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Shower power
Alfred Hitchcock's classic horror film, starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh and Vera Miles, is unmissable. An immediate box-office hit in 1960, it's gradually - and quite rightly - achieved legendary status. It may look a little tame by modern standards but at the time of its release it slashed through convention, shocked audiences, altered Hollywood's perception of the horror genre and broke industry taboos. If that wasn't enough, the infamous shower scene (pictured) has become one of the most iconic moments in movie history.

On the run having stolen cash from her employer, nervy Marion Crane (Leigh) turns up, late at night, at the seemingly deserted Bates Motel. Here she meets friendly but eccentric young owner Norman Bates (Perkins) who runs the motel and cares for his elderly, sick and shrewish mother Lila (Crane). Marion takes a room at the motel and decides to take a shower...

Unable to find big-studio financing for his project, Hitchcock deliberately shot the film on a tight budget in black and white, using a TV crew. It was a genius stroke, adding tremendous atmosphere - and even touches of black comedy - to the film's eerie plot. Highly recommended. Oh and the film's unusual trailer is presented by Hitchcock himself. Stick with it. Paul Strange

Did you know? It's believed that after seeing the film, Janet Leigh was so upset that she no longer took showers unless she absolutely had to. If she did take a shower, she would ensure that all doors and windows were locked, and she would leave the bathroom and shower door open.

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FILM: Psycho, ITV1 London at 00:00 on Sunday 3rd February 2008

Hitchcock's classic chiller about the grisly goings-on in a remote motel run by a timid and decidedly odd young man and his domineering mother. Psycho totally changed Hollywood's perception of the horror genre and broke many of the movie industry's taboos.
(Black and White)

Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin, Martin Balsam, John McIntire