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  • Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho

  • By: Stephen Rebello
  • Narrated by: Richard Powers
  • Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (80 ratings)
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Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho

By: Stephen Rebello
Narrated by: Richard Powers
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Summary

Here is a gripping, behind-the-scenes look inside the classic suspense shocker Psycho—and the creative genius who revolutionized filmmaking.

First released in June 1960, Psycho altered the landscape of horror films forever. But just as compelling as the movie itself is the story behind it.

Stephen Rebello brings to life the creation of one of Hollywood’s most iconic films, from the story of Wisconsin murderer Ed Gein, the real-life inspiration for the character of Norman Bates, to Hitchcock’s groundbreaking achievements in cinematography, sound, editing, and promotion. Packed with captivating insights from the film’s stars, writers, and crew members, Hitchcock is a riveting and definitive history of a signature Hitchcock cinematic masterpiece.

Stephen Rebello is a screenwriter and author of several nonfiction books, including Reel Art: Great Posters from the Golden Age of the Silver Screen. He has written feature articles for numerous major publications, and his celebrity interviews have drawn out provocative revelations from countless stars. He is currently a contributing editor at Playboy magazine.

©1990 Stephen Rebello (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Meticulous history...helps the reader comprehend the original shock of the film." (The New York Times Book Review)

"Rebello talked with virtually every surviving participant in the filmmaking. The result is a book that will inform cineastes and indulge Psychomanes." (Washington Post Book World)

"Fascinating." (Newsweek)

What listeners say about Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars

Tedious

What a dreary book. I honestly thought it would be about the making of Psycho - as it implied in the title. Instead it mainly focussed on how it was publicised after the event, and reported on people's views on it throughout the industry. I never give up on a book, but stopped this one three quarters of the way through before I lost the will to live! Very disappointing - don't waste your money unless you're a film student who need statistics for their thesis.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

NOT WHAT I EXPECTED!!!!!!!!!!!!

Would you try another book written by Stephen Rebello or narrated by Paul Michael Garcia?

I REALLY LOOKED FORWARD TO LISTENING TO THIS BOOK, AS THERE HAD BEEN A LOT OF AD'S ON THE FILM. THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH STEPHEN REBELLO, OR THE NARRATOR. I HAVE NOT READ ANY OTHER BOOKS BY REBELLO THAT I REMEMBER,THOGH IF THE STORY WAS OF SOME INTEREST TO ME I MIGHT TRY ANOTHER OF HIS BOOKS. THE NARRATOR WAS ALSO OK, I'M SORRY THAT THIS BOOK WAS NOTHING LIKE I EXPECTED IT TO BE AT ALL.

What was most disappointing about Stephen Rebello’s story?

EVERYTHING!!! HAVING WATCHED MANY HITCHCOCK FILMS, AND HEARD MANY STORIES OF HOW HE TREATED HIS LEADING LADIES ETC I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE WHOLE BOOK. IT WAS SO BAD I DID NOT LISTEN TO ALL OF IT.AND ASKED TO CHANGE IT, WHAT MORE CAN I SAY???

How did the narrator detract from the book?

THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE NARRATOR, I'M SORRY THIS WAS NOT A GOOD BOOK.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho?

AS I'VE SAID I HAVE SEEN MANY OF HIS FILM'S ALSO THIS ONE, MANY YEARS AGO. WHICH WAS EXCELLENT, AND ALL THE SCENES WERE VERY GOOD.
THIS BOOK WAS NOT FOR ME AT ALL.

Any additional comments?

I THINK I HAVE SAID ALL I CAN, SORRY TO SAY THE WHOLE THING WAS A COMPLETE DISAPPOINTMENT.
I DON'T THNK I WOLD LISTEN TO ANOTHER BOOK ON HITCHCOCK.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Killer movie

Psycho has been the inspiration for many a slasher movie and thriller for decades after its 1960 release. It’s widely parodied - the surest measure of success - though at the time the critics were equivocal, largely because Hitchcock had frozen them out of advance screenings. But the box office was impressive - and the return was high, given that the movie was made on a relatively shoestring budget, at lightning pace, albeit after ultra-detailed planning. Hitchcock sunk his own cash into the project. It was a gamble - and one that paid off, handsomely. This is a richly detailed exploration of the story behind the film, full of entertaining trivia.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent.

We’ll written and read, and a great insight into the making of a classic movie.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

I don't really understand the negative reviews for this book. I thought it was extremely well written and researched. It was detailed in every way about the making of the film and quite fascinating!.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

The story behind one of Hitchcock:s best

I'm a fan of Hitchcock's films and Psych is probably my all time faves so this book was a must. Well researched and clear to point out contradictory statements it breaks down the creative process into various stages from pre production through to post production. I have to say that the narrator whilst clear and good at separating characters wasn't quite for me but that's a personal choice. Highly recommended

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Great for Hitch fans or film students

Whether you're a fan of Hitchcock's movies in general, Psycho in particular, a lover of horror or interested in how movies were made in the late 50s and early 60s, you'll definitely get something out of this book. It's nicely categorised by the planning, execution and release of the movie. Recommended read/listen

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Psycho

A book about the making of the film Psycho. Had pretty much read everything that was contained in the book before but filled in a few hours.

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