Review of How Awful About Allan (1970) by Chad E — 17 Feb 2010

Originally an ABC movie-of-the-week, this effectively eerie tale of psychological suspense features Anthony Perkins as Allan Colleigh, a young man who's psychosomatically blinded by the sight of his father burning to death in the family house. After spending eight months in a mental institution, Allan returns home to live with his embittered sister Katherine, scarred as a result of the fire. Shortly after his arrival, Allan learns that Katherine intends to rent out one of the rooms, a decision that will have some rather troublesome consequences. Tormented by beckoning midnight voices and sinister hands reaching for him in the shadows, Allan becomes convinced that the mysterious new lodger wants to do him harm, but Katherine has a very difficult time buying into her brother's rantings. Is our hero truly being menaced, or is he merely the victim of his own imagination?

This vigorous Curtis Harrington chiller draws inspiration from PSYCHO, WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE?, and HUSH...HUSH, SWEET CHARLOTTE in equal measure. The result is simply too derivative to be considered a classic, but its blend of campy thrills and surreal shocks help to make it a great deal of fun. The teleplay by Henry Farrell (author of the BABY JANE novel and co-screenwriter of CHARLOTTE) hinges upon a "surprise" denouement that most modern viewers will be able to figure out quite some time before it arrives. Nonetheless, Farrell's storyline offers just enough plot contortions and juicy dialogue to keep things at an entertaining level.

The film is primarily a vehicle for the wonderfully quirky talents of Anthony Perkins, who certainly succeeds in making Allan a memorable addition to his gallery of edgy and disturbed heroes. Although it's chiefly Anthony's show, that of course doesn't prevent the remarkable Julie Harris from delivering an admirable supporting turn as the put-upon Katherine, who struggles to maintain her cool in the face of Allan's increasingly neurotic behavior. Perkins supplies most of the hysterics, but the finale gives Miss Harris an opportunity to raise a little hell herself and she does so with tremendous relish; it's a brief moment that you won't easily forget. Joan Hackett, a fine actress who never quite achieved the level of popularity that she should have, makes a welcome appearance as their concerned neighbor. The picture also benefits considerably from the skillful direction of Curtis Harrington. Much of the story's action takes place within the confines of the Colleigh house, but Harrington utilizes the virtually single setting to excellent effect, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that smothers the audience with dread.