Alfred Hitchcock's iconic horror film Psycho is set to leave BBC iPlayer in 18 days, as reported by George Simpson. The 1960 classic, based on Robert Bloch's novel, stars Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates and Janet Leigh as Marion Crane, an embezzler who meets her end in the infamous shower scene.
Controversial Release and Critical Reception
Upon its release, Psycho divided critics due to its graphic violence and sexual themes. Despite the controversy, it became a box office success and earned four Academy Award nominations, including Best Director for Hitchcock and Best Supporting Actress for Leigh.
Leigh's daughter, Jamie Lee Curtis, later followed her mother into horror, starring in the Halloween franchise. Psycho is now regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, raising the bar for acceptability of sex and violence in American cinema.
Hitchcock's Unique Marketing Strategy
To preserve the film's suspense, Hitchcock prohibited late admissions to screenings, ensuring audiences saw the film from the beginning. Theater owners initially resisted but later embraced the policy after noticing long queues outside venues.
Psycho leaves BBC iPlayer in 18 days, giving viewers a limited window to watch this groundbreaking horror masterpiece.
