Review of The Couch

The Couch (1962)
7/10
Much more than a rip off of Psycho...
15 May 2019
... and in fact, it really is not a rip off of that film at all. A man, Charles (Grant Williams), calls the police department each time he is planning to kill, and in fact, tells them what time he plans to do so. He then kills - not a woman - but some random older man on the street with a single puncture through the heart with an ice pick.

After the murder the man then goes off to his regular 7PM therapy session. The guy is a good looking yet nondescript presence. And he has a thing for the therapist's receptionist (Shirley Knight) who happens to be the therapist's niece. There are a couple of scenes where he shows her how he feels with rather creepy approaches - at least that is how it would seem today.

This film was made by Warner Brothers, and I thought that odd at first because the film does not get its 7 stars from me for its production values. The indoor shots are pure poverty row, but the acting and the unexpected plot turns are well done. What to look for? Look at the bustling night scenes on city streets when it was safe to just walk down the street alone - well, except for the main character - and there were tons of mom and pop department stores. One even advertises "Eyeglasses on a Payment Plan". One laugh out loud moment? When we are first introduced to the receptionist, she is wearing the oddest looking dress I have ever seen. The bodice of the dress comes up in the front to give the impression her breasts are hanging out, even though she is modestly clothed! Guaranteed to get you the attention of a maniac! Featuring Onslow Stevens' last film appearance as the therapist.

Recommended because it is not only interesting, it is different!
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