Psycho IV: The Beginning *** (1990, Anthony Perkins, Olivia Hussey, CCH Pounder, Henry Thomas) – Classic Movie Review 5861

Director Mick Garris’s 1990 made-for-TV horror movie goes back to the beginning  for an intriguing prequel written by Joseph Stefano, the screenwriter of the first Psycho (1960), basing his script on the characters created by Robert Bloch.

Once again poor Anthony Perkins is back in his iconic role as Norman Bates, who this time remembers his young self (Henry Thomas) and of course his crazy mother Mrs Bates (Olivia Hussey).

The back story all starts up when a radio chat-show star, Fran Ambrose (C C H Pounder), gets interested in the topic of matricide and in flashback we discover how Norman Bates came to be the twitching wreck he is today.

Stefano’s screenplay, with some sharp ideas and some interesting character and plot development, combine with the strong performances to keep it very watchable.

Bernard Herrmann’s original score comes in handy again (along with some new music by Graeme Revell).

Also in the cast are Warren Frost, Donna Mitchell, Thomas Schuster, Sharon Camille, Bobbi Evors, John Landis, Kurt Paul, Louis Crume, Cynthia Garris and Doreen Chambers.

It is available on a Region 1 DVD triple feature with Psycho II and Psycho III.

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 5861

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