2012
Alfred Hitchcock, facing criticism for his recent films, decides to adapt Robert Bloch's controversial novel, Psycho, much to the skepticism of Paramount Pictures and his wife, Alma Reville. Hitchcock and Alma decide to self-finance the film, navigating censorship issues and casting challenges, including securing Janet Leigh for the lead role. As production progresses, Hitchcock's obsessive behavior and flirtations with his actresses strain his relationship with Alma, who secretly collaborates on a script with screenwriter Whitfield Cook. Hitchcock collapses during filming, leading Alma to take charge of the set and confront his jealousy, while she also discovers Whitfield's infidelity. After a disastrous test screening, Hitchcock and Alma reconcile and work together to re-edit the film and convince the censors, ultimately leading to Psycho's triumphant premiere and critical success, solidifying Hitchcock's legacy and their partnership.
Save the Cat beat sheet
This screenplay follows Alfred Hitchcock’s journey from pitch to premiere of Psycho, interweaving his professional challenges with his personal relationships.
Open full beat sheetAlfred Hitchcock is listed as Director. Famous, corpulent, mischievous, and obsessive filmmaker. In the parsed data, Alfred Hitchcock is connected to 72 scenes, 104 dialogue lines, 105 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
72 scenes / 104 dialogue linesAlma Reville is listed as Screenwriter/Wife. Hitchcock's razor-sharp, intelligent wife and creative partner. In the parsed data, Alma Reville is connected to 47 scenes, 51 dialogue lines, 53 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.
47 scenes / 51 dialogue linesPeggy Robertson is listed as Assistant. Hitchcock's loyal and protective assistant. In the parsed data, Peggy Robertson is connected to 17 scenes, 12 dialogue lines, 12 text mentions, first appearing around scene 32.
17 scenes / 12 dialogue linesJanet Leigh is listed as Actress. Blonde actress cast as Marion Crane in Psycho. In the parsed data, Janet Leigh is connected to 15 scenes, 22 dialogue lines, 23 text mentions, first appearing around scene 26.
15 scenes / 22 dialogue linesWhitfield Cook is listed as Screenwriter. Sophisticated screenwriter and friend of Alma. In the parsed data, Whitfield Cook is connected to 13 scenes, 21 dialogue lines, 23 text mentions, first appearing around scene 9.
13 scenes / 21 dialogue linesLew Wasserman is listed as Agent. Dynamic and charismatic agent for Hitchcock. In the parsed data, Lew Wasserman is connected to 10 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
10 scenes / 4 dialogue linesBarney Balaban is listed as Studio Executive. Paramount President, skeptical of Hitchcock's projects. In the parsed data, Barney Balaban is connected to 7 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 52.
7 scenes / 5 dialogue linesEd Gein is listed as Serial Killer. A disturbed man whose crimes inspired Psycho. In the parsed data, Ed Gein is connected to 7 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
7 scenes / 4 dialogue linesVera Miles is listed as Actress. Actress cast as Lila Crane in Psycho. In the parsed data, Vera Miles is connected to 6 scenes, 13 dialogue lines, 14 text mentions, first appearing around scene 34.
6 scenes / 13 dialogue linesAnthony Perkins is listed as Actor. Sensitive actor cast as Norman Bates. In the parsed data, Anthony Perkins is connected to 4 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 24.
4 scenes / 3 dialogue linesGeoffrey Shurlock is listed as Censor. Administrator for the Motion Picture Production Code. In the parsed data, Geoffrey Shurlock is connected to 4 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 19.
4 scenes / 2 dialogue linesHenry and Ed Gein are putting out a fire in a marshland; Ed kills Henry with a shovel. Hitchcock observes the scene.
Ed Gein, Alfred HitchcockHitchcock and Alma arrive at the premiere of North by Northwest; Hitchcock is confronted about his age.
Alfred Hitchcock, Alma Reville, Lew WassermanHitchcock and Alma discuss his career and the negative reviews of his recent work.
Alfred Hitchcock, Alma RevilleHitchcock rejects several project proposals while being shaved by his barber.
Alfred Hitchcock, Peggy RobertsonAlma has lunch with Whitfield Cook and discusses Hitchcock's search for a project.
Alma Reville, Whitfield CookHitchcock discovers the book Psycho and decides it will be his next project.
Alfred Hitchcock, Peggy RobertsonHitchcock tries to convince Alma that Psycho is a viable project.
Alfred Hitchcock, Alma RevilleHitchcock shocks gossip columnists with crime scene photos of Ed Gein.
Alfred Hitchcock, Peggy RobertsonWhit and Alma discuss the script while Hitch watches from the doorway.
Alfred Hitchcock, Alma Reville, Whitfield CookHitch returns to the living room to find guests horrified by the Gein photos.
Alfred Hitchcock, Lew Wasserman, Peggy RobertsonHitch and Lew pitch Psycho to Barney Balaban.
Alfred Hitchcock, Lew Wasserman, Barney BalabanHitch and Lew discuss the studio's lack of faith.
Alfred Hitchcock, Lew WassermanHitch and Alma decide to self-finance the movie.
Alfred Hitchcock, Alma RevilleHitch and Lew secure the distribution deal with Balaban.
Alfred Hitchcock, Lew Wasserman, Barney BalabanHitch and Alma discuss the risks of the project.
Alfred Hitchcock, Alma RevilleHitch interviews Joseph Stefano.
Alfred Hitchcock, Peggy Robertson, char_12Alma reviews the financial risks with the accountant.
Alma RevilleAlma reads Stefano's script and approves.
Alfred Hitchcock, Alma RevilleHitch faces censorship issues with Shurlock.
Alfred Hitchcock, Peggy Robertson, Geoffrey ShurlockHitch talks to a psychiatrist about his feelings.
Alfred HitchcockHitch hides food and feels disgusted with himself.
Alfred HitchcockHitch studies his collection of photos of blonde actresses.
Alfred HitchcockHitch and Alma discuss casting for Norman Bates.
Alfred Hitchcock, Alma Reville, Peggy RobertsonHitch interviews Anthony Perkins.
Alfred Hitchcock, Anthony PerkinsHitch and Alma discuss casting the lead actress.
Alfred Hitchcock, Alma RevilleHitchcock and Alma dine with Janet Leigh, discussing her role in Psycho and the shower scene.
Alfred Hitchcock, Alma Reville, Janet LeighAlma encounters a studio head's wife who criticizes Hitchcock's new project.
Alma RevilleAlma aggressively trims the rosebushes.
Alma RevilleAlma and Hitchcock argue over household budget cuts.
Alfred Hitchcock, Alma RevilleHitchcock hallucinates being present at Ed Gein's house.
Alfred Hitchcock, Ed GeinHitchcock wakes up from a nightmare and questions his project.
Alfred Hitchcock, Alma RevilleHitchcock manages the production and interacts with Vera Miles.
Alfred Hitchcock, Peggy Robertson, Vera MilesAlma buys a swimsuit.
Alma RevilleHitchcock spies on Vera Miles during a costume fitting.
Alfred Hitchcock, Vera MilesHitchcock meets with Janet and Tony Perkins.
Alfred Hitchcock, Janet Leigh, Anthony Perkins, Vera MilesAlma works on the script revisions.
Alma RevilleAlma swims vigorously in the pool.
Alma RevilleHitchcock discusses the set with Janet and Tony.
Alfred Hitchcock, Janet Leigh, Anthony PerkinsHitchcock talks to his analyst, who appears to be Ed Gein.
Alfred Hitchcock, Ed GeinHitchcock selects brassieres for Janet.
Alfred Hitchcock, Janet LeighHitchcock directs the bedroom scene.
Alfred Hitchcock, Peggy Robertson, Janet LeighAlma and Peggy review the final script pages.
Alma Reville, Peggy RobertsonAlma encounters Whitfield Cook.
Alma Reville, Whitfield CookAlma and Whitfield Cook discuss her work on Psycho and he suggests a trip to Santa Barbara.
Alma Reville, Whitfield CookHitchcock watches Alma and Whitfield from his office while Hilton Green tries to get him to the set.
Alfred Hitchcock, Peggy RobertsonAlma returns home and is confronted by Hitchcock about her day.
Alfred Hitchcock, Alma RevilleHitchcock suggests Whitfield and Elizabeth come over, making Alma suspicious.
Alfred Hitchcock, Alma RevilleHitchcock directs Janet Leigh in the car scene, becoming increasingly intense.
Alfred Hitchcock, Janet LeighVera Miles warns Janet Leigh about Hitchcock's controlling nature.
Janet Leigh, Vera MilesAlma finds Hitchcock's collection of blonde photos and calls Whitfield.
Alfred Hitchcock, Alma Reville, Whitfield CookHitchcock tries to call Alma, realizes she is talking to Whitfield, and becomes agitated.
Alfred Hitchcock, Peggy Robertson, Vera MilesBarney Balaban confronts Hitchcock about the Psycho footage.
Alfred Hitchcock, Barney BalabanHitchcock orders foie gras and drinks scotch while Balaban knocks.
Alfred Hitchcock, Barney BalabanAlma and Whitfield drive to Santa Barbara.
Alma Reville, Whitfield CookJanet Leigh gives Hitchcock a ride.
Alfred Hitchcock, Janet LeighHitchcock and Janet talk about Hitler and candy corn.
Alfred Hitchcock, Janet LeighAlma and Whitfield discuss their relationship and his beach house.
Alma Reville, Whitfield CookJanet drops Hitchcock off at home.
Alfred Hitchcock, Janet LeighAlma and Whitfield explore the beach house.
Alma Reville, Whitfield CookHitchcock searches Alma's bag and finds the story treatment.
Alfred Hitchcock, Alma RevilleHitchcock criticizes Alma's story treatment.
Alfred Hitchcock, Alma RevilleHitchcock cleans the pool in a rage.
Alfred HitchcockPreparation for the shower scene.
Alfred Hitchcock, Peggy Robertson, Janet LeighRita Riggs applies moleskin to Janet.
Janet LeighRita Riggs applies moleskin patches to Janet Leigh's nipples for the shower scene.
Janet LeighAlma and Whit discuss adding more feeling to their script.
Alma Reville, Whitfield CookHitchcock directs the shower scene with Janet Leigh and a stunt double.
Alfred Hitchcock, Janet Leigh, Anthony PerkinsHitchcock collapses in his office while hallucinating Ed Gein.
Alfred Hitchcock, Ed GeinAlma and Whit receive a phone call about Hitchcock's collapse.
Alma Reville, Whitfield CookHitchcock is sick in bed; Alma takes over the set.
Alfred Hitchcock, Alma RevilleAlma restores order on the set.
Alma Reville, Peggy RobertsonHitchcock finds sand in his bathroom, hallucinating Ed Gein.
Alfred Hitchcock, Ed GeinAlma confronts Barney Balaban on the set.
Alma Reville, Barney BalabanAlma and Hitchcock argue about his jealousy and her work with Whit.
Alfred Hitchcock, Alma RevilleHitchcock visits Vera Miles.
Alfred Hitchcock, Vera MilesAlma catches Whit with another woman.
Alma Reville, Whitfield CookAlma and Whitfield Cook argue about the script and their relationship before Alma drives away.
Alma Reville, Whitfield CookHitchcock and his team watch a test screening of Psycho, which is poorly received by the audience.
Alfred Hitchcock, Lew Wasserman, Barney Balaban, Geoffrey ShurlockShurlock demands cuts to the film, and Wasserman delivers a harsh review to Hitchcock.
Alfred Hitchcock, Lew Wasserman, Barney Balaban, Geoffrey ShurlockAlma reviews the film's poor financial outlook with an accountant.
Alma RevilleYou think you can get away with it but you can't... You think they can't tell... but they can. They know. It's all closing in on you. The noose is tightening... You could return the money secretly, but what would be the point? You, Marion Crane. The prim and proper girl who's always been so tight and respectable. So perfect and untouchable. Well, they know all about your dirty little secret, don't they? Your messy, sticky lunchtime trysts. Yes, your boss Mr. Lowery could even smell the sex on YOU--
I'll tell you. You live your life, and it's unbearable sometimes but there's this secret, Chet; a big secret no one else knows or wants to tell... there is a God and he's so big and powerful, he doesn't always remember you're there... but if you can get his attention and he sees you're suffering, he'll notice and he'll take care of you. My mother used to tell me -- she's passed, God bless her -- the one thing God truly loves and understands is suffering. After all, he invented it.
I'd keep it that way if I were you. He starts by choosing your hairstyle and clothes and then he wants to choose your friends and decide how many children you should have. That poor, tortured soul Jimmy Stewart played in Vertigo? That's Hitch, only younger, slimmer and better-looking.
She leads a double life. For instance, when she works at the Lowery office, she wears Tweed perfume. But, when she and Sam are together, she recklessly breaks out her one expensive bottle -- 'My Sin' by Lanvin.
What about Janet Leigh? She's always the 'good girl' but she did awfully well in Touch of Evil. Lew mentioned her name. Do you remember how you always remarked on her figure at the Wassermans' parties?
I've got a better idea. Why don't we drive out to Santa Barbara? We'll have Emilio fry up those juicy steaks we like at El Encanto. No shoptalk ... No silly magazine articles...just a wonderful meal...
The truth is... I'm only happy when I'm working... and if I'm not working then I'm nothing. I'm not even a person. I'm just a collection of molecules. A useless cylinder of ugly flesh.
No. They have to look like they were bought at Sears and Roebuck. I want every woman in the audience to look up at Janet having sex with John Gavin and think, 'that could be me'.
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