On this day, 65 years ago, the city of Los Angeles witnessed the electrifying premiere of Alfred Hitchcock’s groundbreaking psychological thriller, Psycho, at the DeMille Theatre. Starring Anthony Perkins as the enigmatic Norman Bates and Janet Leigh as the ill-fated Marion Crane, the film sent shockwaves through Hollywood, redefining the thriller genre and cementing Hitchcock’s reputation as the “Master of Suspense.” The premiere, attended by stars, critics, and eager fans, marked a pivotal moment in cinematic history, as audiences were both thrilled and terrified by a film that dared to break every rule.
You can find Psycho on Amazon HERE.
Psycho, based on Robert Bloch’s 1959 novel of the same name, was a daring departure for Hitchcock, who had already established himself with classics like Rear Window (1954) and North by Northwest (1959). Inspired by the real-life crimes of Ed Gein, a Wisconsin murderer, Bloch’s novel caught Hitchcock’s attention for its raw psychological depth. Determined to bring this chilling story to the screen, Hitchcock faced skepticism from studios wary of the film’s controversial content. Undeterred, he financed much of the $800,000 budget himself, shooting in black-and-white to cut costs and heighten the film’s stark, unsettling atmosphere. Filming took place at Universal Studios, using the same lot as his television series, Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
The story follows Marion Crane, a Phoenix secretary who embezzles $40,000 and flees, only to check into the isolated Bates Motel, run by the shy but deeply disturbed Norman Bates. What unfolds is a masterclass in suspense, with Hitchcock’s innovative direction and Bernard Herrmann’s haunting score amplifying the terror. The infamous shower scene, a 45-second sequence involving 78 camera angles, became an instant legend, shocking audiences with its unprecedented violence and editing.
At the Los Angeles premiere, anticipation was palpable. Hitchcock, ever the showman, enforced a strict “no late admissions” policy to preserve the film’s twists, a move that heightened its mystique. The audience, unprepared for the film’s intensity, gasped and screamed in unison, particularly during the shower scene and the shocking plot twists that followed. Janet Leigh, radiant in attendance, later recalled the audience’s stunned silence as the credits rolled, a testament to the film’s impact. Perkins, whose portrayal of Norman Bates would define his career, was hailed for his chillingly nuanced performance.
Critics were initially divided, with some praising Hitchcock’s audacity and others decrying the film’s violence. Yet, Psycho quickly became a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $32 million worldwide and earning four Academy Award nominations, including Best Director and Best Supporting Actress for Leigh. Its influence endures, shaping the slasher genre and inspiring countless filmmakers.
Sixty-five years later, Psycho remains a cinematic milestone, its Los Angeles premiere a night that changed movies forever. As Hitchcock himself quipped, “It wasn’t a film, it was an experience.” For those in attendance on August 9, 1960, it was an unforgettable one.
You can find Psycho on Amazon HERE.
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