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)

Justice

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

entertaining movie made from this book

movie highlights hitchcock's relationship w wife Alma and his insatiable desires for finer things- food, booze and blondes

Behind the scenes

I found the story to be very interesting and well written. There was no tawdriness in the book. Just a straightforward research project on a very famous film. I thought the author did a great job helping non-film buffs understand the various nuances of filmmaking. It truly is behind the scenes and I learned a lot about what goes into making a movie from start to finish.

Well I wouldn’t expect to listen to this book again the narrator did a great job. I am much more interested in seeing the movie at this point. I’m also interested in re-watching Psycho. I have not seen that film in many years but, I enjoy many of our Hitchcock’s other movies such as rear window, north by northwest, and most especially To Catch a Thief.

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!

Just loved this book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book; having just seen the movie I could really visualise the characters.

Absolutely Magnificent

I could not turn this book off. It is narrated and written well. I'd be surprised if the author missed a single detail about the production of Psycho. This is easily one of the best books in my Audible library. 100% recommended.

Excellent deep dive!

I loved it, and I read it so fast that when it ended, I thought I had accidentally skipped chapters. This is definitely a book either for Hitchcock fanatics or filmmakers, maybe also for fans of cinema history. It was exactly what I expected the author to deliver – I loved all the details about how the script was developed, the choice of actors, minutiae around scene filming, the dynamics between Hitch and others. I listen to tons of audiobooks, as surely many of you also do, and this narrator worked perfectly for me.

"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.....

Terrific tale of the making of Psycho

They made a movie based on this book. It was not that good. This book, however, goes into minute detail about how Hitchcock's film got made. It also traces the history of the novel and the novelist and the real story that influenced Bloch to write Psycho. Really terrific stuff. Loved it!

A Ode to Film Making

Think Of the opening notes of John Williams' of "Jaws", think of the dreaded( as I witnessed) to the jolts, the horrors and screams that "The Exorcist" produced. None of these film couldn't have been made without Alfred Hitchcock and this delightful book gives us the glimpse into what was as it was known, "the little 30 day film".
"Making Of Psycho" takes the listener and reader into the world of late 50's early 60's and what Mr. Hitchcock was looking to making of this film, the ups,the downs and the incredible section on selling of the movie, one can only hope that a film can do that again, bring that suspense, the terror and what IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT. Great in depth detail of every aspect this and with great detail of Mr. Rebello gives us that look when new films were raising the bar in style and film making, that a maestro like Hitch would say, "Please hold my wine" and deliver a film that has been honored by parody and respect that of "Psycho".
I loved listening to this, as each step up takes a looking into the making of the film, one wish that it would incorporate a portion of the famous coming attraction trailer,rather that of Mr. Powers who does a great job at the verbal feel of Mr. Hitchcock's voice.
A joy to listen to and enjoy.
Thank You Mr. Powers and Thank You Mr. Rebello and with that I bid you a good evening.