Frenzy

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Frenzy

R

Released Jun 21, 1972

1h 56m

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

45 Reviews

78%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

London is held in the grip of a serial killer whose modus operandi is to murder his victims by strangling them with a necktie. When short-tempered ex-Royal Air Force officer Richard Blaney (Jon Finch) discovers his ex-wife (Barbara Leigh-Hunt) murdered, Blaney becomes a suspect. Forced to go on the run, Blaney attempts to take refuge with his best friend, fruit merchant Bob Rusk (Barry Foster), however Rusk may, in fact, be the necktie murderer himself.

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Critics Consensus

Marking Alfred Hitchcock's return to England and first foray into viscerally explicit carnage, Frenzy finds the master of horror regaining his grip on the audience's pulse -- and making their blood run cold.

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Penelope Gilliatt

The New Yorker

There is also a sort of sabertoothed gentility that [Hitchcock] greatly relishes, and no one else in the commercial cinema uses savage silence so well.

Jan 22, 2024

Full Review

Penelope Houston

Sight & Sound

Once a Londoner, always a Londoner. Hitchcock's return to home ground, twenty-two years after Stage Fright, is a remarkable performance in most senses of the word.

May 13, 2020

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TIME Staff

TIME Magazine

In case there was any doubt, back in the dim days of Marnie and Topaz, Hitchcock is still in fine form. Frenzy is the dazzling proof.

May 13, 2020

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Barbara Shulgasser

Common Sense Media

For a modern audience, Frenzy impresses as another example of expert Hitchockian terror and humor, but it disappoints in many particulars.

Jun 11, 2025

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Howard Waldstein

CBR

Frenzy is, pound for pound, one of the auteur's greatest achievements.

Jul 18, 2023

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Somewhat lacking for Hitchcock, despite its fascinating deviations from his usual projects.

Rated: 8/10

Aug 29, 2020

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Mark H

A long slog through old ideas. Michael Caine seemingly unavailable for Rusk.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

07/20/25

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Isa B

This film has it all. Suspenseful plot twists. Hilarious comedy. It is well-written, well acted, and one of Alfred Hitchcock's best, most underrated motion pictures. I didn't even know of this film until yesterday. Psycho is a great film, and one of the most iconic horror films in the history of cinema. However, once you've seen it, that's it. It really is devoid of replay value. I love Psycho, by the way. I think Vertigo is a great film, but it is highly overrated, in my humble opinion. Frenzy, on the other hand, truly has it all. The camera work is brilliant. The scenes where the chief inspector is eating his wife's cooking are among the funniest I've ever seen. I love this picture, as it immediately became one of my favorites. I highly recommend it. 96/100

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/13/25

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Kyle M

Hitchcock’s attempt to supposedly return to form started promising till it gradually became your generic crime thriller that he questionably lost his forte since decidedly unmasking the terror early on without growing any suspense except for occasional chill shots that are graphic manifestations of the bold, discomforting subject. Sure there are few tactically intellectual aspects in regard whilst seemingly attempted an unconventional approach, but what’s the point when the plot’s been spoiled if nothing mattered besides hoping for a satisfying resolution? Only one conversing subplot is rewarding over its cleverness and amusing pattern amid a performative testament. (B-)

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

06/30/25

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Stephen C

Success in 1 hour and 56 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/27/25

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Kalissa H

Not my favorite Hitchcock film, but the scene showing the act of the first murder was chilling.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/22/25

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Sergio A

No one handles suspense like Hitchcock, that’s a fact, and this film proves it. While some scenes feel rushed and the characters aren’t fully developed (which somewhat limits the emotional impact), it successfully blends comedy, suspense, horror, and stunning cinematography. Highly recommended.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/06/25

Full Review

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Alfred Hitchcock

Director

Jon Finch

Richard Ian Blaney

Barry Foster

Robert Rusk

Barbara Leigh-Hunt

Brenda Margaret Blaney

Anna Massey

Barbara Jane "Babs" Milligan

Alec McCowen

Chief Inspector Oxford

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Synopsis

London is held in the grip of a serial killer whose modus operandi is to murder his victims by strangling them with a necktie. When short-tempered ex-Royal Air Force officer Richard Blaney (Jon Finch) discovers his ex-wife (Barbara Leigh-Hunt) murdered, Blaney becomes a suspect. Forced to go on the run, Blaney attempts to take refuge with his best friend, fruit merchant Bob Rusk (Barry Foster), however Rusk may, in fact, be the necktie murderer himself.

Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Producer: Alfred Hitchcock
Screenwriter: Arthur La Bern, Anthony Shaffer
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Universal Pictures, Alfred J. Hitchcock Productions
Rating: R
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 21, 1972, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 5, 2016
Runtime: 1h 56m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: 35mm

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