Misc. TV Shows and Biographies by Nathaniel from Illinois, USA
The Making of EDGE OF SANITY(1989)
This 30 minute episode of a Behind The Scenes TV show about Edge of Sanity was rather inexplicably released on video in 1989 and even more inexplicably ignored when that movie was released on DVD in 2003, though copies of the video will occasionally pop up on Ebay. While it starts out good for about 10 minutes, it quickly becomes tedious as it goes in-depth over details like set making and art direction. While film students may enjoy this, it has no involvement with Perkins, who, frankly, I think fans of this film are more interested in hearing from. He does have a few soundbytes, but it's just shilling the movie. It's always kind of fascinating to hear an actor talk about his latest flick like it's cinema gold, when you know he's got to know he's slumming.
My Favorite Moment: A very brief but wonderful image of Perkins switching which eyebrow to raise to the camera before deciding which is scarier looking. They could have made the whole documentary out of stuff like that.
CHILLERS (aka. "Mistress of Suspense")(1990)
Perkins was the host of this short lived horror anthology series, which was comprised of mostly English filmed stories. Unfortunately, he never appeared in any of the stories, which are unmemorable, so his contributions are strictly two minute segments at the beginning and end of each story. Numerous episodes have been released on video. Interestingly, rather than take the Boris Karloff route and spook it up, Perkins is quite normal, even personable, as the host.
GHOST WRITER (1990)
I managed to obtain a copy of the pilot of this sitcom, which was one of only two episodes filmed. An attempt at a "Scare Comedy" on the Fox Network, it was quickly axed. Despite the terrible things I've read about this show, I found it hilarious. Tony plays a widowed author trying to start a new life and family, but the twist is that the ghost of his ex wife, amongst others, haunts him. Perkins shows off a very dry wit, and if given time to develop, this show could have been a real cult classic.
E! True Hollywood Story: Anthony Perkins
Excellent documentary. Lots of rare footage and exclusive interviews. Make sure you set a timer for this one!
This is the definitive biography of Perkins, and should be read by all his fans. The story itself is fascinating, and gets into detail on every aspect of his career and life. It's only faults are that it's at times a bit gossipy when it comes to Perkins' homosexuality, and sometimes gets into FAR too much detail about the specifics of his sexual habits. Sorry, that doesn't do anything for me. Still, a great book anyway.
Anthony Perkins: A Haunted Life (by Ronald Bergan, 1995)
It took me a really long time to find a copy of this out of print biography, but I finally found one on Amazon Zshops. The verdict: You're fine with Split Image. This is all right, but it lacks the detail of that book and kind of skims over Perkins' life. It also goes a little too far in trying to connect Perkins psychologically with his characters, particularly Norman and Joseph K. It's a perfectly decent book, and should probably be read since there's only two or three biographies of Tony at best, just don't break your back to get your hands on it.
Psycho: Behind the Scenes of the Classic Thriller (by Janet Leigh, 1995)
This book is a very nice companion piece to the movie, sort of like having a written version of the DVD documentary. Ms. Leigh is very warm in her style of writing, and covers pretty much every detail of this legendary film's conception. Her portrayal of Perkins does not deviate from that of other books; he is shown as a very kind, slyly funny man who, though bitter for a few years, eventually came to terms his most famous creation. Essential reading for fans of Psycho.
