A psycho targets a therapist’s patients in Los Angeles
Shot in March, 1980, this debuted five months after “Friday the 13th" and comes in the tradition of 70s’ flicks inspired by “Psycho,” such as “Haunts,” “Schizo,” “The Toolbox Murders” and "Don't Go in the House." The doe-eyed protagonist is effectively played by Marianna Hill, who was 38 during shooting and still lookin’ good. You might recall her from her role as the lovely Dr. Helen Noel in the Star Trek episode “Dagger of the Mind,” as well as the woman that The Stranger manhandles in “High Plains Drifter.”
The first act introduces two possible suspects (Klaus Kinski and Chritopher Lloyd), but two more are revealed in the second act. I liked the focus on psychology and the insights thereof, including paranoid suspicions (that don’t pan out). For instance, one person is justifiably irate that he’s being talked about at the group sessions where, ironically, one of the patients stresses that it’s not appropriate to talk negatively about someone who isn’t present to defend himself. Also, the therapist makes a good living as a psychologist, but how can you successfully counsel others if your own house isn’t in order?
Petite brunette Donna Wilkes is notable as the doctor’s troubled daughter while Craig Wasson is on hand as the protagonist’s ex.
Regrettably, the dramatic first hour is superior to how everything is tied-up in the final half hour, which is eye-rolling in some ways.
It runs 1 hour, 29 minutes, and was shot in Los Angeles, with the mansion located at Silver Lake.
GRADE: B-
