Ep1250: Castle Freaks: Homicidal (1961) - Movie Review
Ian and Jeff go positively psycho for William Castle's 1961 fast-follow thriller, Homicidal!
It's easy to write this movie off as a copy/paste cash-in of Alfred Hitchcock's horror classic, Psycho (troubled blonde with a bagful of cash; mysterious references to shocking family events; terrible things happening on a very prominent staircase, etc.). But Castle and screenwriter Robb White present a twisty, twisted thriller that makes up in plot what it lacks in aesthetic originality.
In today's spoilerific episode, the guys cut through the "Castle-as-Gimmick-Guy" narrative to look at an unsung B-Movie masterpiece that stands proudly on its own high heels. Despite some hiccups, nothing should discourage viewers from giving the film a chance.
Plus: Ian and Jeff talk about their phenomenal trip to Chicago's historic Music Box Theatre, where they experienced William Castle's 13 Ghosts--in full Illusion-O! It was part of the theater's recent weeklong series, "The Greatest Showman: 5 By William Castle".
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Show Links
Watch the Homicidal (1961) trailer.
Keep up with Jeff York's criticism and caricatures at The Establishing Shot and Pipeline Artists.
If you're in Chicago (or plan to be), bookmark the Music Box Theatre's website for info on weekly screenings, special events, and immersive movie tributes you won't find anywhere else!
"Castle Freaks" is the next leg in our classic horror journey. If you're new to the channel, catch up with our 5-year "Hammerland" series, which wrapped up last year!
If you want to learn more about William Castle's larger-than-life life and times, check out his indispensable autobiography, Step Right Up!
And check out the wonderful Castle documentary, Spine-Tingler: The William Castle Story, now streaming on Tubi!
Note: The opinions and views expressed in this podcast are those of the individual hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Kicking the Seat or any organization, employer, or company.
