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Title: Psycho IV: The Beginning (TV Movie 1990)
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| 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 | |
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Tom Schuster | ... | Chet Rudolph (as Thomas Schuster) |
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Sharen Camille | ... | Holly |
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Bobbi Evors | ... | Gloria |
| John Landis | ... | Mike Calveccio | |
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Kurt Paul | ... | Raymond Linette |
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Louis Crume | ... | George Emeric |
| Cynthia Garris | ... | Ellen Stevens | |
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Doreen Chalmers | ... | Mrs. Lane |
| Alice Hirson | ... | Mother (voice) | |
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
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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.