The Strangler (1964)

The Strangler
Directed by Burt Topper
Written by Bill S. Ballinger
1964/USA
Bischoff-Diamond Productions
First viewing/Amazon Instant

[box] “I knew–though I didn’t recognize the fact–that I wasn’t all right.” ― Jim Thompson, The Killer Inside Me[/box]

One of the better of the many Psycho progeny.

Leo Kroll (Victor Buono) has mommy issues.  Mom (Ellen Corby) is currently in a nursing home.  He doesn’t visit as often as she would like.  When he does, she berates him and puts him down.  Leo has developed an outlet for his rage.  He has taken to strangling nurses with nylon stockings.

One of this serial killer’s signatures is the mangled doll he leaves behind.  We learn that these are obtained through his considerable prowess at a carnival game that offers the dolls as a prize.  As a police investigation gets closer and closer to Leo his crimes become more frequent and personal.

Victor Buono’s truly creepy performance makes this movie.  He is scary, arrogant, and just plain weird.  Sort of a Laird Cregar of the 60’s.  Recommended for those who like this kind of thing.