How Awful About Allan
How Awful About Allan

How Awful About Allan

1970Movie74 minEnglish

After an eight-month stay in a mental hospital, a tormented man comes home to live with his sister; but a mysterious boarder may be trying to kill him.

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IMDb6.5/10
Director: Curtis HarringtonGenres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

Allan is a germaphobe who lives with his overbearing, blind sister, who constantly belittles him. He becomes increasingly paranoid that someone is trying to drive him insane, especially after he starts receiving mysterious phone calls and experiencing unsettling events. As his grip on reality loosens, he suspects everyone around him, including his sister and her friends, of plotting against him. The film explores themes of paranoia, isolation, and the breakdown of sanity.

Critical Reception

How Awful About Allan is a lesser-known but effective psychological thriller that capitalizes on Anthony Perkins's unsettling performance. While not a mainstream hit, it has gained a cult following among fans of gothic horror and suspenseful cinema for its claustrophobic atmosphere and unnerving portrayal of a man losing his mind. Critics at the time noted its tension and Perkins's commitment to the role, though some found its pacing deliberate.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Anthony Perkins's chilling and sympathetic portrayal of a disturbed man.
  • Appreciated for its tense atmosphere and exploration of paranoia and psychological decay.
  • Seen as a well-crafted, albeit niche, entry in the psychological horror genre.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce due to the film's limited release, but where available, it is often noted for its unnerving suspense and Perkins's captivating performance, contributing to its cult status among horror enthusiasts.

Fun Fact

Anthony Perkins, famous for playing Norman Bates in 'Psycho,' once again plays a character descending into madness, drawing parallels between his iconic roles.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
talisencrw

talisencrw

I had previously read about director Curtis Harrington in Barron's excellent book for cinephiles, '501 Movie Directors', though I had unfortunately not been able to find any of his films before this. He definitely has fine technique for get...
talisencrw

talisencrw

Pretty decent moody, intense, creepy psychological thriller with two of my favourite thespians in that department--Anthony Perkins and Julie Harris. It's a tad claustrophobic and difficult to get into at the start, because of this aforement...