The Couch (film)


The Couch is a 1962 American psychological horror film directed by Owen Crump from a screenplay by Robert Bloch and a story by Blake Edwards and Owen Crump. The film stars Grant Williams, Shirley Knight, and Onslow Stevens. The film was released by Warner Bros. on February 21, 1962.

Plot

Following a 2-year prison term for rape, young Charles Campbell is paroled on condition that he undergo daily psychiatric treatment. Maintaining a calm appearance, he conceals both his hatred of Dr. Janz, who represents all father-like authority, and his dislike of the analyst's couch, the symbol of his guilt. One day Campbell phones the police and announces that a murder will be committed at 7 o'clock. A few minutes before the hour he stabs a stranger with an icepick and then reports to Dr. Janz for his daily session. Several days later he commits another murder in the same manner. Eventually Campbell decides that Dr. Janz will be his next victim. After stabbing the doctor in a crowded passageway, Campbell goes to Janz's office and attempts to seduce his niece, Terry. They are interrupted by a phone call notifying Terry that her uncle is alive but unconscious in a hospital. Campbell races there, conceals his identity by wearing an operating gown and mask, and enters the recovery room in which Dr. Janz is lying. Before the deranged killer can complete his third murder, however, he is apprehended by the police.

Cast