Directed by Anthony Perkins

Produced by Hilton A.Green

Screenplay by Charles Edward Pogue

Starring Anthony Perkins, Diana Scarwid, Jeff Fahey

Running time: 93 minutes

Budget: $8.4 million. Box office: $14.4 million

The wig-donning formula is worn-thin in this strained second would-be-horror sequel mishandled by star and director Anthony Perkins.  This time, a runaway nun and an investigative reporter are the triggers that send Norman running to ask Mother for a helping hand.  Mile-wide plot-holes, cardboard characters, creaky acting and a total lack of suspense and chills drag this effort down to the pits, whilst attempts at humour miss the mark.  Continual references to Hitchcock’s original become more annoying than clever when you consider the quality of that film to this.  A mess.