THE PSYCHOPATH (1966) is an attempt by Amicus to emulate the psycho-thrillers that were proving so popular for Hammer, and it has an impressive director in Freddie Francis and a screenplay by Robert Bloch to boot. The film involves a quartet of men who are being murdered by a mysterious killer who leaves a doll of each victim at the scene. Can Inspector Holloway catch the killer before he completes his dastardly plan?
This film was a hit in Italy and you can see why, as it feels very giallo-like especially with the mystery surrounding the villain and their back story. While I enjoyed the cinematography, the plot is a bit fractured and disjointed, slow in some parts but rushed through at other times. Patrick Wymark is a delight as the detective and there are solid cast members like Thorley Walters, John Standing, Margaret Johnston and Alexander Knox in support. However, this film lacks the element of high suspense needed to make it a classic of its kind.
This film was a hit in Italy and you can see why, as it feels very giallo-like especially with the mystery surrounding the villain and their back story. While I enjoyed the cinematography, the plot is a bit fractured and disjointed, slow in some parts but rushed through at other times. Patrick Wymark is a delight as the detective and there are solid cast members like Thorley Walters, John Standing, Margaret Johnston and Alexander Knox in support. However, this film lacks the element of high suspense needed to make it a classic of its kind.