High Anxiety Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A shrink who’s scared of heights takes over a mental hospital run by kinky weirdos and gets framed for a crime he didn’t commit, but it’s okay because he sings a song and wears old-lady drag to solve everything.

🍿 High Anxiety: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival at the Institute

Dr. Richard Thorndyke, a psychiatrist with a debilitating fear of heights, arrives at the PsychoNeurotic Institute for the Very, Very Nervous to assume his new role as director. He’s immediately met with odd occurrences, including a bizarre encounter at the airport and learning that the previous director’s death was shrouded in suspicion. At the institute, Thorndyke is introduced to the peculiar staff, including the stern Nurse Diesel, the submissive Dr. Montague, and his old mentor Professor Lilloman. He quickly suspects that something is amiss, especially concerning the treatment of the patients and the secrets surrounding Dr. Ashley’s death.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

Thorndyke begins investigating the patient files and discovers inconsistencies, particularly with Zachary Cartwright III, whose condition seems to worsen whenever Thorndyke gets involved. He also meets Arthur Brisbane, a millionaire industrialist who believes he’s a dog. As Thorndyke delves deeper, he finds himself framed for murder while attending a psychiatric conference in San Francisco. Forced to go on the run, he teams up with Victoria Brisbane, Arthur’s daughter, to clear his name and uncover the truth.

The San Francisco Conference and the Frame-Up

Thorndyke attends the psychiatric conference in San Francisco with his sidekick Brophy. They encounter a series of strange events, including a humorous take on the shower scene from “Psycho” and run-ins with a mysterious killer. While at the conference, Thorndyke meets Victoria Brisbane, who claims her father is in danger. A series of events leads to Thorndyke being framed for murder, forcing him to go on the run and seek Victoria’s help to prove his innocence.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dr. Richard H. Thorndyke (Mel Brooks): The acrophobic psychiatrist who becomes the new administrator of a mental institute and finds himself framed for murder.
• Victoria Brisbane (Madeline Kahn): The mysterious blonde who helps Dr. Thorndyke clear his name and find her missing father.
• Nurse Charlotte Diesel (Cloris Leachman): The sadistic nurse who is part of the conspiracy to frame Dr. Thorndyke.
• Dr. Charles Montague (Harvey Korman): The corrupt doctor who conspires with Nurse Diesel and engages in a BDSM relationship with her.
• Brophy (Ron Carey): Dr. Thorndyke’s loyal chauffeur and sidekick who helps uncover the truth through his photography.
• Professor Lilloman (Howard Morris): Dr. Thorndyke’s old professor who helps him confront his high anxiety.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Nurse Diesel: “Those who are tardy do not get fruit cup.” – Nurse Diesel establishes her strict and slightly absurd rules at the institute.
• Dr. Richard H. Thorndyke: “That kid gets no tip.” – Thorndyke’s calm reaction after being attacked in the shower in a parody of ‘Psycho’.
• Dr. Richard H. Thorndyke: “What a dramatic airport!” – Said after arriving at the airport and dramatic music abruptly cuts out.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4.015M
• Domestic Gross: $31.063M
• Worldwide Gross: $31.063M

💥 High Anxiety Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘High Anxiety’ as a kid and just cracking up. The airport scene with the old-lady disguise is pure gold! And Cloris Leachman as Nurse Diesel? Absolutely terrifying and hilarious at the same time. Mel Brooks’ movies always have a special place in my heart. Even though some of the jokes might be dated now, the sheer silliness and the nods to Hitchcock make it a fun watch. I especially loved when Thorndyke sings the title song; it’s so catchy!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Mel Brooks’ comedy”
  • “Viewers familiar with Alfred Hitchcock’s films”
  • “People who enjoy parodies and spoofs”
  • “Those who appreciate classic comedy actors like Madeline Kahn and Cloris Leachman”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild sexual innuendo”
  • “Some violent scenes”
  • “Potentially offensive stereotypes (use of disguises)”
  • “Adult themes related to mental illness”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Brooks successfully spoofs Hitchcock with hilarious set pieces and memorable performances, especially from Leachman and Korman. While not as sharp as ‘Young Frankenstein,’ it’s a worthy addition to Brooks’ comedy repertoire. Expect quick-fire gags and affectionate homages to the master of suspense.
• The New York Times: “While ‘High Anxiety’ delivers laughs, it occasionally feels uneven. Kahn is luminous, but Brooks’ performance is hit-or-miss. The ‘Psycho’ shower scene parody is a standout, while others feel forced. Ultimately, it’s a fun but imperfect tribute to Hitchcock’s iconic thrillers.

Audience Reactions

The airport scene with the old-lady disguise is hilarious and unforgettable.: Viewers appreciate the affectionate spoofs of Hitchcock’s classic films.

Cloris Leachman’s performance as Nurse Diesel is both terrifying and hilarious.: The film’s cast delivers memorable and over-the-top performances that elevate the humor.

Overall Consensus: A loving, albeit uneven, parody of Hitchcock’s films. While not Brooks’ finest work, it’s a fun, joke-filled ride with some truly memorable moments.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Mel Brooks dedicated this film to Alfred Hitchcock, and after a private screening, Hitchcock reportedly told Brooks that the shower curtain in the ‘Psycho’ parody had too many rings.”
• “Barry Levinson, who later became a successful director himself, has a small role as the bellboy in the ‘Psycho’ shower scene parody.”
• “The film is a broad parody, referencing Hitchcock films like ‘Vertigo,’ ‘Psycho,’ ‘The Birds,’ and ‘North by Northwest,’ often recreating iconic scenes with comedic twists.”

🖥️ How to Watch High Anxiety?

Currently, “High Anxiety” can be streamed with a subscription on platforms like Prime Video, and Apple TV. It is also often available for rent or purchase on digital platforms such as Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Check your preferred streaming service for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed High Anxiety, you might like these similar films:

• Young Frankenstein (1974): Another Mel Brooks classic that affectionately spoofs a classic horror genre, showcasing his signature comedic style and ensemble cast.
• The Great Muppet Caper (1981): Like High Anxiety, The Great Muppet Caper incorporates elements of Hitchcockian suspense (such as jewel heists and mistaken identity) into a family-friendly comedy.
• Airplane! (1980): A broad parody of disaster movies, Airplane! shares High Anxiety’s rapid-fire joke style and willingness to embrace absurdity.
• Clue (1985): Clue is a comedic mystery with a farcical tone and ensemble cast, similar to High Anxiety

🛒 High Anxiety Related Products

• High Anxiety (Blu-ray): Own the classic comedy on Blu-ray for the best viewing experience, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• Mel Brooks: The Inconvenient Jew: A biography exploring Mel Brooks’ life and career, offering insights into his comedic genius and the cultural impact of his films.
• Hitchcock: The Definitive Collection (Blu-ray): A collection of Alfred Hitchcock’s best films in high definition, allowing viewers to compare and contrast the originals with ‘High Anxiety’s’ parodies.
• Mel Brooks Movies Collection: The ultimate collection of Mel Brooks’ greatest films, including Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles and History of the World Part 1.

🎧 Soundtrack

High Anxiety features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “High Anxiety” – performed by Mel Brooks
• “Main Title” – performed by John Morris
• “The Institute” – performed by John Morris

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Greatest Visual Gag Ever – Mel Brooks High Anxiety

Ever wondered what the ‘greatest visual gag ever’ looks like? This video breaks down a hilarious scene from ‘High Anxiety’ that’s a total nod to Hitchcock. I can’t stop laughing every time I see it!

High Anxiety – airport security … with celery!

Can you imagine trying to get through airport security with celery? ‘High Anxiety’ takes airport security to a whole new level of ridiculousness in this scene! You have to see it to believe it.

✨ Rate