Shock Corridor (1963)

User Rating:

7.6/10   

Director:

Samuel Fuller

Writer:

Samuel Fuller (written by)

Release Date:

11 September 1963 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Mystery

Plot:

Bent on winning a Pulitzer Prize, a journalist commits himself to a mental institution to solve a strange and unclear murder.

Plot Keywords:

Murder | Psychiatrist | Police | Shock Therapy | Strait Jacket

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 2 wins

Cast

Peter Breck	...	Johnny Barrett
Constance Towers	...	Cathy
Gene Evans	...	Boden
James Best	...	Stuart
Hari Rhodes	...	Trent
Larry Tucker	...	Pagliacci
Paul Dubov	...	Dr. J.L. Menkin
Chuck Roberson	...	Wilkes
Neyle Morrow	...	Psycho
John Matthews	...	Dr. L.G. Cristo
Bill Zuckert	...	'Swanee' Swanson
John Craig	...	Lloyd
Philip Ahn	...	Dr. Fong
Frank Gerstle	...	Lt. Kane
Rachel Romen	...	Singing nympho

Runtime:

101 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Germany:12 | Finland:K-18 | France:-12 | Norway:16 (1965) | UK:(Banned) (original rating) | UK:15 (video rating) (1990) | USA:Approved (certificate #20495)

Company:

Leon Fromkess-Sam Firks Productions

Trivia:

Early in the film, during the strip club scenes, a photograph of Samuel Fuller (famously with a cigar) can be seen on the wall.

Goofs:

Continuity: During the fight scene in the kitchen, a bent table leg is abruptly straight and the pots and pans on the stove in the background change.

Quotes:

Psycho: I am impotent... and I like it!

Movie Connections:

Featured in Play It Around Sam (2003) (V)

"Whom God wishes to destroy, He firsts makes mad."

A tale of irony in the vein of EC comics, Shock Corridor is Samuel Fuller's work of genius and far ahead of its time. Fuller pulls some absolutely great performances out of his cast. Everyone delivers the goods. Each character is so wild and outlandish while the actors playing them still maintain believability. Peter Breck is outstanding in the lead. All of the patients are either hysterically funny or scary funny, from Stuart (Rosco P. Coltrane in a memorable role) on down to Pagliacci. But the real standout in the movie is Hari Rhodes in the role of Trent, the white supremecist. His flawless performance disturbs me (you'll know if you've seen the movie). He could be the best actor ever. What else can I say about this movie, it's an insanely perfect pulp piece. Shock Corridor is an unreal experience, film noir at its best, and truly a cult movie.