Former mental patient and falsely accused killer Arnold Masters (an intense and convincing performance by Jim Hutton) uses the psychic power of astral projection to exact a harsh revenge on the people who he believes wronged him. Director Ray Danton keeps the compelling story moving along at a snappy pace, builds a good deal of tension, and stages the lively murder set pieces with lip-smacking ghoulish gusto. The sound acting by the able cast of familiar B-cinema veterans helps a whole lot: Paul Burke as hard-nosed detective Jeff Morgan, Julie Adams as compassionate psychiatrist Dr. Laura Scott, Nehemiah Persoff as cagey parapsychology expert Dr. Gubner, Aldo Ray as Morgan's gruff partner Dave Anderson, Neville Brand as irascible butcher Lemonowski, Whit Bissell as horny old goat Dr. Paul Taylor, Della Reese as sassy welfare recipient Mrs. Gibson, co-writer Greydon Clark as ill-fated cop Sowash, Stack Pierce as the helpful Emilio, and Mary Wilcox as sexy, yet sadistic nurse Burnson. Moreover, this movie is surprisingly gory and sleazy for a PG-rated item, with the definite trashy highlight occurring when yummy blonde Wilcox happily dances around in her underwear before taking a shower. Herb Pearl's fairly polished cinematography boasts a few funky stylistic flourishes. William Kraft's spirited shivery score hits the stirring shuddery spot. A really fun fright flick.
Review of Psychic Killer
