewis, Sir Sean Connery, Jude Law and Brad Pitt were all either, considered, wanted or interviewed for the role that went to Johnny Depp. Sir Nigel Hawthorne was set to play Sir William Gull, played here by Sir Ian Holm, but had to drop out due to being terminally ill with cancer. As noted Sir Ian Holm replaced him. Sir Nigel Hawthorne died in 2001. Around the time of this film William Friedkin was trying to set up The Diary Of Jack The Ripper as a film with Sir Anthony Hopkins. This was the film debut of Dominic Cooper and the final film of Katrin Cartlidge who died from food poisoning at the age of 41 on September 7, 2002.  

Rated: [R] – Strong Violence / Gore, Sexuality, Language & Dug Content
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Home Sweet Hell (2015)

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Home Sweet Hell (2015)

C – 98m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Dangerous Housewife, North Of Hell
Starring: Katherine Heigl, Patrick Wilson, Madison Wolfe, Aiden Flowers, Jim Belushi, Jordana Brewster, Heath Freeman, A.J. Buckley, Kevin McKidd, Artie Baxter and Chi McBride.

Don Champagne, a “happily married man,” is forced into a killing spree when his wife finds out about his affair with one of his employees who is now blackmailing them. The film’s alternant title may prove to be the best indication of a review for the film: North Of Hell. The premise is good, the acting is swell, but the execution, pardon the pun, is generally flat in terms of the humor. A contender for Mystery Science Theater in the modern era. Drinking may help the audience with this one.

Trivia: Katherine Heigl’s real life husband provided all the songs for the soundtrack. 

Rated: [R] – Violence, Language, Strong Sexual Content & Some Drug Use
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Hannibal Lecter Films & Shows (1986 – 2015)

Author Thomas Harris wrote four books in the Hannibal Lecter series. The books, in order of the story are: Hannibal Rising, Red Dragon, The Silence Of The Lambs and Hannibal. They were turned into films and a television show between 1986 and 2015. Below are the reviews for the filmed versions in the order that they were made. The star rating on each also expresses the review of the books in this reviewer’s opinion.

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Manhunter (1986)

C – 120m (Theatrical Cut) / 124m (Director’s Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Red Dragon: The Pursuit Of Hannibal Lecter, Red Dragon: The Curse Of Hannibal Lecter, Red Dragon, Blutmond, Hunter
Novel: Red Dragon by Thomas Harris
Screenplay By: Michael Mann
Dir.: Michael Mann
Starring: William Peterson, Kim Greist, Joan Allen, Brian Cox, Dennis Farina, Tom Noonan, Stephen Lang, Benjamin Hendrickson, Michael Talbott, Dan Butler, Frankie Faison, Joanne Camp, David Allen Brooks and Chris Elliott.

Former FBI profiler Will Graham returns to service to pursue a dangerous serial murderer nicknamed, “The Tooth Fairy,” by the media. Well done early Lecter (Lecktor here) film doesn’t hold a candle to the subsequent films but holds it’s own nicely. Cox and Peterson are tops. The preferred cut of the film is the Director’s Cut.

Trivia: While this movie was being filmed, Anthony Hopkins (who would go on to play Hannibal Lecter from 1991 – 2002 in three theatrical outings, including this film’s remake) was playing in King Lear at the National Theatre. In turn, when The Silence Of The Lambs (1991) was filming, Brian Cox, who plays Hannibal Lecter here, was playing in King Lear at the National Theatre. Brian Cox said that he based his portrayal of Hannibal was based on Scottish serial killer: Peter Manuel. This is the only Hannibal movie where his last name is spelled: Lecktor. Frankie Faison is the only actor to appear in four out of the five Hannibal films. Anthony Hopkins is next record holder being in three of them.

Nominated for a 1987 Edgar Allan Poe Award for: Best Picture – Michael Mann. Followed by the films: The Silence Of The Lambs (1991), Hannibal (2001) and the prequel: Hannibal Rising (2007). This was remade as: Red Dragon (2002), the book’s actual title, by Brett Ratner, and starring: Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, Harvey Keitel, Ralph Fiennes and others. This was also remade as the television show: Hannibal (2013 – 2015).

Rated: [R]
Out Of Print on VHS, Laserdisc and DVD but Available on Blu–ray and Digital Copy in both Theatrical Cut and Director’s Cut

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The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)

C – 118m (Current Cut) / 138m (Original Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Silence Of The Lambs
Novel: The Silence Of The Lambs by Thomas Harris
Screenplay By: Ted Tally
Dir.: Jonathan Demme
Starring: Jodie Foster, Scott Glenn, Anthony Heald, Frankie Faison, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Ted Levine, Tracey Walter, Dan Butler, Diane Baker, Roger Corman, Charles Napier, Brent Hinkley, Chris Isaak, George A Romero, Edward Saxon and Mike Schaeffer.
Music By: Howard Shore

A young F.B.I. cadet seeks the help of a convicted, incarcerated, manipulating cannibal killer in order to catch another serial killer known as, “Buffalo Bill,” who skins his victims. This film is a tour de force for all involved. A perfect thriller that genuinely gives someone watching the film the creeps for one reason or another. All who got awards or were nominated for awards, richly deserved them.

Trivia: Jodie Foster has said that in the scene where Hannibal meets Starling and he mocks her Southern accent, it was not planned. Anthony Hopkins mocked her and her reaction was genuine indignation and hurt. She is said to have later thanked him for eliciting such an honest response from her. Sir Anthony Hopkins was confused when he learned that he got the role of Hannibal from his portrayal of Dr. Fredrick Treves in The Elephant Man (1981). He questioned Jonathan Demme about it by saying, “But Dr. Treves was a good man.” Demme replied, “So is Lecter, he is a good man too. Just trapped in an insane mind.” Sir Anthony Hopkins only had 24 minutes and 52 seconds of screen–time, making him the second shortest performance time to win Best Actor. The shortest is still held by David Niven in Separate Tables (1958), with 23 minutes and 39 seconds of screen–time.

After Lecter is moved from Baltimore the idea was to put him in an orange or yellow jumpsuit. Sir Anthony Hopkins convinced Director Jonathan Demme and Costume Designer Colleen Atwood that he would be more sinister looking in white. It has since been reported that Sir Anthony Hopkins said that he attributed his idea to his fear of dentist. Sir Anthony Hopkins explained his voice as Hannibal as being a cross between Truman Capote and Katharine Hepburn. Jame Gumb’s dance was not in the script but was in the novel. The dance was added at the behest of an insistent Ted Levine, who said that the dance was: “essential in the definition of the character.” The first moth cocoon found in a victim’s throat was made from a combination of Tootsie Rolls and Gummy Bears so that it would be edible in the event it was accidentally swallowed. And finally: Jodie Foster tried to buy the film rights to this book but Gene Hackman beat her to it. He planned to direct the film and star as either Jack Crawford or Hannibal Lecter, however he withdrew from the idea when he saw a clip of himself in Mississippi Burning (1988) at the Oscars® and felt too afraid to make more violent films.

Oscar® winner for: Best Picture, Best Actor – Sir Anthony Hopkins, Best Actress – Jodie Foster, Best Director – Jonathan Demme and Best Adapted Screenplay – Ted Tally. It was additionally Oscar® nominated for: Best Sound and Best Editing. It was also a Golden Globe winner for Best Actress – Motion Picture – Drama – Jodie Foster. It was additionally nominated for Golden Globes for: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director – Motion Picture – Jonathan Demme, Best Actor – Motion Picture – Drama – Sir Anthony Hopkins, and Best Screenplay – Motion Picture – Ted Tally.

Rated: [R]
Out Of Print on VHS and Laserdisc but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy as part of The Criterion Collection and separately

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Hannibal (2001)

C – 131m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Silence Of The Lambs II, The Silence Of The Lambs 2
Novel: Hannibal by Thomas Harris
Screenplay By: David Mamet and Steven Zaillian
Pro. – Dir.: Ridley Scott
Starring: Sir Anthony Hopkins, Julianne Moore, Gary Oldman, Ray Liotta, Frankie Faison, Giancarlo Giannini, Francesca Neri, Zeljko Ivanek, David Andrews and Francis Guinan.
Music By: Hans Zimmer

Living in exile, Hannibal Lecter tries to reconnect with Agent Starling and finds himself the target of revenge from a powerful victim. Frankly a lesser entry in the series isn’t without its own gruesome interesting points. Sadly most of those are towards the rear of the film and the viewer must float through a dream state first two acts to get to the final two gory ones. Still, it is worth a watch.

Trivia: When Thomas Harris finished the Hannibal novel, he sent copies to Jonathan Demme, Jodie Foster and Sir Anthony Hopkins. The screenplay for the film was rewritten numerous times due to issues with character elements that Demme and Foster had. As it turned out, neither Demme, nor Foster stuck with the production. Only Sir Anthony Hopkins and Frankie Faison returned. At one point David Fincher was slated to direct the film but dropped out. Sir Anthony Hopkins reportedly wrote a script for a sequel to this film. It was never utilized. Though Sir Anthony Hopkins had no official say in who would play Starling, Director Ridley Scott consulted him on the matter after Jodie Foster declined to reprise her role as Starling. Sir Anthony suggested Julianne Moore whom he had previously worked with on: Surviving Picasso (1996).  The part of Mason Verger was offered to Christopher Reeve first, and he displayed some interest, though having not read the novel. When he found out Verger was a quadriplegic, facially disfigured and a child rapist to boot, he declined the role. Gary Oldman based his Verger voice on Katharine Hepburn.

Rated: [R] – Strong Gruesome Violence, Some Nudity & Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

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Red Dragon (2002)

C – 124m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Novel: Red Dragon by Thomas Harris
Screenplay By: Ted Tally
Producers: Dino De Laurentiis and Martha De Laurentiis
Uncredited Associate Producer: Terry Needham
Dir.: Brett Ratner
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes, Harvey Keitel, Emily Watson, Mary–Louise Parker, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Anthony Heald, Ken Leung, Frankie Faison, Madison Mason, Bill Duke and Frank Langella.
Music By: Danny Elfman

A retired F.B.I. Agent with special psychological gifts, is assigned to help track down the mysterious killer, “The Tooth Fairy,” with the help of his old nemesis: Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter. This remake of Manhunter (1986), under the novel’s original title, offers a more grisly telling of the story but does so with style. Everyone connected to this film is welcome when they turn out work like this and by that this reviewer means they are in top form here. This was Sir Anthony Hopkins’s swan song as Hannibal Lecter, though he made other films where he played basically the same character sans the cannibalism. 

Trivia: Director Brett Ratner reportedly asked Sir Anthony Hopkins to get a facelift and Sir Anthony refused. Sir Anthony Hopkins showed up on set on one of his days off just to watch Philip Seymour Hoffman work, as they shared no scenes together. Philip Seymour Hoffman insisted on being glued to the chair during his encounter with Ralph Fiennes’ character. Ralph Fiennes gained fifteen pounds of muscle for the role of Francis Dolarhyde. Sir Anthony Hopkins stated that his final outing as Hannibal was to remind audiences that Hannibal is a serial killer. He stated that he didn’t like the fact that Hannibal became a fun anti-hero in the public’s minds.

Rated: [R] – Violence, Grisly Images, Language, Some Nudity & Sexuality
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

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Hannibal Rising (2007)

C – 121m (Theatrical Cut) / 131m (Unrated Cut)

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen

A.K.A.: The Lecter Variation: The Story Of Young Hannibal Lecter, Young Hannibal: Behind The Mask, The Lector Variations, Young Hannibal, Hannibal 4
Novel: Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris
Screenplay By: Thomas Harris
Producers: Dino De Laurentiis and Martha De Laurentiis
Dir.: Peter Webber
Starring: Gaspard Ulliel, Li Gong and Rhys Ifans

Hannibal grows up after escaping the Nazis and cannibalism during World War II and plans revenge on the cannibals responsible for his sister’s murder years before. Lured and frankly unnecessary prequel to the successful Hannibal series is also slow moving. One scene of revenge is welcome when Hannibal goes after the crude guy in the market. Otherwise, skip it.

Trivia: The only Hannibal outing to be scripted by the book series’ author, Thomas Harris.

Rated: [R] – Strong Grisly Violent Content and some Language / Sexual References
Available on DVD & Digital Copy

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Hannibal: The Complete Series (2013–2015)

C – 44m Each, 39 Episodes
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen
Inspired By The Novel: Red Dragon by Thomas Harris
Creator: Bryan Fuller
Starring: Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen, Laurence Fishburne and Eddie Izzard.

Will Graham is a teacher who is recruited because of his psychological gifts to help the F.B.I. track down killers, along the way he meets Hannibal Lecter and trouble ensues in the long run. The short lived series is slow moving for the most part, which may be a hindrance for some, but the visual touches are amazing. Worth a look.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Batman: Gotham By Gaslight (2018)

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Batman: Gotham By Gaslight (2018)

C – 78m
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen – Animated
Graphic Novel: Gotham By Gaslight: A Tale Of The Batman by Brian Augustyn, Michael Mignola and P. Craig Russell
Starring: Jennifer Carpenter, Bruce Greenwood, Grey DeLisle, Scott Patterson, John DiMaggio, Anthony Head and Yuri Lowenthal.

In an alternant Victorian Age Gotham, Batman begins his war on crime by investigating the murders done by Jack The Ripper. Strictly routine Jack The Ripper yarn gets a tad of a boost from the presence of the Batman characters. Robin is divided into three orphans, Cat Woman is a musical hall singing prostitute, as was Poison Ivy and Bruce Wayne / Batman plays Sherlock Holmes. Nothing more or less complicated by that. Some suspense is built and there is enough of the formula Ripper story to keep adults entertained. The end result visually however is a kid’s cartoon slapped with an [R] rating just for some violence, never mind the sexuality and language. Tame by most Ripper standards, for those who care.

Trivia: The three orphan boys’ names are: Dickie, Jason and Tim; the same three first names of the incarnations of Robin: Dick Grayson, Jason Todd and Tim Drake.

Rated: [R] – Some Violence
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde Films

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Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde (1920)

B&W – 79m (Running times vary, beware of shorter prints)
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 – Fullscreen
Novel By: Robert Louis Stevenson
Starring: John Barrymore, Martha Mansfield and Brandon Hurst.

Dr. Henry Jekyll experiments on himself and becomes the monstrous Mr. Hyde. Hyde is horrifying to look at and is very well played by Barrymore. A good early, and surviving, rendering of the classic Robert Louis Stevenson tale. On a trivia note it has been reported that Tallulah Bankhead was originally offered the role of Millicent before it finally went to Martha Mansfield.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

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Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde (1931)

B&W – 98m
Aspect Ratio: 1.20:1 – Fullscreen
Novel By: Robert Louis Stevenson
Starring: Fredric March, Miriam Hopkins, Rose Hobart and Holmes Herbert.

Dr. Henry Jekyll experiments on himself and becomes the monstrous Mr. Hyde. March won an Oscar® for Best Actor for his performance (the first time a horror film won an Oscar® by the way). The film was additionally nominated for Best Writing, Adaption and Best Cinematography. Aside from the aforementioned areas the film offers nothing new but is masterfully done for its time The makeup may be a tad overdone for some.

Available on DVD & Digital Copy

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Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde (1941)

B&W – 113m
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
Novel By: Robert Louis Stevenson
Dir.: Victor Fleming
Starring: Spencer Tracy, Ingrid Bergman, Lana Turner, Donald Crisp, Ian Hunter, Barton MacLane, C. Aubrey Smith, Peter Godfrey, Francis Robinson, Denis Green, Billy Bevan, Forrester Harvey, Ted Billings, Hillary Brooke, Douglas Gordon, Stuart Hall, Brandon Hurst, Colin Kenny, Doris Lloyd, Aubrey Mather, Milton Parsons, Gil Perkins, John Power, Clara Reid, Patsy Shaw and Martha Wentworth.

Dr. Henry Jekyll experiments on himself, and becomes into the monstrous Mr. Hyde. Very little makeup was used on Tracy in this wonderful film version of the classic Robert Louis Stevenson novel. Beautiful cinematography, lighting and acting all around, masterfully handled by director Victor Fleming. A horror film MUST!

Available on DVD & Digital Copy

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The Two Faces Of Dr. Jekyll (1960)

C – 88m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, Schlag 12 In London, House Of Fright, Jekyll’s Inferno
Screenplay By: Wolf Mankowitz
Starring: Paul Massie, Dawn Addams, Sir Christopher Lee, Oliver Reed and Joe Robinson.

Dr. Henry Jekyll experiments on himself and becomes the monstrous Mr. Hyde. Well–mounted Hammer House production of the classic Stevenson novel boasts of fine performances and some good chills. The usual Hammer twist of sex and violence is added here of course, but that is part of the fun!

Available on Blu–ray & DVD

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Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde (1973)

C – 78m.
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 – Fullscreen
Novel By: Robert Louis Stevenson
Starring: Kirk Douglas, Susan George, Susan Hampshire, Stanley Holloway, Donald Pleasence and Michael Redgrave.

Dr. Henry Jekyll experiments on himself, and becomes into the monstrous Mr. Hyde. A handsomely mounted musical production of the Stevenson tale takes full advantage of the talents of the cast and it pays off. While the pacing is a bit stilted the musical numbers are fun and the cast is more than game. Period detail helps too.

Out Of Print on VHS but Available on YouTube with commentary.

Cape Fear (1962 & 1991)

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Cape Fear (1962)

B&W – 106m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Executioners
Novel: The Executioners / Cape Fear (Rerelease Title) by John D. MacDonald
Screenwriter: James R. Webb
Dir.: J. Lee Thompson
Starring: Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum, Polly Bergen, Lori Martin, Martin Balsam, Telly Savalas, Barrie Chase, Edward Platt, Will Wright, Joan Staley, Herb Armstrong, Cindy Carol, Don Anderson, Eddie Baker, Fred Rappaport and Jeffrey Sayre.
Music By: Bernard Herrmann

A lawyer’s family is terrorized by a man he once helped put into jail. A disturbing tale to be sure, but it boasts of great talent on both sides of the camera and the score is haunting. It may come as a surprise that this was not a Hitchcock film but had all the elements of one. Worth a watch, if for no other reason that to compare it to the Martin Scorsese remake. 

Trivia: This film was a financial flop and ended Gregory Peck’s film production company, Melville Productions. He got the name of the company when he played Captain Ahab in Moby Dick (1956). Robert Mitchum and Gregory Peck did not get along well in real life after Mitchum told people he acted Gregory Peck off the screen in this film. For Peck’s part, he felt he paid Mitchum handsomely and that he had given Mitchum the better part. Robert Mitchum didn’t want to do the film until Gregory Peck had a case of Bourbon to his house. Mitchum’s response was: “Okay, I’ve drunk your bourbon. I’m Drunk. I’ll do it.”  

Polly Bergan suffered minor bruising at the hands of Mitchum when he pushed her through a series of doors. He was using her as a battering ram because a crew member mistakenly locked some of the doors. The hotel were Mitchum takes Barrie Chase is, “Mother’s House,” from Psycho (1960), where Martin Balsam met his end some two years earlier. Rod Steiger wanted to play Max Cady but backed off when he heard Robert Mitchum was after the role. Telly Savalas was originally screen tested for Max Cady but played the private detective, Charly Sievers, instead. Earnest Borgnine was originally offered the role of Max Cady. Charles Bronson, James Coburn, Jack Palance, John Wayne and Charlton Heston were all considered for the role of Sam Bowden. When Heston, who was originally cast, dropped out of the film, Gregory Peck replaced him. J. Lee Thompson originally wanted Haley Mills for the role of Nancy Bowden but couldn’t get her because she was contracted to Walt Disney Studios. Jim Backus was set to play attorney Dave Grafton but left because of his new show, Gilligan’s Island (1964 – 1967). This film correctly depicts what someone sees when they look through binoculars.

And finally: The Hollywood Production Code Office censored idea of Max Cady being a Officer who executed the brutal rape of a 14 – year–old girl and was convicted because of then Lt. Boden’s testimony. They forced the removal of the word, “rape,” and said that depicting Cady as an officer reflected poorly on the US Armed Forces.  

Out Of Print on VHS & Laserdisc but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

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Cape Fear (1991)

C – 128m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen / 2.35:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray)
Novel: The Executioners by John D. MacDonald
Earlier Screenplay By: James R. Webb
Screenplay By: Wesley Strick
Dir.: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Robert De Niro, Nick Notle, Jessica Lange, Juliette Lewis, Joe Don Baker, Robert Mitchum, Gregory Peck, Martin Balsam, Illeana Douglas, Edgar Allan Poe IV, Catherine Scorsese and Charles Scorsese.
Original Score: Bernard Herrmann
Adapted Score: Elmer Bernstein

A prisoner is released from prison only to harass the family of the man he believed helped put him in there. A more horrifying version of the classic film is, itself, a cult classic. Great cast with wonderful talent on both sides of the camera. De Niro is more menacing than Mitchum though. A must watch for comparison sake.

Trivia: Nick Nolte lost a fair amount of weight for his role. Interestingly Robert Redford was considered for Nolte’s role. More on that role in a few… Robert De Niro was tattooed with vegetable dyes that faded away after a few months. The thick accent De Niro used to play Cady gave Martin Scorsese the creeps. As such, De Niro would call Scorsese’s house as Cady and leave messages. The scene of De Niro and Juliette Lewis in the school building was completely adlibbed, shot in three takes, but the first take is the one you see in the film. Juliette Lewis reportedly developed a crush on Robert De Niro during the drama class seduction scene.

Nicole Kidman lobbied for the role that went to Juliette Lewis but Scorsese wanted a younger actress. Drew Barrymore auditioned for Juliette Lewis’ role but failed. Reese Witherspoon also auditioned for the same role. Additionally Christina Applegate and Alyssa Milano auditioned for the role but had to turn it down for their own respective reasons. Also Jennifer Connelly and Winona Ryder turned down the role. This was Gregory Peck’s final appearance in a theatrical film before his death on June 12, 2008 at the age of 87.

Steven Spielberg was originally set to direct but recommended Martin Scorsese for the job. When Spielberg was set to direct he planned to cast Bill Murray as Max Cady. Brad Dourif, the voice of Chucky in that horror franchise, was considered for the role of Max Cady. Mitchum replaced George C. Scott who dropped out of this film due to health issues. The adapted score by Elmer Bernstein, of the original Bernard Herrmann score, also featured unused portions of Bernstein’s score for Alfred Hitchcock’s Torn Curtain (1966). 

Rated: [R] – Strong Violence & Language
Out Of Print on VHS & Laserdisc but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Raven Films (1935-2012)

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The Raven (1935)

B&W – 61m
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
Title Poem by Edgar Allen Poe. Dir.: Lew Landers (Louis Friedlander).
Starring: Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, Lester Matthews, Irene Ware, Samuel S. Hinds & Ian Wolfe.

A brilliant Surgeon (Lugosi) obsessed with the works of Edgar Allen Poe (particularly the title poem) saves the life of a beautiful dancer (Ware) but goes mad when he can’t be her man. To help him with his revenge scheme he enslaves a criminal on the run who he gave a purposefully botched facial surgery to (Karloff). Universal Studios has branded this a, “horror,” film. It may have been horror at the time of it’s release but now would pass as a thriller. To those who can still appreciate it for what it was when it was released, it is still horror. To those who are expecting a 1970’s or forward depiction of horror, this will come off as a light thriller that is slightly melodramatic. If you can keep an open mind though, there are a few places in this film where you may have to remind yourself to breath. 

Note: Boris Karloff would go on to be in another same–titled movie that had little to do with the classic Poe poem. In that film he is teamed with Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Hazel Court, Olive Sturgess and Jack Nicholson. It is directed by Roger Corman with a script by Richard Matheson.  

Out Of Print on VHS and Laserdisc but currently on DVD

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The Raven (1963)

C. – 86m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen  
Dir.: Roger Corman. Screenplay by Richard Matheson. Title Poem by Edgar Allen Poe.
Starring: Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Boris Karloff, Hazel Court, Olive Sturgess and Jack Nicholson.

Price, Lorre and Karloff are…well…priceless as three sorcerers. Lorre is a riot as a drunk who can’t keep his mouth shut and keeps being turned into a raven (hence the title). Price is the sorcerer who helps him regain human form, even if it is just temporarily. Karloff is aiming to be head sorcerer with the sexual aid of Price’s, “late,” wife Lenore, Court. Nicholson brings up the romantic rear as the son that Lorre wishes he never had. It may be a small part but Nicholson makes the most of it. Great costumes, sets, a witty script and a talented cast make this breezy film enjoyable. This is more of a comedy than anything else.

Four points of note: 1.) Price recites the first couple of stanzas of Poe’s classic poem and acts out a very loose rendering of the next few in the opening scenes. 2.) Vincent Price, Peter Lorre and Boris Karloff did an LP album recording of each of them reading the Poe poem, from which the film gets its title. The three separate recordings were all edited together and released, in the aforementioned format, as a promotional gimmick for this film. 3.) This film is the 2nd film that Boris Karloff did that bore the title of the classic Poe poem but was only, “inspired by” it. Previously he was in another unrelated plotted version with Bela Lugosi, Lester Matthews, Irene Ware, Samuel S. Hinds and Ian Wolfe. 4.) There are stills available online, in books and on the DVD and Blu-ray releases of this film that have Price, Lorre and Karloff seated around a fire toasting marshmallows and smiling. These apparently come from a deleted scene that was never completely shot because the aforementioned trio kept cracking up and ruining the takes. Johnny Carson made reference to this in an interview he did with Price on The Tonight Show. Carson claimed to have seen the blooper reel of that scene at some party he attended. Sadly, if it does exist, it has not been made available to the public in any form – purchasable or otherwise (YouTube). A shame. The film is still watchable, forevermore. 

Out Of Print on VHS and Laserdisc, but available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

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The Raven (2006)

C. – 81m
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 – Fullscreen  
Title Poem by Edgar Allen Poe. No Name Cast

This is an alleged “thriller.” To say that this was, “inspired by,” Poe’s classic title poem is to be generous. To say that someone starred in this would be a dubious honor. To say that this resembles the far superior 2012 film would be blasphemous. What is left is a muddled visual telling of someone who clearly became obsessed with the Poe poem and dreamt of meeting him one too many times. There is violence at play here if you would care to fast-forward to it, otherwise nothing comes of this film. Nevermore!

Rated: [R] – Bloody Violence Throughout, Nudity & Sexual Content, Brief Language & Drug Use. 
On DVD only; thankfully… And even that thankful point is questionable.


 

The Raven (2012)

C. – 110m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Title Poem by Edgar Allen Poe…
Starring: John Cusack, Luke Evans, Alice Eve, Brendan Gleeson, Kevin McNally.

Edgar Allen Poe was reportedly alone and delusional when he died. The premise of this film is that Poe is recruited by the police to solve a series of murders inspired by his dark stories. Originally Ewan McGregor was cast as Poe and Jeremy Renner as Inspector Emmet Fields but they dropped out. They were replaced by Cusack as Poe and Evans as Fields. A good thing they were because Cusack and the rest of the cast are exceptional in their roles. For any fan of historical fiction mysteries, this is a must!

Additional Trivia: The film is set in Baltimore, MD, USA but was filmed in Hungary and Serbia with mostly a British cast. Cusack is the lone American in the lead cast. Sylvester Stallone tried to get another Poe bio–pic made with Robert Downey, Jr as Poe but it fell apart. The first trailer for the film was released on October 7, 2011 – exactly 162 years to the day after Edgar Allen Poe’s mysterious death. It is also interesting to note that since the film’s theatrical release, the annual mysterious cloaked visitor to Poe’s grave who would leave a shot of Cognac and a flower has ceased. Dare I say?: “Nevermore.” The film is watchable forevermore. 

Rated: [R] – Bloody Violence & Grisly Images.
On Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy. 

Chucky Series: Volume I & II

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Child’s Play (1988)

C. – 87m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Batteries Not Included, Blood Brother, Blood Buddy
Dir.: Tom Holland
Starring: Catherine Hicks, Chris Sarandon, Alex Vincent and Brad Dourif

A serial killer’s spirit lives on in a doll that a single mother gives her son for his birthday. Almost a black comedy rather than a horror, this film boasts of strong performances and a smart script. Things do get a bit preposterous as the film moves on but such is the charm of it all.

Trivia: Chucky’s full name as a human is Charles Lee Ray. The name is derived from serial killer and assassins: Charles Manson, Lee Harvey Oswald (Senator and President John Fitzgerald Kennedy) and James Earl Ray (Martin Luther King, Jr.). Catherine Hicks met her husband, the creator and operator of the Chucky doll while making this film. They married a year later. Brad Dourif recorded his lines prior to filming. When they would shoot the scenes with the doll the filmmakers would move the mouth of the puppet to the recording of Dourif’s voice that would play on set. As such, he was seldom on set. And The My Buddy Doll Line never recovered from the damage this film did to it. 

Rate: [R]
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

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Child’s Play 2 (1990)

C. – 84m. / 90m. (Extended Cut) / 72m. (Heavily Edited Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Child’s Play II
Starring: Alex Vincent and Brad Dourif

Chucky takes another stab at Andy who is now in a foster home. Contrived but amusing sequel is slightly lesser quality than the first one but not bad as sequels go. There are a few different cuts of this film. The 84 minute cut is the standard release version for Blu–ray, DVD & Digital copy. A couple of points of trivia: Despite Catherine Hicks not reprising her role, she was on set to see her husband who invented and operated the Chucky doll. And: Chris Sarandon was originally going to reprise his role but it was cut out of the film due to budgetary issues.

Rated: [R]
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

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Child’s Play 3 (1991)

C. – 90m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Child’s Play III
Starring: Justin Whalin and Brad Dourif

Chucky makes attempt three at getting Andy, who is now a teenager. This is the dud of the series in this reviewer’s opinion. Nothing is believable and there is little to care about in the story (not that all the others have major plots). A waste of time for most but a must for die hard fans of the series. A few trivia points for those who care: Peter Jackson was asked to direct this film. It was the least liked film in the series by all involved. And Jonathan Brandis (It (1990) and Ladybugs (1992)) was considered for the role of Andy.

Rated: [R] – Horror Violence & Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

 

 

 

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Bride Of Chucky (1998)

C. – 89m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Child’s Play 4: Bride Of Chucky, Chucky And His Bride, Child’s Play 4, Chucky
Starring: Jennifer Tilly, Brad Dourif, Katherine Heigl, Alexis Arquette, John Ritter, Colin Clive, Boris Karloff and Elsa Lanchester

Chucky creates another murderous doll, goes on a killing spree with her and then marries her. Goofy sequel in the Chucky series starts the “Of Chucky” sequels. Enjoyable but bloody disgusting.

Trivia: Keep an eye open for a nip–slip on Tilly when she is dancing for Chucky. According to Jennifer Tilly the sex scene between the dolls was improvised. And: Brad Dourif adlibbed the line: “Why does that look so familiar?”.

Rated: [R] – Strong Horror Violence, And Gore, Language, Some Sexual Content & Brief Drug Use
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

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Seed Of Chucky (2004)

C. – 87m (Theatrical Cut) / 88m. ([UNRATED] Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Child’s Play 5: Seed Of Chucky, Child’s Play 5: Son Of Chucky, Bride Of Chucky 2: Son Of Chucky, Child’s Play 5
Starring: Brad Dourif, Jennifer Tilly, Billy Boyd, Redman, John Waters and Martha Stewart

Chucky and Tiffany bring back their gender confused son into the family business as they hit Hollywood to terrorize the filmmakers of a film about their killing sprees. An idiotic premise to be sure but there is sharp and dangerous wit at play here. Most critics hated this film but this reviewer enjoys it. 

Trivia: Originally Rated [NC – 17] by the MPAA but was released [UNRATED]. And: The gender confused offspring of Chucky in this film is named Glen or Glenda, which is a reference to the Ed Wood film of that title: Glen Or Glenda (1953). In that film Wood himself played a transvestite known as Glen or Glenda. 

Rated: [R] – Strong Horror Violence / Gore, Sexual Content & Language. / [UNRATED] – Strong Horror Violence / Gore, Sexual Content & Language.
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

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Curse Of Chucky (2013)

C. – 97m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen (Orig.) / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (DVD & B.R.)
A.K.A.: Child’s Play 6: Curse Of Chucky, Child’s Play 6
Writer – Dir.: Don Mancini
Starring: Fiona Dourif, A Martinez, Brad Dourif, Jennifer Tilly.

A dysfunctional family with a dark secret, (guess what it could be), is haunted by the Chucky Doll. Slow moving 6th installment in the Child’s Play franchise has glib and subtle humor compared to the last two entries: Bride Of Chucky (1998) and Seed Of Chucky (2004). There are no real, “scares,” here but there are a couple of good jump moments. The fun of seeing series runner Brad Dourif with his daughter, Fiona Dourif, makes this good campy fun. Viewers in the know may recognize the elevator in this film as being similar to the one in the apartment complex in the first Child’s Play (1988) film. Tilly is always a screen treat. Watch through the end credits to see a scene with Andy from the Child’s Play films (1988 – 1991). This film, Curse Of Chucky (2017), comes in an R rated cut and an Unrated Cut. Horror film buffs will want to stick with the Unrated cut, though the difference is negligible; adding up to mere seconds difference.

Rated: [R] – Bloody Horror Violence & Language. / [UNRATED] – More of the same plus an extension of the lesbian subplot.
Available on DVD, Blu–ray & Digital Copy

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Cult Of Chucky (2017)

C. – 92m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen (Orig.) / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (DVD & B.R.)
A.K.A.: Child’s Play 7: Cult Of Chucky, Curse Of Chucky 2, Child’s Play 7, Childs Play 7
Writer – Dir.: Don Mancini
Starring: Allison Dawn Doiron, Alex Vincent, Brad Dourif, Fiona Dourif, Zak Santiago and Jennifer Tilly

Chucky’s daughter is institutionalized because she is believed to have killed her family. When grisly deaths start to occur in the hospital she is the prime suspect. Meanwhile Andy (from the original Child’s Play films) must find a way to get into the nuthouse to rid the world of multiple Chuckys. Just how far does the cult of Chucky stretch? An insane premise actually turned out a good sequel in the franchise. Everyone and everything is in top shape here. There is an [UNRATED] cut of the film, but again the difference is negligible from the [R] rated cut, adding only seconds.

Trivia: Don Mancini, the writer – director of this film has written the Chucky films from Child’s Play (1988) – Cult Of Chucky (2017), and has directed three of them; Seed Of Chucky (2004) – Cult Of Chucky (2017). The two Dourifs are related. This is the second teaming for them. Jennifer Tilly shot all her scenes in six days. In the film Chucky, voiced by Brad Dourif, says, “F---ing Cuckoo’s Nest.” Brad Dourif was Billy Bibbit in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (1975). Chucky also mentions that another doll sounds like Hannibal Lecter and that he can’t believe the TV show Hannibal (2013 – 2015) was cancelled. Don Mancini wrote two episodes of that show. And finally: Watch all the end credits because there is a post credits scene with Kyle from Child’s Play 2 (1990).

Rated: [R] – Strong Horror Violence, Grisly Images, Language, Brief Sexuality & Drug Use. / [UNRATED] – Same reasons just slightly more violence.
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

The Saw Franchise (2004-2017)

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Saw (2004)

C – 103m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Cary Elwes, Danny Glover, Ken Leung, Makenzie Vega, Monica Potter, Ned Bellamy and Tobin Bell.

Two strangers awake in a room with no recollection of how they got there and soon discover they are pawns in a deadly game perpetrated by a notorious serial killer. Made on a shoestring budget this grisly horror film was cutting edge, if you’ll pardon the pun, when it was released. Very well done but at the end of the day it started a formula series that fluctuates in likability as the series continues. Fine acting and interesting touches here, though they are admittedly used to cover the lack of shots acquired with the actors due to the limited budget. 

Note: At one point there were two cuts of this film – Theatrical Cut & Director’s Cut (running 98m), however the latter cut has been discontinued. 

Rated: [R] – Strong Grisly Violence & Language
[UNRATED] – More Of The Same
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

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Saw II (2005)

C – 93m (Theatrical Cut) / 95m (Unrated Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Starring: Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Donnie Wahlberg, Franky G, Glenn Plummer, Emmanuelle Vaugier and Cary Elwes.

A detective and his team must rescue 8 people trapped in a factory by the twisted serial killer known only as Jigsaw. Well–done and obviously grisly sequel. This reviewer must admit to the personal skeeve of the needle pit scene.  

Trivia: Five alternant endings were shot. It took four days for four people to replace all the needle tips with fiver tips for the needle pit scene. In total around 120,000 syringes were used in the scene. The film was shot in 25 days.

Rated: [R] – Grisly Violence And Gore, Terror, Language & Drug Content
[UNRATED] – More Of The Same
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

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Saw III (2006)

C – 108m (Theatrical Cut) / 114m (Unrated Cut) / 121m (Director’s Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Starring: Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Donnie Wahlberg and Franky G.

Jigsaw kidnaps a doctor to keep him alive while he watches his new apprentice put an unlucky guy named Jeff through a brutal test. Brutal and disturbing like the rest but another well–done sequel. 

Trivia: The scene where Jigsaw has brain surgery while being awake was left untouched by the MPAA Board. The filmmakers had argued that it was no different than anything that people could catch in a medical documentary on television. It is reported by producer Daniel J. Heffner the MPAA Board saw this film seven times before it received the: [R] rating. It was given a: [NC–17] prior times to the desired rating on the 7th try. For several weeks before filming, Tobin Bell and Shawnee Smith spent time getting to know each other so that their relationship on screen would be more believable. This was shot in 32 days.

Note: There are three cuts of this film. The Director’s Cut is the preferred cut.
Rated: [R] – Strong Grisly Violence And Gore, Sequences Of Terror And Torture, Nudity & Language
[UNATED] – More Of The Same
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

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Saw IV (2007)

C – 93m (Theatrical Cut) / 96m (Unrated Director’s Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Starring: Tobin Bell, Costas Manylor, Scott Patterson, Donnie Wahlberg, Shawnee Smith, James Van Patten and Emmanuelle Vaugier.

Despite Jigsaw’s death, Lt. Rigg is forced to take part in a new game. Smart but lesser continuation of the gruesome series. This entry becomes a bit improbable but is still entertaining.

Trivia: The Tobin Bell body cast used in the autopsy scene took two weeks to be constructed. The autopsy scene was left untouched by the MPAA Board. A coroner was onset at all times during the autopsy scene. The sets were built so that the camera shifting from one scene to another would be practical rather than digital in the editing process. This film was filmed in 32 days.

Rated: [R] – Sequences Of Grisly Bloody Violence And Torture Throughout & Language
[UNRATED] – More Of The Same
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

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Saw V (2008)

C – 92m (Theatrical Cut) / 95m (Unrated Director’s Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Starring: Tobin Bell, Costas Manylor, Scott Patterson, Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Glover and Shawnee Smith.

A suspicious agent checks into the background of someone recently hailed as a hero, while a group of strangers are put through another Jigsaw inspired game. Contrived and frankly boring entry in the grisly series… It is only with watching because it is part of the series. There is one spot of genus with one of the traps noted in the trivia blow. 

Trivia: Seth’s trap is inspired by Edger Allen Poe’s, The Pit And The Pendulum. 

Rated: [R] – Sequences Of Grisly Bloody Violence And Torture, Language & Brief Nudity
[UNRATED] – More Of The Same
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

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Saw VI (2009)

C – 90m (Theatrical Cut) / 92m (Unrated Director’s Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Starring: Tobin Bell, Costas Manylor, Shawnee Smith, James Van Patten and Scott Patterson.

The FBI draws closer to a suspect and some insurance agents are put through a game. By far THE BEST of the series. The social commentary on insurance companies catapults this far beyond the rest of the series. It should be noted that this came about around the time of Obamacare. There is no political commentary meant behind that point by this reviewer. It is merely an observation on the timing of the making of and release of the film.

Trivia: This film was banned in Thailand.
Rated: [R] – Sequences Of Grisly Bloody Violence And Torture, & Language
[UNRATED] – More Of The Same
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

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Saw VII: The Final Chapter (2010)

C – 90m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
AKA: Saw VII 3D: The Final Chapter, Saw 3D: The Final Chapter, Jigsaw Puzzle 3D, Saw 3D, Saw VII
Starring: Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Cary Elwes, James Van Patten, Michael Emerson and Franky G.

Jigsaw’s legacy is the subject of a battle and former victims unwisely seek help and hearing from a self–help guru with dark secrets. Fun but routine entry in the series… It would be seven years until the next film.

Trivia: In a Massachusetts branch of Showcase Cinemas this film was accidentally screened instead of the 3D animated film Megaminde (2010), traumatizing the young audience. The MPAA Board gave this film a: [NC–17], rating five times before it finally received it’s: [R], rating.

Rated: [R] – Sequences Of Grisly Bloody Violence And Torture, & Language
Available in 3D and 2D on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

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Jigsaw (2017) Movie Poster

Jigsaw (2017) Movie Poster

Jigsaw (2017) Film Review

C. – 91m.
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen

A.K.A.: Saw VIII: Jigsaw, Saw: Legacy, Saw VIII, Saw 8

Starring: Tobin Bell.

Dead bodies are showing up around the city and the evidence points to John Kramer / Jigsaw (Tobin Bell), the man who was behind other ghastly murders and has been dead for ten years. Intricate and contrived as always… Not for the squeamish obviously but the fans should like it. 

Trivia: This is the first Saw movie to not have been released in the annual saga of the earlier pictures. It was also the in the series with two directors. Further still it is the first entry in the franchise to use Tobin Bell’s character’s name in the title. It also happens to be the second one shot on digital technology. The First was Saw VII: Saw 3D – The Final Chapter (2010). This is the first film in the series since the first film to not have a death trap in the opening. It also does not feature footage from previous entries.

Rated: [R] – Sequences Of Grisly Bloody Violence And Torture & Language.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

It (1990) & It (2017)

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It (1990)

C. – 192m. (Original Cut), 187 (DVD & Blu–ray)
Format: 1.33:1 – Fullscreen & 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Stephen King’s It
Dir.: Tommy Lee Wallace. Novel by Stephen King.
Starring: Harry Anderson, Dennis Christopher, Richard Masur, Annette O’Toole, Tim Reid, Jonathan Brandis, John Ritter, Richard Thomas, Tim Curry and Olivia Hussey.

A group of school–bullied teens get stalked by a monstrous clown during the summer; years later they reunite as adults and vow to take down the clown who has just reappeared. The film is mild in terms of how everything looks decades on from when it was made but it still boasts of fine performances by the cast, particularly Curry. Worth a watch on a rainy day.

Some trivia: Tim Curry gave such a creepy performance as Pennywise the monstrous clown that everyone avoided him during the production. Years later he was offered a chance to reprise the role in the remake but turned it down. Tim Curry was reluctant to take the role because of a bad experience with heavy makeup in Legend (1985). Upon hearing this, the director minimized the makeup for Curry. Sadly Jonathan Brandis and John Ritter died suddenly in 2003. Brandis committed suicide by hanging himself, while Ritter suffered an unexpected and fatal Aortic Dissection. And finally, on the day that the shoot called for the kids to go into the sewer, it was actually raining – thus saving the filmmakers the trouble of creating fake rain.

Rated: [Unrated] or [R] – Violence & Language.

Out Of Print on VHS and Laserdisc, but Available on DVD and Blu–Ray.

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IT (2017) Movie Poster

IT (2017) Movie Poster

It (2017)

A.K.A.: Stephen King’s It Chapter 1, Stephen King’s It Part 1 and It: Chapter 1

C. – 135m.
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen

Starring: Bill Skarsgard, Sophia Lillis.

A group of teens have a year and change of growing up terrorized by the school bullies and a monstrous clown. It should be noted for those who are not impressed with the film’s ending and feel that there is a massive amount missing from the film, including the ending of the book, that this is just the first half of the story. While a ton of material was left out, there is still (at the time of this writing) a part two pending release. This is a ton darker than the original with much better C.G.I. Perhaps a tad too dark since it features an un–needed incest pedophilia sub–plot. Very well done though and the performances are stellar. Skarsgard’s insane clown is played with gusto and the aid of a plethora of C.G.I. His performance stands out here, as is the performance of Lillis as Beverly!

Some trivia: Skarsgard felt a ton of pressure to play the role of Pennywise to the same flamboyant level as Tim Curry, since Curry’s performance was widely praised in the original 1990 film. Those are really Skarsgard’s eyes that look in different directions in the film, not C.G.I.! The number 27 is often associated with this story; in the film it is mentioned that every 27 years Pennywise returns to Derry; this film was purposefully set to be released 27 years after the original 1990 mini–series aired on TV; the actor Jonathan Brandis, from the original film, died at age 27 (suicide by hanging), and this film was released one month after Bill Skarsgard’s 27th birthday! Skarsgard reportedly trained with a contortionist for his role in the film and yes, he does speak Swedish in the film.

Skarsgard was the fourth actor offered the role of Pennywise. Tim Curry was offered it first as a chance for him to reprise the role, but her turned it down. Then Ben Mendelsohn and Will Poulter were offered the role. The slideshow scene was a nod to Stephen King’s story: The Sun Dog. Chloe Grace Moetz, best known for playing Carrie in the 2013 version of that story, was originally considered for the role of Beverly here but was rejected due to her age when the film finally got around to being shot. The woman that you see in the film, Sophia Lillis, was cast instead. The novel took place in 1957 and 1958, where–as this film takes place in 1988 and 1989. The film, believe it or not, was in pre–production for seven years before the film even started shooting. And finally, the film’s shooting wrapped (finished) one day before Stephen King (the author of the book) turned 69 years old – 9/20/2016 (King’s birthday being 9/21/1947).   

A personal note: When I saw this it was 9/9/2017 with Thomas Sawyer and Cory Fairfield. It was part of a celebration of my 30th birthday. We went to Chunky’s Cinema Pub in Nashua, NH and had drinks and watched the film. The boys had food too. The theater had professional people dressed in creepy clown masks stalking around the theater scaring the hell out of patrons who were there in droves to see the film. Mostly they scared the women of the crowds.      

Rated: [R] – Violence / Horror, Scary Images, & Language

Available On 4K Blu–ray, Blu–ray, DVD and Digital Copy.