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Psycho IV: The Beginning (TV 1990)

TV Movie  -   -  Horror | Mystery | Thriller  -  10 November 1990 (USA)
5.2
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Ratings: 5.2/10 from 3,437 users  
Reviews: 74 user | 23 critic

Norman Bates returns for this "prequel", once more having mommy trouble. This time around he is invited to share memories of mom with a radio talk show host, but the PYSCHO fears that he ... See full summary »

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Title: Psycho IV: The Beginning (TV 1990)

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
...
...
Warren Frost ...
Donna Mitchell ...
Tom Schuster ...
Chet Rudolph (as Thomas Schuster)
Sharen Camille ...
Bobbi Evors ...
...
Kurt Paul ...
Louis Crume ...
George Emeric
Cynthia Garris ...
Ellen Stevens
Doreen Chalmers ...
Mrs. Lane
...
Mother (voice)
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Storyline

Norman Bates returns for this "prequel", once more having mommy trouble. This time around he is invited to share memories of mom with a radio talk show host, but the PYSCHO fears that he may kill again for his beloved is impregnated with his child and Norman cannot let another PYSCHO loose in the civilized world. Written by Eric Creed

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

You've met Norman... now meet mother.


Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence and sensuality | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

10 November 1990 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Psicosis IV: El comienzo  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

During pre-production, there were talks of the flashbacks to Norman's youth being filmed in black and white to reference the original film. See more »

Goofs

During some scenes in the kitchen, movie lights reflect in the window while Norman is on the phone. See more »

Quotes

George Emeric: [about his daughter] She was a world class bitch who didn't deserve a boy like Raymond.
See more »

Connections

Follows Psycho (1960) See more »

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User Reviews

 
"MOTHER" comes to life...and it is believable!
25 December 2003 | by (Los Angeles, California) – See all my reviews

Like so many other reviews of this movie, I have to preface this by saying that "PSYCHO IV" is not a great film...however, it is the best of the PSYCHO spinoff-sequels.

Featuring excellent performances by Olivia Hussey (as "Mother") as well as CCH Pounder -- formerly an underused character actor, now notable for her performance on TV's "THE SHIELD" -- (as talk show host Fran Ambrose) -- "PSYCHO IV" sticks pretty closely to the original story from Robert Bloch's novel and the original "PSYCHO" film as license to delve into Norman Bates' troubled childhood, prequel-style (Joseph Stefano, who wrote the screenplay to the original film, penned the script for this one, is evidently largely responsible for this).

First, Olivia Hussey.

When I first heard about this movie, I was skeptical that "Mother" could be portrayed on screen, especially by Hussey, primarily notable for her onscreen/dramatic turn as Juliet in the classic Franco Zeffirelli film adaptation of "ROMEO & JULIET." However, and to abbreviate my feelings for her in this role, she hit the nail on the head.

Secondly, CCH Pounder.

CCH's turn as Fran Ambrose really carries this movie. The scenes during Norman's on-air confessional are easily the most compelling, and, while not taking away from Anthony Perkins' finely-honed portrayal of Norman's insanity, this is mostly due to Fran Ambrose's subtle (and not-so-subtle) reactions.

Of course, there are numerous moments in the movie that detract from all these positives. The ending is just weak (I usually stop the tape as soon as Norman hangs up on Fran for the final time). Additionally, there is an altogether jolting cameo by John Landis (as the radio station's programming director) which usually distracts me, and not to mention the girl who "just wants to have sex" with Norman (c'mon, fellas...."you'd like to touch them...wouldn't you?").

All in all, I'd rather watch this movie than any of the other "PSYCHO" sequels any day. It's *reasonably* intelligent, it's got an altogether perfect cast, and it sticks to the story at hand. Definitely recommended.


7 of 7 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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