Patrick is a 1978 Australian paranormal horror film co-produced and directed by Richard Franklin (Link; Roadgames; Psycho II) from a screenplay by Everett De Roche (Long Weekend). The movie stars Susan Penhaligon (The Uncanny; Count Dracula; House of Mortal Sin), Robert Helpmann and Rod Mullinar.
The film’s soundtrack score was composed by Brian May (Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare; Roadgames; Mad Max).
The film was a huge hit in Italy where it was re-scored by Goblin. An unauthorised Italian sequel titled Patrick Still Lives was released in 1980.
The film was remade in 2013 as Patrick: Evil Awakens, with Antony I. Ginnane (Dark Age; Turkey Shoot; Thirst) returning as a producer.
Plot:
Patrick (Robert Thompson) lies in a coma in a Melbourne private hospital. He had murdered his mother and her lover three years ago by electrocuting them in the bath. Patrick, who has psychokinetic powers, falls in love with Kathy (Susan Penhaligon), the new nurse at the hospital, communicating with her via an electric typewriter.
Patrick also uses his psychokinetic powers to control the men in Kathy’s life and to defend himself against the hospital’s bitter Matron Cassidy (Julia Blake) who plots to murder him…
Reviews:
“Patrick is just eccentric enough to work. It’s well-acted and directed and features a nice balance of creepy and silly moments. Franklin peoples his film with a nice mix of bizarre characters, played by genuine character actors, and places Kathy as the level-headed center of an off-kilter storm.This isn’t a film that grabs you by the throat, but rather grows on you as it goes on. More fun than frightening, it’s a worthwhile watch.” DVD Verdict
“Short on gore but high on suspense, the Hitchcockian influence is apparent and Patrick should please most fans of the genre. It’s well made and well-acted and even if it does seem a little slow in spots, ultimately it delivers some quality weirdness.” Rock!Shock!Pop!
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Cast and characters:
Susan Penhaligon as Kathie Jacquard (House of Mortal Sin)
Robert Helpmann as Doctor Roget
Rod Mullinar as Ed Jacquard
Robert Thompson as Patrick
Bruce Barry as Doctor Brian Wright
Julia Blake as Matron Cassidy
Helen Hemingway as Sister Williams
María Mercedes as Nurse Panicale
Walter Pym as Captin Fraser
Frank Wilson as Detective Sgt. Grant
John P. Boddie as the Multi-Colored Mice
Trailer:
