Bates Motel (1987)

Bates Motel
Airdate	July 5, 1987
Suggested by	the Novel "Psycho" by Robert Bloch
Written by	Richard Rothstein
Directed by	Richard Rothstein
Produced by	Ken Topolsky
Network	NBC
Style	120-minute drama
Company	Universal Television
Filming Location	Burbank, California Los Angeles, United States
Origin	USA

Bates Motel is a 1987 television movie drama. A spin-off from the Psycho film series, the movie was intended to be the pilot for an anthology series.

Starring: Bud Cort (Alex West)

Also Starring: Lori Petty (Willie)

Guest Stars: Moses Gunn (Henry Watson), Gregg Henry (Tom Fuller), Khrystyne Haje (Sally)

Special Appearance by Jason Bateman (Tony)

and Kerrie Keane (Barbara Peters)

Co-Starring: Robert Picardo (Dr. Goodman), Lee de Broux (Sheriff), Kurt Paul (Norman Bates), Marla Frumkin (Dr. Phillip), Rick Lieberman (Architect)

with Timothy Fall (Terry Miller), Kelly Ames (Beth), Peter Dobson (Billy Parks), Paula Irvine (Rebecca), Scott St. James (Radio Reporter), Greg Finley (Attorney), Nat Bernstein (Salesman), Buck Flower (Vagrant), Carmen Filpi (Buddy), David Wakefield (Macho Chicken), Gary Ballard (Pastor), Andy Albin (Mr. Yokey), Dolores Albin (Mrs. Fisher), Hardy Rawls (Charlie Waters), Peter A. Stelzer (Bank Customer), George J. Woods (Minister), Jack Ross Obney (Workman), John Kenton Shull (Gas Station Attendant), George Skinta (Theater Marquee Man), Pedro Gonzales-Gonzales (Mexican Gardner), Robert Axelrod (Sheepskin Salesman), Chad Jonas (Promnighter)

Plot Overview

Institutionalised as a child, Alex West befriended Norman Bates who wills his property to him upon his death. Deemed rehabilitated, Alex is released and goes about cleaning up the Bates Motel to reopen it for business. However, it isn't long before strange things begin happening.

Trivia

The Show

• While it never went to series as hoped, there would be another attempt to use the Bates Motel title for a series, which was meant with success.

• The film effectively ignores Psycho II and Psycho III and would later be ignored in Psycho IV: The Beginning.

• The film gives the name of Mrs Bates as Gloria. This is the first time in any media the character is named, but would not be used again.

• The only entry in the franchise that would include supernatural elements.

• The background of the house used in the opening credits are reused from the opening credits of Psycho II.

Behind the Scenes

• Kurt Paul, who can briefly be seen playing Norman Bates, was Anthony Perkins's stunt double in Psycho II and III, and would later appear in Psycho IV: The Beginning. He has also played pastiches of Norman Bates in guest roles for Sledge Hammer! and Knight Rider.

Goofs

• It makes no sense for Mrs Bates to be buried in front of the motel. Last we saw her body, it was found in the fruit cellar when Norman was caught and presumably returned to her grave when he was apprehended. There was no time or opportunity for Norman to have buried her.

Quotes

• Alex West: (last lines) Nobody ever said life was easy. Then nothing really worth it ever is. But you know, I think with a little luck, we're gonna do okay here. I think Norman would have liked that. Oh, by the way, if you ever need a room, come on by. Can't say for sure what you'll find, but that is what makes the world go round.

DVD Release

Title	Release Date	#
Bates Motel	October 3, 2013	1	purchase