..::Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990)::..
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How was it working on the set of Psycho IV?
It was a magic and at the same time an intimidating experience for me, as it was the first speaking role I had in which I wasn't buried under heavy special effects make-up. It was great fun working on location for the very first time. I loved flying out to Orlando in the company of other actors all studying their scripts on the plane as we made our way accross the country. Orlando was, at that time, a brand new production site and the roles for an actor from L.A. were plentiful. I was "discovered" right there on the set by Josepg Stefano, the writer of Psycho IV and the original Psycho. He was producing the series Swamp Thing and wanted me to play a lead in one of the episodes. It was very exciting.

You are listed in the credits as the person behind the radio jingles. What did you do for that?
I was a songwriter and musician and was in the studio recording some of my work when Mick asked me to write and record the radio jingles for the film. It was a real blast, and fun to hear how well my little jingles fit in with the finished movie.

How was it working with CCH Pounder and John Landis?
CC was a real pro and it was such an honor to have lines with her. Although it must have been clear to her that I was a new actor, she treated me with kindness and respect and I just loved her for that. I had known John Landis from working on Michael Jackson's Thriller. None the less, it was pretty intimidating spending three days in that little booth with one of the most successful directors in Hollywood. John has this enormous personality that almost mows you right down when you're in his presence. Of course I've known him for over 25 years by now and have relaxed around him considerably. He's really a very funny and sweet man.

What was your memory of Anthony Perkins?
Although I never had any scenes with the great Anthony Perkins , he was around the set quite a lot. My favorite memory of him was when we were all at a barbeque one weekend. He was sitting alone under an umbrella by the pool while I was excitedly telling a couple of the crew members that I had just been cast in The Swamp Thing. He overheard me and came over to congratulate me. I'll never forget his genuine warmth and happiness at my good fortune. I realized then that he was a real champion of actors.

How was it working on the backlot at Universal in Florida?
I loved working at Universal Florida! It was such a microcosim of film and television productions, casting directors, actors...the whole of Hollywood squeezed into this small group of buildings and sound stages. And just steps away was the theme park with it's own version of Hollywood Boulevard and Beverly Hills . I would just walk around and around the park taking it in and dreaming my dreams of being a working actor. It was magic...the Summer of 1990!

Describe what it's like to work with your husband on a film.
Almost all of my film experience has been with Mick, and I just love working with him. He's so sweet and encouraging, not just to me but to everyone. His sets are always the happiest and many warm friendships have been formed working in such an atmosphere. I'll never understand why some directors feel the need to yell and indimidate their casts and crews when it's obvious that if you treat people with kindness and respect they'll naturally want to give you their very best.

Are you a fan of the previous films?
I am indeed. In fact our mutual love for horror films is one of the main factors that drew us together. Of course I'm a little biased when it comes to Psycho IV, but I quite enjoyed Psycho II. I don't remember the third Psycho...the one Anthony Perkins directed, quite as well, but it's time I watched it again.

Did you have reservations about your husband directing a prequel of a classic film?
I was concerned that he'd be criticized for daring to try to follow in the footsteps of The Great One, but the film turned out so well (Even Tony Perkins said it was the best of the sequels) that I was very relieved and happy he had taken the project on. Since then he's, as you know, "dared" to direct The Shining, and was raked over a few hot coals by rabid Kubrick fans. If he could survive that he can survive anything.

How was working with Hilton Green?
Oh, Uncle Hilly!!! We so loved spending time with him. He was anything but the typical producer. He was sweet, even-tempered, and fun to be around. I think he was more concerned about his dogs back home than he was about the film. I mean that he just had this ease about him. He would say "Children understand when you have to go away for awhile, but dogs don't."

Do you have any memories from the filming?
At the time we were filming Psycho IV, Universal Florida was just opening it's ET ride. I begged and pleaded with Henry to ride it with me. I just thought that would be the coolest! However, as nice a guy as he was, I think he was frightened at what might happen if someone in line recognized him, so I never had that dream come true. Olivia Hussey and I became very good friends while working on the film. She is exquisitly sweet and beautiful, and very shy. Everywhere we went in Orlando she was recognized as Juliet from her most famous film role. She was and is a very spiritual person and when we wrapped the film she took me with her to meditation classes in Santa Monica . It's been a while since I've seen her, but that's the film biz. You make these wonderful friends and swear you're going to see a lot of each other, but then you all move on to other projects and just lose touch after a while.

What are you up to now?
I have always made music my main work because I have control over what and when I compose. I gave up rock n' roll many years ago and spent years studying classical piano. Now I compose original works for the piano.

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