High Anxiety (1977)
Mel Brooks takes on Hitchcock in this razor-sharp comedy thriller about fear, madness, and murder at a very suspicious mental institution.
High Anxiety - Movie Information
- Original Title: High Anxiety
- Release Year: 1977
- Directed by: Mel Brooks
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Mystery, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 25, 1977 (United States - PG), September 13, 1978 (Germany - 12), September 27, 1978 (France - U)
- Alternative Titles: Høj skræk (DK), Alta Ansiedade (BR), Las angustias del Dr. Mel Brooks (AR)
- Production Companies: Crossbow Productions, 20th Century Fox
- Production Countries: United States of America
High Anxiety - Plot
A psychiatrist with intense acrophobia (fear of heights) goes to work for a mental institution run by doctors who appear to be crazier than their patients, and have secrets that they are willing to commit murder to keep.
High Anxiety - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Mel Brooks at his most delightfully unhinged:
Danger, intrigue, romance...and a touch of kinkiness!
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High Anxiety - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Mel Brooks
Main Cast
- Mel Brooks
- Madeline Kahn
- Cloris Leachman
- Harvey Korman
- Ron Carey
- Howard Morris
- Dick Van Patten
- Jack Riley
- Charlie Callas
- Ron Clark
Writers
- Mel Brooks
- Ron Clark
- Rudy De Luca
- Barry Levinson
Producers
- Mel Brooks
High Anxiety - FAQs
Which Hitchcock films does High Anxiety parody?
High Anxiety lovingly spoofs several Hitchcock classics, most notably Vertigo, Psycho, The Birds, and Spellbound. Mel Brooks recreates iconic scenes and visual motifs from these films with his signature comedic twist, turning suspense into slapstick while paying genuine tribute to the master of suspense.
Who are the main actors in High Anxiety?
The film stars Mel Brooks as the acrophobic psychiatrist Dr. Richard H. Thorndyke, alongside Madeline Kahn as Victoria Brisbane, Cloris Leachman as the terrifying Nurse Charlotte Diesel, and Harvey Korman as the scheming Dr. Charles Montague. Ron Carey, Howard Morris, and Dick Van Patten round out the ensemble.
What is High Anxiety about?
Dr. Richard Thorndyke, a psychiatrist plagued by a crippling fear of heights, takes over a prestigious mental institution only to discover the staff may be more disturbed than the patients. As he digs deeper, he stumbles onto a conspiracy involving murder, manipulation, and secrets the doctors will do anything to protect.
Is the famous shower scene in High Anxiety a Psycho parody?
Absolutely — it's one of the film's most beloved gags. Brooks reimagines Hitchcock's iconic Psycho shower scene with a brilliantly absurd twist: instead of a knife-wielding killer, the attacker is an overly aggressive bellboy armed with a rolled-up newspaper. It perfectly captures Brooks' ability to honor a classic while completely deflating its tension.
Where can I stream High Anxiety?
You can watch High Anxiety on fuboTV and YouTube TV with a subscription. If you prefer to rent or buy, it's available on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Plenty of options to enjoy this Mel Brooks classic!
What is the age rating for High Anxiety?
High Anxiety carries a PG rating in the United States, making it accessible to a broad audience. While the humor is largely family-friendly, some satirical violence and adult comedic situations mean younger viewers may enjoy it most alongside older family members who can appreciate the Hitchcock references.
How long is High Anxiety?
High Anxiety runs for 94 minutes — just under an hour and a half. It's a brisk, well-paced comedy that keeps the parody gags coming at a steady clip without overstaying its welcome, making it an easy and entertaining watch from start to finish.
What are some movies similar to High Anxiety?
If you enjoy High Anxiety, you'll likely love other Mel Brooks comedies like Blazing Saddles (1974) and Silent Movie (1976). For more genre parodies in a similar spirit, Sleeper (1973) and Repossessed (1990) are worth checking out. Dead Again (1991) offers a more straight-faced Hitchcock homage for contrast.
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