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Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990)

R | | Horror, Mystery, Thriller | TV Movie 10 November 1990
Psycho IV: The Beginning Poster
Norman Bates recalls his childhood with his abusive mother while fearing his unborn child will inherit his split personality disorder.

Director:

Mick Garris

Writers:

Joseph Stefano, Robert Bloch (based on characters created by)

Stars:

Anthony Perkins, CCH Pounder, Henry Thomas | See full cast & crew »
Reviews
Popularity
3,732 ( 114)
1 nomination. See more awards »

Photos

See all 39 photos »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Anthony Perkins ... Norman Bates
Henry Thomas ... Young Norman Bates
Olivia Hussey ... Norma Bates
CCH Pounder ... Fran Ambrose
Warren Frost ... Dr. Leo Richmond
Donna Mitchell ... Connie Bates
Tom Schuster Tom Schuster ... Chet Rudolph (as Thomas Schuster)
Sharen Camille Sharen Camille ... Holly
Bobbi Evors Bobbi Evors ... Gloria
John Landis ... Mike Calveccio
Kurt Paul Kurt Paul ... Raymond Linette
Louis Crume Louis Crume ... George Emeric
Cynthia Garris ... Ellen Stevens
Doreen Chalmers Doreen Chalmers ... Mrs. Lane
Alice Hirson ... Mother (voice)
See full cast »
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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 PSYCHO fears that he may kill again for his beloved is impregnated with his child and Norman cannot let another PSYCHO loose in the civilized world. Written by Eric Creed

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

child abuse | prequel | double murder | strychnine | cross dressing | See All (105) »

Taglines:

Before the terror can end, see how it all began... See more »

Genres:

Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence and sensuality | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The scene where Norman rips the apple in half was improvised by Anthony Perkins. In the script, Norman was originally supposed to take a butcher knife and slam it into the apple but Perkins felt that was too corny. See more »

Goofs

In Psycho II, Norman says that he was 12 years old when he murdered his mother. In this film, he is at least 15. See more »

Quotes

Connie Bates: No more blood, Norman! Please, no more blood.
See more »

Connections

Featured in re:View: The Psycho Franchise (part 2 of 2) (2018) See more »

User Reviews

Good balance without being ridiculous
4 December 1998 | by Jogurt – See all my reviews

This movie is excellent as far as content goes. Many things that were unexplained in the original are dealt with, and not in a way that seems ridiculous. All that happens in part IV could conceivably have happened, so that's good.

Anthony Perkins does a wonderful job of recapturing the essence of the disturbed Norman Bates, and Henry Thomas is very believable as young Norman. His performance completely illustrates the up-bringing of Norman by his unstable mother.

Good supplement to the original, I thought.
8 of 10 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 November 1990 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Psycho IV: The Beginning See more »

Filming Locations:

Orlando, Florida, USA See more »

Company Credits

Production Co:

Smart Money Productions, Universal Television See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color (Deluxe)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1
See full technical specs »
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