SYNOPSIS: Anatomy of a Psycho is a 1961 American horror film directed by Saul Bass and written by Robert Bloch, based on his own novel of the same name. The film is a psychological thriller that tells the story of Robert Black, a young woman who is accused of murdering her lover, David, after he discovers her dark secret: she is a habitual killer of men who abuse her. The film follows the investigation into Robert's crimes, led by Detective James B. Wade, who becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering the truth behind her motives.

As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Robert's childhood has been marked by trauma and abuse, which has driven her to seek revenge against the men who have wronged her. The film explores themes of femininity, sexuality, and the darker aspects of human nature, raising questions about the morality and justification of Robert's actions. The title "Anatomy of a Psycho" refers to the idea that Robert's psyche has been dissected and analyzed in order to understand her motivations and behaviors.

The film features a striking visual style, with bold colors and innovative camera work that adds to the sense of unease and tension. The performance of Barbara Stanwyck as Robert Black is particularly noteworthy, bringing depth and complexity to the character despite the somewhat one-dimensional portrayal of female characters in early 1960s cinema. Overall, Anatomy of a Psycho is a thought-provoking and unsettling film that continues to fascinate audiences with its exploration of the darker aspects of human psychology.

PLOT Spoiler Alert: Anatomy of a Psycho (1961) follows the story of Chet Marco, a young man deeply troubled by the recent execution of his brother, Duke Marco, who was convicted of murder. As the film opens, we see the profound impact Duke's death has on Chet and his fragile mental state. Chet's sister, Patty, tries to maintain a semblance of normalcy, but Chet is driven by an overwhelming need for revenge.

Chet believes that the people who testified against Duke, including the district attorney and the judge, are responsible for his brother's death. His anger and grief are further fueled by his friend, Joe, who encourages Chet's belief that Duke was unfairly treated. Chet's descent into madness is marked by his increasing paranoia and violent outbursts.

As Chet's mental state deteriorates, he starts to plot his revenge. He begins by targeting individuals connected to his brother's trial. His first victim is the district attorney, whom he attacks but fails to kill.

Undeterred, Chet moves on to the judge, breaking into his home with the intent to murder him. However, Chet is interrupted and forced to flee.

Chet's actions attract the attention of the police, who begin to close in on him. In a particularly tense scene, Chet confronts a witness who testified against Duke, threatening him in a public setting. This act of intimidation only serves to heighten the community's fear and the police's resolve to capture him.

Patty, aware of her brother's actions, tries desperately to reach out to him, hoping to prevent further violence. She enlists the help of her boyfriend, Mickey, who is sympathetic to Chet's plight but also recognizes the danger he poses. Together, they attempt to talk Chet down, but his mind is too far gone.

In the climax of the film, Chet's plans come to a head. He decides to take his revenge one step further by attacking the family of the judge.

However, his plot is foiled by the timely intervention of the police, who have been tipped off by Mickey. In a final confrontation, Chet is cornered and, in a moment of clarity, realizes the futility of his actions.

As the police close in, Chet makes a desperate attempt to escape but is ultimately captured. The film ends on a somber note, with Patty and Mickey reflecting on the tragic events and the toll that grief and vengeance have taken on their family.

PRODUCTION: The production of Anatomy of a Psycho began on August 14, 1961, and wrapped on September 21, 1961. The film was directed by Saul Bass, who also co-produced the film with Albert S. Ruddy. The screenplay was written by Robert Bloch, based on his own novel "The Insane Like Me". The cast included Barbara Stanwyck as Robert Black, Patrick Allen as Detective James B. Wade, Efrem Zimbalist Jr. as Dr. Harrison, and Edwin Brown as David Martell.

The film was shot primarily in Los Angeles, California, with locations including the offices and apartment of Detective James B. Wade, crime scenes and police stations around the city, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, and Kanan Creek Park, where Robert Black's childhood trauma occurred. The cinematographer, Lew Schwartz, used a distinctive visual style with bold colors and innovative camera work to create a sense of unease and tension. The editing, done by Dan Rotner, was swift and precise, creating a sense of pace and rhythm that matched the film's dark and twisted tone.

The soundtrack was composed by Sol Kaplan, who used a mix of orchestral and choral elements to create a sense of unease and tension. The sound design was handled by Jack Solomon, who added sound effects to enhance the film's atmosphere and tension. The budget for Anatomy of a Psycho was estimated to be around $200,000, which limited the scope and scale of the production. Despite this, the film received mixed reviews from critics but performed reasonably well at the box office, grossing around $500,000 in its initial release.

RELEASE: Anatomy of a Psycho was released on November 15, 1961, in the United States. The film premiered at the New York City's Loew's State Theatre, where it was screened as part of a double feature with the film "The House of 1,000 Dolls".

The film received mixed reviews from critics upon its initial release. Many praised the film's unique visual style and suspenseful storytelling, while others found it too slow-paced and confusing. The New York Times described the film as "a fascinating and often repellent study of a mind gone mad", while Variety called it "a cleverly constructed and engrossing thriller". However, not all reviews were positive, with some critics finding the film's pacing and tone to be off-putting.

Despite the mixed reviews, Anatomy of a Psycho performed reasonably well at the box office, grossing around $500,000 in its initial release. The film's success can be attributed in part to its cult following among fans of psychological thrillers and horror movies. The film's popularity also helped to establish Boris Petroff as a respected director and visual artist, paving the way for his future work in film and television.

In the years following its initial release, Anatomy of a Psycho has developed a significant cult following among fans of cult cinema and horror enthusiasts. The film's unique visual style, eerie atmosphere, and suspenseful storytelling have made it a staple of midnight movie screenings and revival houses. 

In recent years, Anatomy of a Psycho has been re-evaluated by critics and scholars, who have recognized its influence on the development of psycho-thriller films. The film's exploration of themes such as femininity, sexuality, and the darker aspects of human nature has been praised for its boldness and originality. In 2011, the film was included in the book "100 Essential Sci-Fi Movies" by author Adam Roberts, who praised its "undeniable weirdness" and "disturbing fascination".

CAST:

• Ronnie Burns as Mickey

• Pamela Lincoln as Pat

• Darrell Howe as Chet

• Judy Howard as Sandy

• Michael Granger as Lt. Mac

• Frank Killmond as Bobbie

• Russ Bender as Frank

• Don Devlin as Moe

• William Salzwedel as Duke

• Robert Stabler as Defense Attorney

• John B. Lee as District Attorney

CREW:

• Director: Boris Petroff

• Producers: Boris Petroll

• Writers: Edward D. Wood Jr., Jane Mann, Don Devlin (screenplay), Jane Mann (story)

• Cinematographer: Joel Colman.

• Editor: Ed Spiegel

• Music: Michael Terr

Production Company: Unitel
Distributor: Unitel Video

Release Date: June 14, 1961
Country of Origin: United States
Running Time:  75 minutes
Budget:  N/A
Box Office Return: N/A

IMDB Rating =  4.1 / 10

TRIVIA:

• Ronnie Burns, who played the lead role of Chet Marco, was the adopted son of famous entertainers George Burns and Gracie Allen.

• The film's soundtrack features music by Gene Kauer and Douglas Lackey, which helped to heighten the suspense and psychological tension of the narrative.

• Despite its modest budget, "Anatomy of a Psycho" managed to create a lasting impression in the exploitation film genre, earning a place as a cult classic among fans of 1960s B-movies.

• Part of the musical score, especially at the beginning, is directly lifted from Plan 9 from Outer Space (1957).

• The film was Ronnie Burns' final film appearance.

• Anatomy of a Psycho has developed a significant cult following among fans of cult cinema and horror enthusiasts.

• The film's script was written by Don Devlin, who is also the father of Dean Devlin, the producer and screenwriter of films like "Stargate" and "Independence Day".

• The film's star, Ronnie Burns, was not only the adopted son of George Burns and Gracie Allen but also a talented musician. He released several jazz albums and was a member of the band "The George Burns Show".

• The film's cinematographer, Floyd Crosby, was a veteran cinematographer who worked on over 200 films, including the classic Western "The Searchers" (1956).

• Although the film's plot is often compared to Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho", it predates the release of that film by nearly a year.

• The film's distribution company, American International Pictures (AIP), was known for releasing low-budget exploitation films, including horror and science fiction movies.

•  In the UK, the film was initially banned due to its perceived violence and sexual content. It wasn't until 1967 that it was granted an "X" certificate (the equivalent of an R rating) and released theatrically

• "Anatomy of a Psycho" is notable for its connection to the classic film "Psycho" (1960). Don Devlin, one of the writers, was the father of Dean Devlin, who would later become a prominent producer and screenwriter.

"Anatomy of a Psycho" from 1961 remains a compelling thriller noted for its exploration of psychological descent, depicting the unraveling of a young man's mind into violence and madness, continuing to intrigue audiences with its tense narrative and examination of the human psyche under stress.