Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho

By: Stephen Rebello

Narrated by: Richard Powers

Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's 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)

Fascinating listen if you love movies!

Would you consider the audio edition of Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho to be better than the print version?

Have not read the print version.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Alfred Hitchcock. You learn a lot about him and his quirky character in this title.

Which character – as performed by Paul Michael Garcia – was your favorite?

See the above answer.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but too long to listen to in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

I'm going to watch Psycho again after listening to this entertaining title. I recommend this book with no reservations!

"Good Evening......"......soapy look at Hitchcock~

Plot: soapy look a the Master of suspense.

1959 and cinema is changing. Studios are looking for cheaper budgets that bring in huge profits. Alfred Hitchcock is looking for his next "project"....and comes across a book about an early serial killer from Wisconsin. The then 'shocking' murders combined with sex and transvestite behavior is all unheard of. So Hitchcock acquires the "right" the murder bio of serial killer Ed Gein. the studios do not want to make this movie....refuse to finance it so Hitchcock takes the huge gamble to finance it himself. He swears the actors and film crew to secrecy about the excellent plot and soon starts to film the classic horror movie Psycho. This goes behind the scenes and gives us details of Hitchcock and his wife and often behind scenes partner Alma. As the methodical shots and plot are given "the masters touch" he also battles for the first time some nudity and blood and yes even a toilet for the first time in film. this is a very good book. You have to like Hitchcock to enjoy it. The plot is most entertaining and gives us look into 1960s life and mentality. His over the top marketing of the film that made him RICH and put this movie as one of the best horror movies ever. I give it 4 STARS.....

Solid but Narrator mispronounces names

Terrific book. Very well written and informative. However, the narrator as decent as he is mispronounces the screenwriter Joe Stefano's name as Stef-eno as does he mispronounced Louella Parsons as Lula and Adrian Lyne as Adrian Linn. Disconcerting to those who know. Overall, a great listen and a terrific resource to the making of an iconic film.

Justice

Does justice to what for me was the Myth of Hitchcock the genius.. Very Brilliant

Just the right amount of detail, a joy to read

Good balance of insight into the man, the film, the industry, and the story of ed gein. Hitchcock wanted the challenge of making a good horror movie and make it for a very limited budget in a short defined period of time. Challenge met. If you like inside stories of film making, this is it. From casting decisions to location choices even picking the right props.

Fantastic insight into a true American classic!

As someone who’s been enamored with Psycho since the age of 12, the insight and behind-the-scenes details provided in this book were incredible. So grateful I gave it a listen!

A Look behind the Curtain

A great look behind the scenes at the history, filming, release, and impact of Psycho. With interviews pulled from various sources, anecdotes, and a view of the industry at the time, Rebello pulls it all into a coherent narrative that gives one a new appreciation for the movie and it's place in Hitchcock's accomplishments and film in general.

Interesting but only if you are a Hitchcock fan

I've always been a Hitchcock fan. I remember watching Psycho as a grade-schooler and then watching it again and again with my friends to scare them.

I found this book started slowly. The history of how the film got off the ground was a bit boring but I'm glad I kept going. When we got into how the film was made I was fascinated. This was a great insight into a movie that, for its time, was so very shocking.

I only recommend this to people who have seen the movie, more than once, and found it intriguing. If you aren't a Hitchcock fan, don't bother.

Interesting if your are a Hitchcock, psycho or Blo

What did you love best about Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho?

The background of the story and making of the film. It was interesting but not surprising that Robert bloch really got little from his story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho?

A retrospective sense of what people were thinking of Hitchcock during the late 60's. I was a great fan of his TV series.

What about Paul Michael Garcia’s performance did you like?

Clear and well paced

Any additional comments?

If you are interested in Hitchcock, psycho or Robert Bloch or film making you should find this interesting.

excellent if your a fan of Hitch and Psycho

I enjoyed this very much and look forward to seeing the film. the background on the actual events and the Bloch book are great, but there is real insight into how this film got made and I like it. I watched Psycho again after finishing this to see some of the camera work and details talked about again. I like Hitchcock and though he has some flaws, I can't help but appreciate someone who worked at his craft and had a vision, and it's too bad current directors and film makers don't take a step back from the blood and carnage and work on suspense and acting etc. thoroughly enjoyed it. and the late speculation on how Hitch didn't know how to handle the monster he'd created and how it affected his work is insightful

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.

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.

Excellent.

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

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!.

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

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

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.