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Homicidal is an unusual film, mesmerizing and ridiculous, and probably needs to be seen in the context of its time, and its director, William Castle.

Castle had his biggest success as the maker of low-budget horror movies that usually came with a gimmick to help sell tickets. Mr Sardonicus came with a "punishment poll," wherein the audience voted to determine whether the bad guy lived or died. For The Tingler, Castle had a few seats in every theater wired to deliver an electric shock, ensuring screams in the audience.

Homicidal is Castle's response to Psycho, and feels like a sequel, but it ain't bad. Similar set-up as Psycho, similar characters, but it goes in its own direction with a wild twist that seems obvious nowadays, but was doubtless shocking in '61.

There's also a 45-second "fright break," allowing patrons to leave the theater if they were too frightened to see the end of the film, and you could get your money back if you were willing to follow the yellow trail in the lobby and stand in the "Coward's Corner" instead of watching.

Castle made crazy movies, and I'm a fan. No "Coward's Corner" for me. I watched this to the end, and had a good time.

Verdict: YES.