10 Fun Facts About “Psycho (1960)”

Source: Paramount Pictures

Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” is a classic thriller that has stood the test of time. The film, released in 1960, is still considered one of the greatest horror movies ever made. Here are ten fun facts about “Psycho” that you may not know:

1. The Famous Shower Scene

The infamous shower scene was shot over seven days and includes 77 different camera angles. It took three weeks to edit the scene together. Hitchcock was determined to create a scene that would shock audiences and he succeeded.

2. Black and White

The film was shot in black and white because Hitchcock believed that the blood in the shower scene would be too graphic in color. He also felt that black and white added to the film’s overall mood and atmosphere.

3. Bates Motel

The Bates Motel and house were built specifically for the movie on the Universal Studios backlot. The house still stands today as a popular tourist attraction. Hitchcock wanted the house to look like it was part of the surrounding landscape, so it was built on a hill with no other structures nearby.

4. Casting

The role of Marion Crane was originally offered to actress Eva Marie Saint, but she turned it down. Hitchcock then offered the role to Janet Leigh, who was already a well-known actress at the time.

5. Stabbing Sounds

The sound of the shower scene was created by stabbing a casaba melon with a knife. The sound was then enhanced in post-production. Hitchcock believed that the sound of the knife entering the flesh was more important than the visual of the stabbing.

6. Small Budget, Big Success

The film was shot in just a few months and had a budget of only $800,000. Hitchcock was known for being efficient on set and for keeping costs down.

7. Creepy Strings

The famous score for “Psycho” was composed by Bernard Herrmann, who used only string instruments to create the chilling music. The score has become one of the most recognizable in film history and has been parodied and referenced in countless other movies and TV shows.

8. Flush!

The film was the first to show a toilet flushing on screen, which caused controversy at the time. Hitchcock believed that it was important to show the mundane aspects of life, even if they were taboo. The brief shot of the toilet flushing was a small but significant moment in film history.

9. $40K

Anthony Perkins, who played Norman Bates, was only paid $40,000 for his role. Perkins was not a big star at the time and the low budget of the film meant that the actors had to be paid less than they would have been for a big studio production.

10. Hitchcock Cameo

Hitchcock made a cameo appearance in the film, as he did in many of his movies. He can be seen walking outside Marion Crane’s office wearing a Stetson hat. Hitchcock’s cameos became a signature part of his films and fans still enjoy trying to spot him in each one.