Patrick (1978, Susan Penhaligon, Robert Helpmann, Rod Mullinar, Robert Thompson) – Classic Movie Review 11,802

Director Richard Franklin’s Australian 1978 science fiction horror thriller Patrick stars Susan Penhaligon, Robert Helpmann, Rod Mullinar and Robert Thompson.

Director Franklin finds these psychokinetic chillers are hard to do. This ghastly, bottom-of-the-barrel Aussie chiller is a switch-off for those searching for late-night horror viewing.

Prepare to feel sorry for Susan Penhaligon as Kathie Jacquard, the nurse who has to tend to the eponymous Patrick (Robert Thompson), comatose in a private hospital in Melbourne after murdering his parents three years ago, but possessing strange, almost electrical powers.

Oh please! This would-be creepy stuff ends up just plain risible.

The TV version cuts some violence.

It is Everett De Roche’s second script following Long Weekend (1978). As with Long Weekend, Quentin Tarantino is a fan of Patrick and talks about it in Mark Hartley’s documentary Not Quite Hollywood.

The score for is composed and conducted by Australian composer Brian May.

Franklin was unhappy with the US version re-dubbed into American accents and recut. However the film was successful internationally, selling to more than 30 countries and performing well in the US.

British actress Susan Penhaligon was brought in to star, which helped producer Antony I Ginnane to sell it in Britain.

The cast are Susan Penhaligon as Kathie Jacquard, Robert Helpmann as Dr Roget, Rod Mullinar as Ed Jacquard, Robert Thompson as Patrick, Bruce Barry as Dr. Brian Wright, Julia Blake as Matron Cassidy, Helen Hemingway as Sister Williams, María Mercedes as Nurse Panicale, Walter Pym as Capt. Fraser, Frank Wilson as Det. Sgt. Grant, and John P. Boddie as the Multi-Colored Mice.

Director Mark Hartley’s remake Patrick was released on 27 July 2013 at the Melbourne International Film Festival and stars Jackson Gallagher as Patrick.

© Derek Winnert 2021 Classic Movie Review 11,802

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