Schizo (1976)

Schizo (1976)

“I’ve got a lot more presents for you, Jean.”

Synopsis:
A newlywed (Lynne Frederick) who believes an ex-con (Jack Watson) appearing in a traumatic childhood memory is stalking her receives support and advice from various people — including her husband (John Leyton), her friend (Stephanie Beacham), her housekeeper (Queenie Watts), and a psychiatrist (John Fraser).

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Horror Films
  • Newlyweds
  • “No One Believes Me!”
  • Serial Killers

Review:
This poorly titled slasher flick — surely attempting to bank on Psycho (1960) — gets its facts wrong from the opening lines, when an unseen narrator falsely informs us:

Schizophrenia: a mental disorder, sometimes known as multiple or split personality, characterized by loss of touch with environment, an alternation between violent and contrasting behavior patterns.

From there, we’re introduced to a sweet-looking young woman (Frederick) — purportedly a former ice skating champion (though this thread is never followed up on in any way) — who fears for her life when a recently released ex-con (Watson) seems hell-bent on seeking her out and destroying her newfound happiness.

What role, exactly, did Watson play in the traumatic childhood memories Frederick keeps flashing back on intermittently?

Is Frederick’s husband (Leyton) a good guy or scum, given his willingness to postpone their honeymoon by two weeks, and his overly affectionate attitude towards her bubbly friend Beth (Beacham)?

What will happen when Frederick’s housekeeper (Watts) invites her to a seance where her bespectacled daughter (Trisha Mortimer) serves as a medium?

Frederick is a sympathetic protagonist, and I’ll admit to being kept in surprise about the identity of the killer, but the storyline ultimately doesn’t cohere very well. Slasher flick fans may want to check this one out — but it’s not must-see viewing.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • Lynne Frederick as Samantha

Must See?
No; you can skip this one. Listed as a Cult Movie in the back of Peary’s book.

Links:

2 thoughts on “Schizo (1976)

  1. ⭐️⭐️1/2 out of ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    One of Pete Walker’s less effective films is still very watchable and enjoyable if overlong. No great shakes and certainly not must see but fun if it catches you in the right mood.

  2. First viewing.

    Overlong, lumbering, labored – with hackneyed elements.

    I watched the whole thing but lost interest early on. Ultimately, what we have here is an unsatisfying cheat.

    Skip it.

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