Kirilian photography is featured throughout this intriguing film. Although promoted as horror, the sci-fi element is strong. Mental patient, Jim Hutton, eliminates his enemies with "accidents" carried out through psychic phenomena. Naturally this series of bizarre killings has the police quite perplexed. Such creative dispatches to the beyond as dropping a cement slab on his shyster lawyer, could easily be interpreted as "black comedy". The lets get right down to "business" romance between policeman, Paul Burke, and Hutton's Psychiatrist, Julie Adams, even has some levity to it. The movie has sexual titillation, nudity, splatter, creative kills, and an original and impressive ending. In short, a good exploitation film, with an interesting sci-fi premise. - MERK
28 Reviews
Not perfect, but interesting
Leofwine_draca25 July 2015
PSYCHIC KILLER is certainly an effective little horror film, very much a product of its era. It's a film with many flaws, not least the shoddy construction of certain scenes and the general slow pacing that never pays off, but at the same time it remains interesting. The plot is a unique one that mines the late '70s craze for 'psychic' thrillers (see also THE EYES OF LAURA MARS, PATRICK, THE MEDUSA TOUCH) and the creepy atmosphere is spot on.
The weird-looking Jim Hutton stars as a guy sent to prison for a crime he may or may not have committed. Whilst inside, he befriends a black guy who gifts him the power of psychic ability, and on release the guy simply sits back in his chair and wills the deaths of those who have wronged him or his family in some way.
Much of the running time consists of a series of weird death scenes more than a little reminiscent of the likes of the FINAL DESTINATION series. They're well staged and avoid cheese for the most part, and an interesting cast and production team adds to the fun. Paul Burke's investigating cop is a great character and the actor's very likable. Aldo Ray has a minor role as a supporting detective and the evil-looking Neville Brand plays a butcher. There are roles for two famous faces from the 1950s, Whit Bissell (I WAS A TEENAGE WEREWOLF) and Julia Adams (THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON). The script was written by Greydon Clark, who went on to direct WITHOUT WARNING, and the direction was by Ray Danton, the SANDOKAN actor. Give it a look.
The weird-looking Jim Hutton stars as a guy sent to prison for a crime he may or may not have committed. Whilst inside, he befriends a black guy who gifts him the power of psychic ability, and on release the guy simply sits back in his chair and wills the deaths of those who have wronged him or his family in some way.
Much of the running time consists of a series of weird death scenes more than a little reminiscent of the likes of the FINAL DESTINATION series. They're well staged and avoid cheese for the most part, and an interesting cast and production team adds to the fun. Paul Burke's investigating cop is a great character and the actor's very likable. Aldo Ray has a minor role as a supporting detective and the evil-looking Neville Brand plays a butcher. There are roles for two famous faces from the 1950s, Whit Bissell (I WAS A TEENAGE WEREWOLF) and Julia Adams (THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON). The script was written by Greydon Clark, who went on to direct WITHOUT WARNING, and the direction was by Ray Danton, the SANDOKAN actor. Give it a look.
Ha ha ha... PG...
disknerd30 April 2006
It was the '70s, and the ratings system was a bit different. We have plenty of graphic violence. Not too horrible, but there's definitely disturbing stuff in there, such as the meat grinder death scene. Not to mention, there is an extended nude shower scene.
I'm not arguing about the content of the movie. I rather enjoyed it. Only you look at movies like this today and wonder how it could ever have been a PG film. The content here is clearly on par with R-rated movies of today. A man is arrested for a murder he didn't commit and put in an asylum. Fortunatley, he's put in a room with a crazy black man who knows voodoo, the best way to get revenge. When he's released, he uses the voodoo man's tools to astrally project himself to dispatch the people he blames for his incarceration (and the death of his mother while he was gone). Hilarious mayhem ensues.
This is the kind of movie to watch on a Saturday afternoon. It's dull, but always entertaining. I recommend it to all fans of '70s b-horror movies.
I'm not arguing about the content of the movie. I rather enjoyed it. Only you look at movies like this today and wonder how it could ever have been a PG film. The content here is clearly on par with R-rated movies of today. A man is arrested for a murder he didn't commit and put in an asylum. Fortunatley, he's put in a room with a crazy black man who knows voodoo, the best way to get revenge. When he's released, he uses the voodoo man's tools to astrally project himself to dispatch the people he blames for his incarceration (and the death of his mother while he was gone). Hilarious mayhem ensues.
This is the kind of movie to watch on a Saturday afternoon. It's dull, but always entertaining. I recommend it to all fans of '70s b-horror movies.
If Thoughts Could Kill
ferbs5415 November 2011
We've all heard the expression "if looks could kill," but how about thoughts? What if it were possible to kill somebody, no matter the distance, using the power of the mind to manipulate objects. Well, that is precisely the setup of Ray Danton's 1975 horror outing "Psychic Killer," an undeniably shlocky yet undeniably fun exercise in out-of-body homicide. In the film, we meet a 33-year-old mental patient named Arnold Masters (Jim Hutton, father of Timothy, 42 here in his final film), who repeatedly declares his innocence of the charge of murdering his dying mother's doctor (his mother had had no health insurance, and so that doctor had refused to perform a lifesaving operation on her; a situation that resonates even more strongly today, 36 years later!). Masters' luck soon takes a decided turn for the better, however, when his innocence is established, a fellow inmate gifts him with a voodoolike amulet, and he is released from confinement. Too bad, though, for all the folks who crossed Masters in the past, as the amulet soon confers on him the ability to slay from afar. As the film's trailer proclaimed back when, "The Evil of the Future Has Arrived"....
"Psychic Killer" has a rather simple, straightforward story line, but to the film's credit, it also boasts a cast of pros who seem to be having fun with it. As the investigating cops on the case, we have TV vet Paul Burke and Aldo Ray (not quite 50 here but looking much older). Masters' therapist (and God knows he needs one; the poor guy has almost as many mother issues as Norman Bates!) is played by Danton's then-wife, Julie Adams, who viewers will perhaps best remember as the bathing-suited beauty who is carried off in "The Creature From the Black Lagoon," and Israeli-born Nehemiah Persoff chews the scenery winningly as an expert on parapsychology and Kirlian auras. As for Arnold's victims, three of the unfortunate bunch are Whit Bissell, here nudging toward the end of his remarkably prolific career, Mary Wilcox, who had recently greatly impressed me playing the beautiful necrophiliac in the highly underrated film "Love Me Deadly," and Neville Brand, as a butchered butcher. It is a pleasure to watch these old pros dig into this dubious material and help put the conceit over. As for former actor turned director Danton, he does just fine in this, his third film (his two earlier pictures were "Crypt of the Living Dead" and "Deathmaster"), giving "Psychic Killer" some nice jolts and really keeping things moving; still, the picture cannot help but give off a decided Kirlian aura of cheese. The film is hardly a sleek-looking affair, and seems at times a bit crudely put together, but again, the enthusiasm of the cast, Danton's evident skill and William Kraft's occasionally freaky-deaky background score help smooth over the rough patches. Really, my only beef here is with that car that topples over a cliff, falls hundreds of feet...and fails to give the viewer a nice, satisfying fireball explosion to cap things off. Danton, apparently, should have watched some '60s Bond films to learn how to give such scenes a nice dramatic topper! Other than this quibble, though, my seal of approval to "Psychic Killer"...straight through to its incinerating conclusion.
"Psychic Killer" has a rather simple, straightforward story line, but to the film's credit, it also boasts a cast of pros who seem to be having fun with it. As the investigating cops on the case, we have TV vet Paul Burke and Aldo Ray (not quite 50 here but looking much older). Masters' therapist (and God knows he needs one; the poor guy has almost as many mother issues as Norman Bates!) is played by Danton's then-wife, Julie Adams, who viewers will perhaps best remember as the bathing-suited beauty who is carried off in "The Creature From the Black Lagoon," and Israeli-born Nehemiah Persoff chews the scenery winningly as an expert on parapsychology and Kirlian auras. As for Arnold's victims, three of the unfortunate bunch are Whit Bissell, here nudging toward the end of his remarkably prolific career, Mary Wilcox, who had recently greatly impressed me playing the beautiful necrophiliac in the highly underrated film "Love Me Deadly," and Neville Brand, as a butchered butcher. It is a pleasure to watch these old pros dig into this dubious material and help put the conceit over. As for former actor turned director Danton, he does just fine in this, his third film (his two earlier pictures were "Crypt of the Living Dead" and "Deathmaster"), giving "Psychic Killer" some nice jolts and really keeping things moving; still, the picture cannot help but give off a decided Kirlian aura of cheese. The film is hardly a sleek-looking affair, and seems at times a bit crudely put together, but again, the enthusiasm of the cast, Danton's evident skill and William Kraft's occasionally freaky-deaky background score help smooth over the rough patches. Really, my only beef here is with that car that topples over a cliff, falls hundreds of feet...and fails to give the viewer a nice, satisfying fireball explosion to cap things off. Danton, apparently, should have watched some '60s Bond films to learn how to give such scenes a nice dramatic topper! Other than this quibble, though, my seal of approval to "Psychic Killer"...straight through to its incinerating conclusion.
Entertaining Film, Not Very Well Crafted
gavin694218 December 2008
"Psychic Killer" is a strange story about... guess what? A psychic killer! A killer who wants revenge and is able to get it from a rather considerable distance. Beyond that, there really isn't much to know about the plot.
The film comes from director Ray Danton, who is/was largely a TV director. This is rather evident in the style of the film, which seems like it could have been made for television or at least used similar equipment. There's a different feel from television to cinema, and this just didn't feel like a silver screen production. Not that this makes it a bad film, necessarily.
What does make it a bad film is pretty much everything else. We early on get a body falling off a building that is about as fake as can be. And this wasn't a comedy. Other deaths are equally cheesy, with maybe one that was at least a bit worthy of respect -- though not praise.
There was also bad music which doesn't match the scenery. I'm not sure if the music would have matched much of anything, but it certainly didn't go with what we saw. That Internet Movie Database users have given this film a 2.7 out of 10 is no surprise once you've seen it. I have to give the movie more credit than that, but not much.
One interesting thing about this film is discussion of Kirlian photography. In the 1970s (when this film was made) there was some serious discussion about the Kirlian photography and its connection to the paranormal. Dr. Thelma Moss of UCLA led the parapsychology laboratory and much of her time was devoted to efforts to avoid factors proposed by skeptical peer-review in order to confirm some connection. How successful she was is unclear, though I doubt she had much luck.
The film is hyped up on the back of the box comparing the killer (Arnold) to other notorious movie killers. But don't be fooled. Even if Arnold came first (and, being from 1975, that's a valid point) he didn't really leave a lasting mark then and he won't leave one now in the film's DVD release. Horror fans may find this a good film to pass the time with, but unless you're drinking or have a high tolerance for bad movies, this one isn't anything special.
The film comes from director Ray Danton, who is/was largely a TV director. This is rather evident in the style of the film, which seems like it could have been made for television or at least used similar equipment. There's a different feel from television to cinema, and this just didn't feel like a silver screen production. Not that this makes it a bad film, necessarily.
What does make it a bad film is pretty much everything else. We early on get a body falling off a building that is about as fake as can be. And this wasn't a comedy. Other deaths are equally cheesy, with maybe one that was at least a bit worthy of respect -- though not praise.
There was also bad music which doesn't match the scenery. I'm not sure if the music would have matched much of anything, but it certainly didn't go with what we saw. That Internet Movie Database users have given this film a 2.7 out of 10 is no surprise once you've seen it. I have to give the movie more credit than that, but not much.
One interesting thing about this film is discussion of Kirlian photography. In the 1970s (when this film was made) there was some serious discussion about the Kirlian photography and its connection to the paranormal. Dr. Thelma Moss of UCLA led the parapsychology laboratory and much of her time was devoted to efforts to avoid factors proposed by skeptical peer-review in order to confirm some connection. How successful she was is unclear, though I doubt she had much luck.
The film is hyped up on the back of the box comparing the killer (Arnold) to other notorious movie killers. But don't be fooled. Even if Arnold came first (and, being from 1975, that's a valid point) he didn't really leave a lasting mark then and he won't leave one now in the film's DVD release. Horror fans may find this a good film to pass the time with, but unless you're drinking or have a high tolerance for bad movies, this one isn't anything special.
Entertaining junk.
Hey_Sweden27 December 2015
"Psychic Killer" is quite amusing, and at the least can boast a twist on the usual sort of vengeance-themed murder spree. Some viewers might say that the ideas being explored deserve a much better cinematic treatment, but as schlock goes, this movie does show its audience a decent time. There's a fair bit of gore, and a little bit of imagination in terms of the death scenes. As guided by former actor turned director Ray Danton ("Deathmaster"), this has also got a hell of a cast of familiar faces to keep things watchable.
Jim Hutton plays Arnold Masters, a Norman Bates type who was wrongly convicted of murder and sent to a mental institution. While incarcerated, he makes the brief acquaintance of fellow patient Emilio (character actor Stack Pierce, who has a strong presence). Emilio provides Arnold with the tools to orchestrate murders while not being physically present at the murder scenes. As a result, flustered police lieutenant Jeff Morgan (Paul Burke) has to try to solve killings that don't make any sense.
The concepts of Kirlian photography (which can be seen behind the opening credits) and astral projection are good enough of a hook to reel viewers in. Hutton is good as the unbalanced protagonist. Making appearances are Julie Adams and Whit Bissell from "The Creature from the Black Lagoon", Nehemiah Persoff, Rod Cameron, Neville Brand (as a butcher whose only real "crime" is charging too much for his meat), Aldo Ray, and Della Reese. Mary Charlotte Wilcox supplies the T & A as a sexpot nurse who likes to tease her bedridden patient. In a supporting role is film director Greydon Clark ("Without Warning"), who co-wrote the picture with Danton and Mikel Angel.
This movie is "good" fun, although it does lead to a pretty horrific finale.
Seven out of 10.
Jim Hutton plays Arnold Masters, a Norman Bates type who was wrongly convicted of murder and sent to a mental institution. While incarcerated, he makes the brief acquaintance of fellow patient Emilio (character actor Stack Pierce, who has a strong presence). Emilio provides Arnold with the tools to orchestrate murders while not being physically present at the murder scenes. As a result, flustered police lieutenant Jeff Morgan (Paul Burke) has to try to solve killings that don't make any sense.
The concepts of Kirlian photography (which can be seen behind the opening credits) and astral projection are good enough of a hook to reel viewers in. Hutton is good as the unbalanced protagonist. Making appearances are Julie Adams and Whit Bissell from "The Creature from the Black Lagoon", Nehemiah Persoff, Rod Cameron, Neville Brand (as a butcher whose only real "crime" is charging too much for his meat), Aldo Ray, and Della Reese. Mary Charlotte Wilcox supplies the T & A as a sexpot nurse who likes to tease her bedridden patient. In a supporting role is film director Greydon Clark ("Without Warning"), who co-wrote the picture with Danton and Mikel Angel.
This movie is "good" fun, although it does lead to a pretty horrific finale.
Seven out of 10.
Not bad at first, but the ending ruined it for me
intp3 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This movie had a somewhat interesting premise and started out promisingly but later went off the rails, unfortunately, and the ending really ruined it for me.
The lead is played by Jim Hutton (Arnold Masters) as a sympathetic guy who was badly wronged. He is falsely imprisoned for a murder he didn't commit, while he was caring for his aged mother. A scuzzy and greedy doctor refused to help due to inability to pay (the sleaze is also an unshady womanizer with chicks less than half his age, probably). A sleazy nurse who was supposed to look after his mother while he is in prison neglects to do so, leading directly to her death; she later essentially hastens the death of another aged patient, quite maliciously.
Masters himself is a likeable guy, soft-spoken and polite. He meets a dude in prison (played well by Stack Pierce, an actor with a great deal of presence) who has a strange pendant and means to somehow remotely murder; they strike an odd brief friendship; and the dude leaves Masters the pendant and books after he dies. Masters ends up being released after the real killer confesses. He learns how to use the technique to get much-deserved revenge.
The sci fi aspects are ludicrous, but whatever; that's not the real point of the movie.
While in prison, Masters had worked with a sympathetic psychiatrist (appealing and attractive Julie Adams, playing Dr. Laura Scott), who tried to help him.
The film goes out of its way to portray the people Masters kills as richly deserving of their fates. I found the movie pretty good up to this point.
Unfortunately for Masters, a loudmouth cop, Morgan, played by. Paul Burke, finds a connection between those oddly killed and Masters. No other cop finds his connection of any interest as there's just nothing to directly link Masters with any of the deaths.
Then, without a shred of evidence even remotely connecting Masters directly with any of the murders (one involved the nurse in a room with the doors and windows locked and absolutely no signs of entry by anyone else, with the death looking like a freak accident), Morgan improbably gets a series of invasive warrants, including a phone tap, as well as round-the-clock surveillance of Masters, whom he harasses repeatedly. Masters is invariably polite to jerk Morgan but gives nothing away. Dr. Scott appears later and objects to Morgan's methods at first. But then she inexplicably takes a shine to the loudmouth cop and sleeps with him. Masters, who had secretly been in love with Scott, is appalled. Yes, nice guys generally finish last. If they hadn't made Morgan such an ass, I might not have hated the ending so much.
The movie might have been salvaged with one slight change: the way it ends, Morgan finds Masters in a deep trance (the dude is using the technique), and appears on the surface to be dead. Even though the same thing had happened before (with a coroner nearly performing an autopsy before Masters awoke, badly embarrassing all the authorities), jerko Morgan quickly arranges to get the body cremated. Masters tries to take out Morgan before he dies but is too late.
As Masters had shown signs of starting to 'lose it' toward the end, I might have been okay with his death at this point if he had taken Morgan with him, as Dr. Scott was never going to be with Masters anyway, but unfortunately, he fails to do so in time, and smirking Morgan is left the victor. He essentially executed a live man (whom he knew was alive) with no evidence that would ever remotely stand up in any court.
Too bad; this might have been a decent little movie otherwise. As it was, I really hated it.
The lead is played by Jim Hutton (Arnold Masters) as a sympathetic guy who was badly wronged. He is falsely imprisoned for a murder he didn't commit, while he was caring for his aged mother. A scuzzy and greedy doctor refused to help due to inability to pay (the sleaze is also an unshady womanizer with chicks less than half his age, probably). A sleazy nurse who was supposed to look after his mother while he is in prison neglects to do so, leading directly to her death; she later essentially hastens the death of another aged patient, quite maliciously.
Masters himself is a likeable guy, soft-spoken and polite. He meets a dude in prison (played well by Stack Pierce, an actor with a great deal of presence) who has a strange pendant and means to somehow remotely murder; they strike an odd brief friendship; and the dude leaves Masters the pendant and books after he dies. Masters ends up being released after the real killer confesses. He learns how to use the technique to get much-deserved revenge.
The sci fi aspects are ludicrous, but whatever; that's not the real point of the movie.
While in prison, Masters had worked with a sympathetic psychiatrist (appealing and attractive Julie Adams, playing Dr. Laura Scott), who tried to help him.
The film goes out of its way to portray the people Masters kills as richly deserving of their fates. I found the movie pretty good up to this point.
Unfortunately for Masters, a loudmouth cop, Morgan, played by. Paul Burke, finds a connection between those oddly killed and Masters. No other cop finds his connection of any interest as there's just nothing to directly link Masters with any of the deaths.
Then, without a shred of evidence even remotely connecting Masters directly with any of the murders (one involved the nurse in a room with the doors and windows locked and absolutely no signs of entry by anyone else, with the death looking like a freak accident), Morgan improbably gets a series of invasive warrants, including a phone tap, as well as round-the-clock surveillance of Masters, whom he harasses repeatedly. Masters is invariably polite to jerk Morgan but gives nothing away. Dr. Scott appears later and objects to Morgan's methods at first. But then she inexplicably takes a shine to the loudmouth cop and sleeps with him. Masters, who had secretly been in love with Scott, is appalled. Yes, nice guys generally finish last. If they hadn't made Morgan such an ass, I might not have hated the ending so much.
The movie might have been salvaged with one slight change: the way it ends, Morgan finds Masters in a deep trance (the dude is using the technique), and appears on the surface to be dead. Even though the same thing had happened before (with a coroner nearly performing an autopsy before Masters awoke, badly embarrassing all the authorities), jerko Morgan quickly arranges to get the body cremated. Masters tries to take out Morgan before he dies but is too late.
As Masters had shown signs of starting to 'lose it' toward the end, I might have been okay with his death at this point if he had taken Morgan with him, as Dr. Scott was never going to be with Masters anyway, but unfortunately, he fails to do so in time, and smirking Morgan is left the victor. He essentially executed a live man (whom he knew was alive) with no evidence that would ever remotely stand up in any court.
Too bad; this might have been a decent little movie otherwise. As it was, I really hated it.
Psychic psycho killer!
The_Void30 April 2006
Psycho killer flicks are a penny a dozen, but at least this one has something about it. Psychic Killer was released before the slasher craze really kicked off, and is surprisingly more original than many films in its class. The idea behind the plot is, of course, pure B-grade horror hokum, but somehow it works out better than many 'man with a knife' flicks. The film was obviously hampered by budget constraints, and this comes across by way of the fact that much of the movie is dialogue based. The film also has something of a cheerful tone about it, and despite messy scenes that see hands ripped apart by meat grinders and someone crushed under a slab of cement, the movie never really shocks all that much. The plot follows a man who is in a mental institute after being wrongly accused of murder. While there, he learns the ability to 'psychically' leave his body, and upon getting out and realising his mother has died while he was locked away, he vows to use his new found power to get his revenge on everyone that he believes has wronged him.
The film moves slowly throughout, and since a lot of the scenes focus on dialogue, Psychic Killer never really gets a good rhythm going, and every time we see an exciting sequence, it's generally followed by a slow one. This is obviously a result of the budget constraints, although the screenplay is also somewhat at fault as the movie could easily have made more of its central sequences without over stretching the budget. The plot idea is actually one of the film's strongpoints. It's silly and ensures that the movie is very much on the 'B' side of cinema, but it's also really rather interesting. The characters drag the piece down, however, as none of them are given any time to develop and there isn't anyone on the roster that is particularly easy to identify with. The gore scenes are few, but the one that takes place in a butchers shop is a treat. Other murders that see people killed by 'accidents' are rather sinister, but also rather humorous and overall, even though this film isn't brilliant; there's enough to recommend it to genre fans for.
The film moves slowly throughout, and since a lot of the scenes focus on dialogue, Psychic Killer never really gets a good rhythm going, and every time we see an exciting sequence, it's generally followed by a slow one. This is obviously a result of the budget constraints, although the screenplay is also somewhat at fault as the movie could easily have made more of its central sequences without over stretching the budget. The plot idea is actually one of the film's strongpoints. It's silly and ensures that the movie is very much on the 'B' side of cinema, but it's also really rather interesting. The characters drag the piece down, however, as none of them are given any time to develop and there isn't anyone on the roster that is particularly easy to identify with. The gore scenes are few, but the one that takes place in a butchers shop is a treat. Other murders that see people killed by 'accidents' are rather sinister, but also rather humorous and overall, even though this film isn't brilliant; there's enough to recommend it to genre fans for.
A good veteran cast, but an overall bland experience.
b_kite5 September 2022
A little known 70s psychological thriller that's mostly memorable for its veteran cast and crew over it being really any good. Written by Grayden Clark and oddly directed by actor Ray Danton, it features a lot of the formers signature camp, but once the story starts getting going it's just really blah and the kills are as well. Other than a nice death scene with Neville Brand, a pretty effective ending, and the fact this managed to get a PG rating despite boobs and blood its nothing special.
And I guess my review still isn't long enough for IMDB so here is some more nonsense to read. And I guess my review still isn't long enough for IMDB so here is some more nonsense to read.
And I guess my review still isn't long enough for IMDB so here is some more nonsense to read. And I guess my review still isn't long enough for IMDB so here is some more nonsense to read.
Decent little horror film.
poolandrews8 December 2004
Warning: Spoilers
The Psychic Killer begins with a bizarre on screen quote, with an accompanying narration, "Why should any phenomenon be assumed impossible? The universe begins to look more and more like a great thought, than a great machine" Physicist Sir James Jean as quoted in "Time Magazine". No, I have no idea what it means either. Arnold Masters (Jim Hutton) is accused of killing the Doctor who refused to treat his mothers brain tumour. He's been committed to an insane asylum and is currently under the care of psychiatrist Dr. Laura Scott (Julie Adams). While there Arnold befriends another inmate named Emilio (Stack Pierce) who gives Arnold the secret to 'out of body travel' using a magical amulet. All of a sudden Arnold is cleared of murder, as the real murderer conveniently turned himself into the police and confessed. Arnold is again a free man. He arrives back at his old house to discover it in a state of disrepair. Angered by the injustices he has suffered he decides to use the magical amulet for the purpose of avenging himself on the people he thinks has done him harm. First Masters targets Doctor Paul Taylor (Whitt Bissell) who testified at Masters trial and helped send him down. Then Masters goes after Nurse Burnson (Mary Charlotte Wilcox as Mary Wilcox) who he thinks neglected his mother and was partly responsible for her death. Lieutenant Jeff Morgan (Paul Burke) and his assistant Danny Anderson (Aldo Ray) are on the case. They are totally baffled as there is no logical explanation for the deaths which are very suspicious. Morgan finds that Masters is a common link between the victims and asks Dr. Scott to help him out. They visit Dr. Gubner (Nehemiah Persoff) for further help but they find what he has to say hard to believe. Will Morgan get his man? Will he get to sleep with sexy psychiatrist Scott? How many more people have to die before Masters is avenged? Co-written and directed by Raymond Danton I thought this was a decent horror film, nothing outstanding but certainly very watchable. Acting is solid among the veteran cast that also includes Neville Brand as the wonderfully named bad tempered butcher Mr. Lemonowski, and associate producer and co-writer Greydon Clarke as a cop who takes dive off a cliff. The film doesn't feature much in the way of violence or gore, a minced hand, crushed arm and a hacked up corpse on a meat hook is about as explicit as it gets. The death scenes are disappointingly tame, generally speaking. There is some nudity, Nurse Burnson has a nice long shower scene and we get to see her wash her legs and breasts, you know the sort of thing. Music, editing and photography are fine. The script by Danton, Clarke and Mike Angel is well paced and generally kept my interest throughout. I also have to mention the downbeat and somewhat unexpected ending, which I liked. Definitely worth a watch.
Norman Bates goes psychedelic !!
Coventry16 June 2005
As a result of being wrongfully accused of murdering a doctor and being put in a mental institution, Arnold Masters plans bloody vengeance on everyone directly or indirectly responsible for the death of his poor old mother. Luckily (for him) he inherited a medallion carrying a supernatural force and this allows Arnold's spirit to step out of the body and to commit the murders without leaving a trace. The premise of "Psychic Killer" is giant nonsense but it does guarantee a lot of fun and thrills. Besides, there are more than enough elements that indicate that this movie shouldn't be taken too seriously, like the over-the-top acting and the exaggeratedly ludicrous killings. This movie looks suspiciously much like a standard Roger Corman production: the budget is extremely low, but the ingeniousness of the script and the enthusiasm of the B-cast widely make up for it (Neville Brand and Julie Adams are particularly splendid). In case you like older horror and you have a morbid sense of humor, you're destined to like this cute piece of 70's schlock. The climax is tremendously hilarious and it looks quite a lot like a demented version of Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho". No essential viewing whatsoever, but a gigantically entertaining 'video-nasty' I can't recommend highly enough.
Vengeance Via Astral Projection
Witchfinder-General-66617 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
"Psychic Killer" of 1975 is a highly enjoyable and underrated little flick that should appeal to all my fellow fans of 70s low-budget Horror. This is, of course, pure camp fun, and in no way essential or great, but the ridiculously low rating of 2.6/10 is completely unjustified. This has a somewhat corny and yet quite original storyline. Arnold Masters (Jim Hutton) is wrongfully accused of a murder and put in a mental institution. When the real killer is found, Arnold gets released, vowing revenge on those he holds responsible for his arrest and the death of his mother, who died while he was locked up. Arnold has learned some things about paranormal phenomena like astral projection from a fellow inmate, and he is willing to use his new psychic powers for his revenge... The plot is corny, of course, but it is also great fun. The actors are often overacting, but not in a bad way. On the contrary, the performances were one of the film's best qualities, in my opinion. Hutton fits in the role of Arnold very well and the cast furthermore includes actors such Neville Brand ("Eaten Alive"), Neremiah Persoff ("The Harder They Fall"), Paul Burke ("Daddy's Gone A-Hunting") and, most memorably, Julie Adams ("Creature From The Black Lagoon"), who was married to director Ray Danton. The murders are quite bizarre and fun to watch but, with one exception, not really bloody. The bloody one is quite well-made, especially regarding the obviously minimal budget. Even though often illogical, the film is very imaginatively executed, and occasionally quite humorous. Also, the low budget does in no one lessen this one. If anything it increases the film's cult-factor. Overall, "Psychic Killer" is no masterpiece, but it is definitely better than its reputation. Overall, this is a camp and original little flick that is highly entertaining and recommendable to all fans of low-budget Horror.
Routine horror yarn with good cast
PIMannix27 July 1999
Decent performances by a cast of familiar TV faces enliven this routine horror yarn about a mental patient (Hutton), hospitalized for a murder he didn't commit, who learns astral projection, and uses his new powers to bump off the people he holds responsible for his arrest, his mother's death while he was imprisoned, and the price of meat! One of the murders is unwisely played for comic relief, and Hutton's monster makeup at the end makes him resemble Michael Sarrazin on a five-day bender.
A cast of B-vets vs. an astral projection-powered Jim Hutton!
kevnick3 August 2008
Warning: Spoilers
"Psychic Killer" is fun 1970's horror at its best. Peppered with a cast of B-vets such as Paul Burke, Aldo Ray, Nehemiah Persoff, Julie Adams, and Whit Bissell, and starring Jim Hutton (in a nicely scary performance), the movie goes at a nice pace and features some tense moments. There are even bits of gore tossed in for good measure.
The film has Hutton as a man wrongly convicted in the death of his terminally ill mother's doctor. It seems the doctor refused to treat the lady once he found out she had no medical insurance. An argument between Hutton and the doc results in a brief scuffle where the doctor falls to his death. Hutton is arrested, found guilty, and sent to a mental institution. Once there, he encounters a fellow patient who has the power of astral projection with the aid of a medallion and several books. After this patient uses this power to kill one of his enemies, he dies and leaves the medallion and books to Hutton. Shortly after, Hutton is finally exonerated (the real killer confesses to the crime)and freed. He goes home and uses his newfound power of astral projection to begin a mission of revenge against the people who wronged him and his mom. Police Lieutenant Morgan (Burke) and his partner (Ray) are baffled at these seemingly unrelated "accidents". Hutton's psychiatrist (Adams)and a local expert on paranormal research (Persoff) try to help.
"Psychic Killer" benefits from tight direction by former actor-turned-director Ray Danton, good camera-work and location shooting to cover up a small budget, clever dialogue that mixes in bits of humor amongst the hokum, and solid turns by a top cast of veteran genre stars. Even Neville Brand and Rod Cameron show up in bit parts.
"Psychic Killer" is not the type of film that pretends to be anything other than what it is: sturdy, B-grade entertainment for genre fans.
The film has Hutton as a man wrongly convicted in the death of his terminally ill mother's doctor. It seems the doctor refused to treat the lady once he found out she had no medical insurance. An argument between Hutton and the doc results in a brief scuffle where the doctor falls to his death. Hutton is arrested, found guilty, and sent to a mental institution. Once there, he encounters a fellow patient who has the power of astral projection with the aid of a medallion and several books. After this patient uses this power to kill one of his enemies, he dies and leaves the medallion and books to Hutton. Shortly after, Hutton is finally exonerated (the real killer confesses to the crime)and freed. He goes home and uses his newfound power of astral projection to begin a mission of revenge against the people who wronged him and his mom. Police Lieutenant Morgan (Burke) and his partner (Ray) are baffled at these seemingly unrelated "accidents". Hutton's psychiatrist (Adams)and a local expert on paranormal research (Persoff) try to help.
"Psychic Killer" benefits from tight direction by former actor-turned-director Ray Danton, good camera-work and location shooting to cover up a small budget, clever dialogue that mixes in bits of humor amongst the hokum, and solid turns by a top cast of veteran genre stars. Even Neville Brand and Rod Cameron show up in bit parts.
"Psychic Killer" is not the type of film that pretends to be anything other than what it is: sturdy, B-grade entertainment for genre fans.
To sleep, perchance to kill.
BA_Harrison29 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I'm fascinated by astral projection -- setting the soul free to wander wherever it pleases while the body sleeps; imagine exploring the far flung reaches of the planet without having to leave the comfort of your own bed. In The Psychic Killer, Arnold James Masters (Jim Hutton) employs the art of astral projection, not to take a free trip to see the Taj Mahal or The Great Wall of China, but to take revenge on the people responsible for wrongly convicting him of murder (and for the subsequent death of his mother). Police Lt. Jeff Morgan (Paul Burke) and psychiatrist Dr. Laura Scott (Julie Adams from Creature From The Black Lagoon) try to connect a spate of mysterious fatal accidents, their investigations leading them to suspect Masters, despite the man having an alibi for each death.
The Psychic Killer is pure '70s horror cheeze, for sure, but it's also hugely entertaining, its intriguing premise refreshingly original, the approach taken by director Ray Danton not too serious (as evidenced by the comical demise of property developer Harvey B. Sanders, crushed by a concrete cornerstone dropped from a crane), with just a touch of exploitational content for good measure, most notably a gratuitous sexy nurse strip routine/shower scene that delivers the requisite T&A. The film's succession of creative deaths reminds me of those classic Vincent Price movies from a couple of years before - Theatre of Blood and Dr. Phibes - while the killer stalking victims in his sleep gives off serious Nightmare on Elm Street vibes (especially the shower head that 'comes alive' to scald the naked nurse).
In the film's final act, Morgan has Masters officially declared dead while his spirit is absent, and the body cremated, causing the killer's soul to return home, Masters waking up in a coffin as the flames consume his flesh -- a delightfully ghoulish end to a very enjoyable film.
The Psychic Killer is pure '70s horror cheeze, for sure, but it's also hugely entertaining, its intriguing premise refreshingly original, the approach taken by director Ray Danton not too serious (as evidenced by the comical demise of property developer Harvey B. Sanders, crushed by a concrete cornerstone dropped from a crane), with just a touch of exploitational content for good measure, most notably a gratuitous sexy nurse strip routine/shower scene that delivers the requisite T&A. The film's succession of creative deaths reminds me of those classic Vincent Price movies from a couple of years before - Theatre of Blood and Dr. Phibes - while the killer stalking victims in his sleep gives off serious Nightmare on Elm Street vibes (especially the shower head that 'comes alive' to scald the naked nurse).
In the film's final act, Morgan has Masters officially declared dead while his spirit is absent, and the body cremated, causing the killer's soul to return home, Masters waking up in a coffin as the flames consume his flesh -- a delightfully ghoulish end to a very enjoyable film.
Pretty good 70's pseudo horror
Sergiodave15 September 2021
The 70's movie industry was generally low on quality, but quite often original, as in this movie. Starring Jim Hutton, who died too young and never quite made it to the top in Hollywood, This is a revenge movie with a difference. The deaths, for 1975 were pretty original, that acting wasn't too bad and the movie kept you interested to the end. Not that bad.
A Great Piece of 70's Exploitation Cinema
meathookcinema26 October 2019
Arnold Masters has several axes to grind. Hes in prison for a crime he didn't commit (his mother who had a tumour who due to be operated on but wasn't. The doctor who was due to undertake the procedure was then found dead in his office by Arnold who was then framed for his murder).
He tells his backstory to a fellow prisoner who confides his story to Arnold in return. His daughter was turned into a prostitute by a pimp. He says to him that he will seek revenge on this man by carving his name into his chest and slitting his throat. Lo and behold, sometime later he tells Arnold that hes done it and without leaving his prison cell. Before Arnold can ask him how, his confident scales the prison fence and jumps from the very high prison wall killing himself. It is later confirmed in the paper that the pimp indeed was murdered in the way the prisoner stipulated.
Arnold then inherits his friends belongings one of which was an amulet. This allows the owner to leave their body and travel psychically anywhere they want. Perfect for seeking revenge against your perceived enemies and enacting revenge.
Arnold is then found to be innocent and released. Those who failed his mother are then one by one found dead in very strange circumstances that defy logic and reason.
I remember seeing the trailer for this film on almost VIPCO video back in the 80's. The trailer was extremely evocative and I'm glad to say that now that I've seen the film it is every bit as brilliant as it's trailer.
Early/mid 1970's America is captured beautifully and the film has it's own very eccentric character. Check out the murders and how unorthodox they are- whether they involve a shower, a new building's cornerstone or a bacon slicer and mincing machine! The sequence involving the nurse before she steps into the shower from Hell could have been lifted from one of the great Russ Meyers' movies.
This is a great concept for a horror movie- someone spiritually leaving their body to avenge their grievances through the power of their minds. Transcendental meditation and other New Age concepts were very fashionable in the 70's and so it's great that this should mind it's way into an exploitation movie made for 42nd Street and the Drive-Ins.
And if you need any other recommendation for seeing this I'll just say this. It stars Neville Brand!!!Now if that isn't enough of an incentive then I don't know what is.
He tells his backstory to a fellow prisoner who confides his story to Arnold in return. His daughter was turned into a prostitute by a pimp. He says to him that he will seek revenge on this man by carving his name into his chest and slitting his throat. Lo and behold, sometime later he tells Arnold that hes done it and without leaving his prison cell. Before Arnold can ask him how, his confident scales the prison fence and jumps from the very high prison wall killing himself. It is later confirmed in the paper that the pimp indeed was murdered in the way the prisoner stipulated.
Arnold then inherits his friends belongings one of which was an amulet. This allows the owner to leave their body and travel psychically anywhere they want. Perfect for seeking revenge against your perceived enemies and enacting revenge.
Arnold is then found to be innocent and released. Those who failed his mother are then one by one found dead in very strange circumstances that defy logic and reason.
I remember seeing the trailer for this film on almost VIPCO video back in the 80's. The trailer was extremely evocative and I'm glad to say that now that I've seen the film it is every bit as brilliant as it's trailer.
Early/mid 1970's America is captured beautifully and the film has it's own very eccentric character. Check out the murders and how unorthodox they are- whether they involve a shower, a new building's cornerstone or a bacon slicer and mincing machine! The sequence involving the nurse before she steps into the shower from Hell could have been lifted from one of the great Russ Meyers' movies.
This is a great concept for a horror movie- someone spiritually leaving their body to avenge their grievances through the power of their minds. Transcendental meditation and other New Age concepts were very fashionable in the 70's and so it's great that this should mind it's way into an exploitation movie made for 42nd Street and the Drive-Ins.
And if you need any other recommendation for seeing this I'll just say this. It stars Neville Brand!!!Now if that isn't enough of an incentive then I don't know what is.
Enjoyable horror thriller
Stevieboy66611 June 2018
Arnold Masters was wrongly locked up for murder but once he is released the police find themselves investigating a series of brutal and unexplainable deaths, all related to his case. He is chief suspect but the murders happen when he is at home, being under police surveillance.
Matlin's Movie Guide described this as "a violent shocker" but also rated it as a bomb. I disagree with the latter. It certainly is violent with deaths including an elderly lady pushed off a cliff, a sexy nurse being scolded to death in the shower nudity) and a butcher being butchered in the back of his shop (very well done). However we also have a deliberately comical death involving an Italian business man and a crane.
I enjoyed this film, it's a killer on the lose (before the slasher boom) but with a difference. Acting is all good. It's pretty violent but as mentioned does have a streak of humour and is well paced.
Some twisted humor rises this psycho killer movie above others.
mark.waltz9 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A great cast aides this truly entertaining serial killer movie into becoming something unique. Jim Hutton stars as an institutionalized man accused of murder who claims he's innocent and with the help of a fellow inmate, learn some magic of voodoo and how to kill people without actually pulling the trigger or plunging in the knife or pushing them off a cliff. His doctor, Julie Adams, works with police detective Paul Burke to uncover the truth, hoping to find that he's innocent even though all of the victims were somehow connected to Hutton.
A nurse is scalded to death in a shower she can't get out of; a man is locked in his car which is out of his control and goes off a cliff. An older man about to have sex with a younger woman is interrupted by the sound of someone yelling at him and meets his own death by shooting out at nothing. The best segment however has to be Joseph Della Sorte singing opera when he has a very crushing experience, one that is later repeated on cassette tape and had me chuckling in spite of the shocking nature. Such great veterans as Nehemiah Persoff, Neville Brand, Aldo Ray, Whit Bissell, Rod Cameron and even Della Reese appear, and the film voice directed and written by Ray Danton who was married to the beautiful Adams at the time. Reese as a customer at a butcher shop is hysterically funny.
It's ironic that just 8 years later, Adams would be playing a psychotic killer on the daytime soap opera "Capitol", and I enjoyed her tender, compassionate performance in this. Hutton gets to show the many facets of the troubled character, and at times, the audience really sympathizes with him. There's a bit of gratuitous nudity, and some humor concerning the young woman whose older lover is killed having to say over and over while taking a lie detector test that she was lying on the floor with no clothes on. So while some of the stuff going on seems unnecessary, it adds to the enjoyment. Definitely worthy of being a cult classic.
A nurse is scalded to death in a shower she can't get out of; a man is locked in his car which is out of his control and goes off a cliff. An older man about to have sex with a younger woman is interrupted by the sound of someone yelling at him and meets his own death by shooting out at nothing. The best segment however has to be Joseph Della Sorte singing opera when he has a very crushing experience, one that is later repeated on cassette tape and had me chuckling in spite of the shocking nature. Such great veterans as Nehemiah Persoff, Neville Brand, Aldo Ray, Whit Bissell, Rod Cameron and even Della Reese appear, and the film voice directed and written by Ray Danton who was married to the beautiful Adams at the time. Reese as a customer at a butcher shop is hysterically funny.
It's ironic that just 8 years later, Adams would be playing a psychotic killer on the daytime soap opera "Capitol", and I enjoyed her tender, compassionate performance in this. Hutton gets to show the many facets of the troubled character, and at times, the audience really sympathizes with him. There's a bit of gratuitous nudity, and some humor concerning the young woman whose older lover is killed having to say over and over while taking a lie detector test that she was lying on the floor with no clothes on. So while some of the stuff going on seems unnecessary, it adds to the enjoyment. Definitely worthy of being a cult classic.
A pretty decent 70s horror movie
MonsterVision9911 November 2017
"Psychic Killer (1975)" its not that bad, its actually a pretty fun and enjoyable B movie. When it comes to 70s low budget exploitation is hard to find one that actually has some decent elements, and "Psychic Killer" certainly has some notable moments in the middle of all its absurdity.
Its decently made and its not boring (its mostly entertaining) even if it has some scenes that are quite dull. It delivers the usual dose of gore and nudity that these movies are known for and it does it in a very amusing way.
With an interesting plot, halfway decent scenes and a good pace, "Psychic Killer" stands out from the average 70's schlock.
Its decently made and its not boring (its mostly entertaining) even if it has some scenes that are quite dull. It delivers the usual dose of gore and nudity that these movies are known for and it does it in a very amusing way.
With an interesting plot, halfway decent scenes and a good pace, "Psychic Killer" stands out from the average 70's schlock.
Mostly fun movie with a terrible script
WisdomsHammer1 December 2018
A man falsely imprisoned man gets revenge on the people responsible for it and also on those responsible for his mother's death after he's released - but he does it through a some kind of out of body travel ability given to him by a man while he was imprisoned.
The story itself is interesting and the kills scenes are pretty good - one is hilarious! But the dialogue is terrible. Kudos to the actors for delivering their lines with straight faces.
I find this movie frustrating with how it treats the main character. He's unjustly imprisoned and the victim of this whole thing. When he starts getting revenge I'm rooting for HIM, but they try to make a jerky lieutenant the hero? He's a complete dick. He even gets the girl! I would have liked this so much better if they would have made this harassing lieutenant another victim of this guy's justifiable revenge. But oh well.
A little confusing and awkward in many places, but ultimately entertaining.
The story itself is interesting and the kills scenes are pretty good - one is hilarious! But the dialogue is terrible. Kudos to the actors for delivering their lines with straight faces.
I find this movie frustrating with how it treats the main character. He's unjustly imprisoned and the victim of this whole thing. When he starts getting revenge I'm rooting for HIM, but they try to make a jerky lieutenant the hero? He's a complete dick. He even gets the girl! I would have liked this so much better if they would have made this harassing lieutenant another victim of this guy's justifiable revenge. But oh well.
A little confusing and awkward in many places, but ultimately entertaining.
Psyhic Killer - Better than I thought it would be...
treshon14 December 2007
To be honest, I actually looked forward to watching the entire movie...but then again I'm used to watching the worst of the worst Blaxploitation movies.
But the acting was actually really good. Of course all the characters names have already slipped my mind, but the female psychologist was really good, can't remember if I've seen her in anything else - guess I should research that.
The 'meat' scene was a lot more graphic than I expected. It was cool to see Judith Brown in something else other than all the Pam Grier movies I've seen.
One thing to improve Psychic Killer would have been more of Stack Pierce (THE black Visitor from the TV Series 'V') in the film (at least some more flashback shots would've been cool). Another thing may have been a non-matted widescreen print. Couple of things were cut off in this print. In other words, I think it was shot in 4:3, but matted for the DVD/theatre release.
I really liked this movie, and will keep it in my collection.
But the acting was actually really good. Of course all the characters names have already slipped my mind, but the female psychologist was really good, can't remember if I've seen her in anything else - guess I should research that.
The 'meat' scene was a lot more graphic than I expected. It was cool to see Judith Brown in something else other than all the Pam Grier movies I've seen.
One thing to improve Psychic Killer would have been more of Stack Pierce (THE black Visitor from the TV Series 'V') in the film (at least some more flashback shots would've been cool). Another thing may have been a non-matted widescreen print. Couple of things were cut off in this print. In other words, I think it was shot in 4:3, but matted for the DVD/theatre release.
I really liked this movie, and will keep it in my collection.
Surreal low-budget affair with a heart
drownsoda9031 December 2023
"Psychic Killer" focuses on Arnold, a prison inmate wrongly convicted of killing his mother's doctor after he refuses to perform life-saving surgery on her because she has no medical insurance. When Arnold is ultimately vindicated, he sets forth on a killing spree using astral projection to keep him physically disconnected from the crimes.
This oddball mid-'70s effort predates the more popular Australian film "Patrick", which has a similar premise, and is actually a rather effective albeit strange mixture of science fiction and horror. Visually, the film has the look of a number of low-budget movies of this era, particularly those set and shot in Los Angeles--it at times almost has the feel of a made-for-television affair, except it is more violent and generally more scandalous.
The film boasts a somewhat distinguished cast, with Jim Hutton leading as the protagonist, with Neville Brand, Nehemiah Persoff, Julie Adams, and Aldo Ray appearing in supporting parts. Adding to the appeal here is the series of death sequences perpetrated psychically by Arnold, which, as others have noted, possess a "Final Destination"-esque quality to them (there is one particular protracted sequence featuring a crane and a large stone block that is almost comic). There is also a number of black-and-white flashback sequences featured that are undercut with an unnerving score that are unexpectedly eerie.
All in all, one has to take "Psychic Killer" as it is: A low-budget effort that is imaginative and mindlessly entertaining. Arnold's motives for revenge lend the film a bit of pathos that makes him a sympathetic character, which add a unique flavor to the film as a whole. 7/10.
This oddball mid-'70s effort predates the more popular Australian film "Patrick", which has a similar premise, and is actually a rather effective albeit strange mixture of science fiction and horror. Visually, the film has the look of a number of low-budget movies of this era, particularly those set and shot in Los Angeles--it at times almost has the feel of a made-for-television affair, except it is more violent and generally more scandalous.
The film boasts a somewhat distinguished cast, with Jim Hutton leading as the protagonist, with Neville Brand, Nehemiah Persoff, Julie Adams, and Aldo Ray appearing in supporting parts. Adding to the appeal here is the series of death sequences perpetrated psychically by Arnold, which, as others have noted, possess a "Final Destination"-esque quality to them (there is one particular protracted sequence featuring a crane and a large stone block that is almost comic). There is also a number of black-and-white flashback sequences featured that are undercut with an unnerving score that are unexpectedly eerie.
All in all, one has to take "Psychic Killer" as it is: A low-budget effort that is imaginative and mindlessly entertaining. Arnold's motives for revenge lend the film a bit of pathos that makes him a sympathetic character, which add a unique flavor to the film as a whole. 7/10.
A different side of Jim Hutton...
ellery995 June 1999
Nifty 70's horror outing
Woodyanders29 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Former mental patient and falsely accused killer Arnold Masters (an intense and convincing performance by Jim Hutton) uses the psychic power of astral projection to exact a harsh revenge on the people who he believes wronged him. Director Ray Danton keeps the compelling story moving along at a snappy pace, builds a good deal of tension, and stages the lively murder set pieces with lip-smacking ghoulish gusto. The sound acting by the able cast of familiar B-cinema veterans helps a whole lot: Paul Burke as hard-nosed detective Jeff Morgan, Julie Adams as compassionate psychiatrist Dr. Laura Scott, Nehemiah Persoff as cagey parapsychology expert Dr. Gubner, Aldo Ray as Morgan's gruff partner Dave Anderson, Neville Brand as irascible butcher Lemonowski, Whit Bissell as horny old goat Dr. Paul Taylor, Della Reese as sassy welfare recipient Mrs. Gibson, co-writer Greydon Clark as ill-fated cop Sowash, Stack Pierce as the helpful Emilio, and Mary Wilcox as sexy, yet sadistic nurse Burnson. Moreover, this movie is surprisingly gory and sleazy for a PG-rated item, with the definite trashy highlight occurring when yummy blonde Wilcox happily dances around in her underwear before taking a shower. Herb Pearl's fairly polished cinematography boasts a few funky stylistic flourishes. William Kraft's spirited shivery score hits the stirring shuddery spot. A really fun fright flick.
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