Psychic Killer
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 1975 |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Supernatural horror film |
Psychic Killer is a 1975 American supernatural horror film directed by Ray Danton with a screenplay by Greydon Clark, Mikel Angel, and Ray Danton. The cast features Paul Burke, Jim Hutton, and Julie Adams. Distributed by AVCO Embassy Pictures in December 1975, the movie was initially released under the title The Kirlian Force, later changed to emphasize its thrilling horror aspects. This film represents the last theatrical appearances of both Jim Hutton and Paul Burke.
Plot
Arnold Masters, confined to a mental institution for a crime he did not commit, recounts his story: his mother required surgery to remove a tumor but lacked health insurance. After a doctor refused to perform the operation and was subsequently found murdered, Arnold was falsely accused and declared not guilty by reason of insanity. During his confinement, Arnold remained unaware that his mother had passed away.
An inmate provides Arnold with an amulet that grants him the power of astral projection—the ability to separate his spirit from his physical body. Upon release, triggered by the confession of the actual murderer, Arnold uses this supernatural ability to exact revenge on those he holds responsible for his wrongful imprisonment and his mother's demise.
His targets include the court-appointed psychiatrist whose evidence led to his conviction, a careless nurse, the arresting officer, and a lawyer who betrayed him. Each death looks accidental, leaving investigators puzzled—particularly Lt. Jeff Morgan.
Morgan begins linking the victims to Arnold and pursues the case despite insufficient proof. He receives assistance from Arnold’s former physician, Laura Scott, alongside Dr. Gubner. In an effort to halt Arnold’s killings, Morgan exploits Arnold’s astral projection weakness: while Arnold’s body remains clinically dead during these episodes, Morgan arranges for it to be taken to the crematorium.
As Arnold’s spirit confronts Laura at her residence, his physical form is incinerated in the crematorium oven. Though Arnold awakens screaming, he is ultimately consumed by flames, bringing an end to his murderous rampage.
Cast
- Paul Burke as Police Lt. Jeff Morgan
- Jim Hutton as Arnold James Masters
- Julie Adams as Dr. Laura Scott
- Nehemiah Persoff as Dr. Gubner
- Neville Brand as Lemonowski
- Aldo Ray as Lt. Dave Anderson
- Whit Bissell as Dr. Paul Taylor
- Rod Cameron as Dr. Commanger
- Della Reese as Mrs. Gibson
- Mary Charlotte Wilcox as Nurse Burnson
- Judith Brown as Anne Turner
- Joseph Della Sorte as Harvey B. Sanders
- Greydon Clark as Police Sgt. Marv Sowash
- Harry Holcombe as Judge
- Robin Raymond as Jury Foreman
- Jerry James as Dr. Cummings
- Diane Deininger as Arnold's Mother
- John Dennis as Frank
- Bill Quinn as Hospital Coroner
- Marland Proctor as Motorcycle Cop
- Walter O. Miles as Coroner
- Stack Pierce as Emilio
- Mello Alexandria as Cop
- Sandra Rustam as Young Girl
Release
Psychic Killer had its regional premiere in the United States on November 7, 1975, in Atlanta, Georgia.