Sisters (1973)

A journalist (Jennifer Salt, MIDNIGHT COWBOY) sees a young black male (Lisle Wilson) stabbed to death from her window. But before the police arrive, the murderess (Margot Kidder) and her husband (William Finley) have hidden the body. After the police suspect her of making it all up, the reporter decides to investigate on her own. Directed by Brian De Palma, this was the first of his Hitchcock inspired thrillers. It still remains an effective and stylish horror film and like Hitchcock, De Palma laces the film with humor to balance out the horror aspects. The film was clearly shot on a shoestring budget but it gives the movie an edgy feel to it rather than a slick Hollywood vibe. As to the acting, only Kidder gives a really effective performance. At moments, delicate and charming yet psychotic at the turn on a dime. Salt plays the eager beaver reporter with a shrillness that's unappealing. The "unseen" star of the movie is the great Bernard Herrmann, who De Palma brought out of semi retirement to score the film. His underscore pushes the movie forward with a richness that elevates the film from the usual "B" movie scores. With Charles Durning, Olympia Dukakis, Barnard Hughes, Justine Johnson and Dolph Sweet.