How Awful About Allan (1970)

"How Awful About Allan" (1970), produced by Aaron Spelling Productions and aired by the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), is a gripping made-for-television psychological thriller that delves into the harrowing world of a man grappling with blindness and paranoia. Directed by Curtis Harrington, the film stars Anthony Perkins as Allan, a man who loses his sight in a traumatic fire and returns to his childhood home to recover. The narrative masterfully intertwines Allan's struggle with his deteriorating mental state, as he becomes convinced that his sister, played by Julie Harris, and others around him are plotting against him. The film's eerie atmosphere and Perkins' intense performance create a chilling exploration of isolation and fear. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly serene yet unsettling family home, "How Awful About Allan" effectively uses its confined setting to heighten the sense of claustrophobia and suspense. The film's use of sound and visual cues, such as the creaking of floorboards and the shifting shadows, amplifies Allan's paranoia and the audience's unease. The psychological tension is further enhanced by the ambiguous nature of Allan's perceptions, leaving viewers questioning the reality of the threats he faces. This ambiguity, combined with the film's tight pacing, keeps the audience on edge throughout its runtime. The performances in "How Awful About Allan" are a standout feature, with Anthony Perkins delivering a tour de force as the tormented protagonist. His portrayal of Allan's descent into madness is both compelling and unsettling, capturing the character's vulnerability and growing hysteria with nuance and intensity. Julie Harris, as Allan's sister Katherine, provides a strong counterbalance, her performance adding layers of complexity to the film's central mystery. The dynamic between the siblings is fraught with tension and unspoken history, enriching the narrative and deepening the film's emotional impact. "How Awful About Allan" remains a notable entry in the canon of 1970s television thrillers, showcasing the era's penchant for psychological horror and suspense. Produced by Aaron Spelling Productions and broadcast by ABC, the film exemplifies the creative risks taken in television at the time, pushing the boundaries of what was possible within the medium. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke a visceral sense of dread and its exploration of the human psyche, making it a timeless piece of psychological horror that continues to captivate audiences.