The Psychopath [Schizoid] *** (1966, Patrick Wymark, Margaret Johnston, John Standing, Alexander Knox, Judy Huxtable, Thorley Walters) – Classic Movie Review 3106

Veteran horror director Freddie Francis whips up an effectively creepy atmosphere and a stylish look for this 1966 Amicus horror tale of a killer who leaves tiny mutilated dolls at the scene of the crime next to his victims’ corpses. And four men involved in the investigation of a German millionaire at the end of World War Two are found murdered in this way. It features a cast of good actors, rather than just stars, and this naturally pays off in the performances.

Patrick Wymark gives an authoritative turn as police Inspector Holloway, the detective who investigates the murders and finds that wheelchair-bound Mrs Von Sturm (Margaret Johnston) and her pale, wide-eyed, neurotic son Mark (John Standing) are the principal suspects. A definite clue in this direction is that Mrs Von Sturm’s home is overcrowded with a doll collection and she in fact bought the dolls.

However, with the police blundering, it is up to Louise Saville (Judy Huxtable), the daughter of one of the victims to discover the shocking truth.

Robert Bloch’s screenplay recycles his most famous story, Psycho, even using a similar title. But, though it is eerie and enjoyable enough, it is perhaps understandably less well done in all departments.

Also in the cast are Alexander Knox as Frank Saville, Don Borisenko as Donald Loftis, Thorley Walters as Martin Roth, Colin Gordon as Dr Glyn, Robert Crewdson, Tim Barrett, Frank Forsyth, Olive Gregg, Harold Lang (in his final film), Gina Gianelli, Peter Diamond and John Harvey.

The cinematographer is John Wilcox, the producers are Milton Subotsky and Max Rosenberg, the score is by Philip Martell and Elisabeth Lutyens and the production designs are by Bill Constable.

Dr Glyn: ‘After 20 years as a physician, may I offer you some advice?’ Donald Loftis: ‘Yes, please do.’ Dr Glyn: ‘Take up plumbing!’

Sir John Standing, whose mother was the actress Kay Hammond, succeeded his father Sir Ronald Leon as the 4th baronet in 1964.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 3106

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