High Anxiety is a 1977 comedy film directed by and starring Mel Brooks. The film is a parody of various thriller and horror movies, particularly the work of Alfred Hitchcock, and features numerous references and homages to classic films such as Psycho, Vertigo, and The Birds.
Dr. Richard Thorndyke, played by Brooks, is an accomplished psychiatrist who becomes the new administrator of the Psychoneurotic Institute for the Very, VERY Nervous. However, he soon discovers that there are some strange and suspicious goings-on at the institute, including the strange behavior of his predecessor, Dr. Montague, and the mysterious disappearance of some patients.
As Dr. Thorndyke tries to unravel the mystery, he becomes increasingly paranoid and begins to experience his own psychiatric condition – high anxiety. He is framed for the murder of his colleague, Dr. Montague, and must go on the run to clear his name and figure out who is behind the conspiracy.
The film features a number of memorable scenes and set pieces, including a parody of the famous shower scene from Psycho and a send-up of the famous rooftop chase from Vertigo. The cast also includes veteran actors such as Madeline Kahn, Cloris Leachman, and Harvey Korman, who all give memorable performances.
High Anxiety is a loving tribute to the work of Hitchcock, while also poking fun at some of the more absurd and over-the-top elements of his films. It is a hilarious and entertaining comedy that will appeal to fans of both classic cinema and slapstick humor.