The Night of Bloody Horror (1969)

A psycho slaying young women in The Big Easy in ’69

Helmed by Joy N. Houck Jr, this is psychological drama-horror in the adult-oriented tradition of “Psycho,” just in living color with the milieu of the late ’60s, including a nightclub sequence featuring the band The Bored. Gerald McRaney plays the troubled protagonist in his feature film debut.

Despite spending thirteen years in an asylum and recently getting out at the age of 26, he sure is adept at attracting beautiful women and getting them into bed. He must be a natural Lothario, mental problems notwithstanding.

The filmmaking is akin to Peter Bogdanovich’s “Targets” from the year prior. If you favor that one and “Psycho”-ish late 60s’ flicks like “Twisted Nerve” and “The House That Screamed" (aka "La residencia"), you should appreciate it, although it’s the least of these due to its curious lethargic tone. Fortunately, it has a sense of artistry, and the females are lovely in a late 60s’ way.

It runs 1h 18m and was shot in New Orleans.

GRADE: B-