High Anxiety

High Anxiety

Year: 1977

Runtime: 94 min

Language: english

Comedy

A bumbling Harvard psychiatrist takes over the Psycho-Neurotic Institute for the Very, Very Nervous, only to find himself embroiled in a darkly comedic mystery. As he investigates the institute's unsettling history and a series of present-day murders, he becomes entangled in a web of suspicion and is even accused of the crimes. Throughout the chaotic events, the psychiatrist battles his own mounting anxiety.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen High Anxiety yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – High Anxiety (1977)

Explore the full timeline and setting of High Anxiety (1977). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events of the movie unfold in a contemporary setting, reflective of the 1970s and 1980s mental health discourse. This era was marked by evolving perceptions of mental illness and comedic interpretations of psychiatric institutions, which are central to the film's humor and plot.

Location

Los Angeles, San Francisco

Los Angeles serves as the initial setting where Dr. Richard Thorndyke arrives at LAX and is taken to the Psycho-Neurotic Institute for the Very, Very Nervous. The institute, located on a cliffside, adds to the film's comedic tension with its precarious location. San Francisco is featured during the psychiatric convention where Thorndyke faces a series of chaotic and humorous encounters.

🏙️ City 🏞️ Cliffside

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:42

Main Characters – High Anxiety (1977)

Meet the key characters of High Anxiety (1977), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dr. Richard Thorndyke (Mel Brooks)

Dr. Richard Thorndyke is a neurotic psychiatrist who faces overwhelming anxiety after taking on a new position. Throughout the film, he navigates bizarre and humorous situations at the institute, driven by a desire to uncover the truth behind his predecessor's mysterious death. His character evolves as he confronts his fears, ultimately leading to brave actions in the face of danger.

🧠 Psychiatry 🤪 Humor

Nurse Charlotte Diesel

Nurse Charlotte Diesel is a scheming character who, alongside Dr. Montague, engages in unethical practices at the institute. Her manipulative traits come to light as she attempts to maintain a facade of caring for the patients while secretly profiting from their ailments. Diesel serves as a primary antagonist in the film, showcasing the extremes to which some will go for financial gain.

💼 Conspiracy 🏥 Healthcare

Dr. Philip Wentworth

Dr. Philip Wentworth is a conflicted character who desires to escape the institute, representing the struggles faced by those within the mental health system. His tragic end serves as a catalyst for Thorndyke's investigation into the institute's practices. Wentworth embodies the consequences of neglect and mismanagement within psychiatric care.

🔍 Investigation ⚰️ Tragedy

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:42

Major Themes – High Anxiety (1977)

Explore the central themes of High Anxiety (1977), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

😱 High Anxiety

The film explores the theme of anxiety, prominently featured through the character of Dr. Thorndyke, who grapples with his mental struggles in a chaotic environment. The comedic depiction of therapy and the peculiar happenings at the institute serve to highlight societal anxieties and the absurdity intertwined with mental health issues. Ultimately, the film balances humor with an examination of deep-seated fears.

💰 Greed

Greed is a significant theme as the characters Dr. Diesel and Dr. Montague exploit the vulnerabilities of wealthy patients for financial gain. Their corrupt practices lead to tragic consequences, showcasing the darker side of human nature and the lengths people will go for monetary benefit.

👨‍⚕️ Mental Health

The film addresses themes of mental health, satirizing the psychiatric community and the treatment of patients. Through both humorous and absurd scenarios, it highlights the complexities of mental illness and the societal stigma surrounding it, all while presenting a comedic narrative.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:42

Unlock the Full Story of High Anxiety

Don't stop at just watching — explore High Anxiety in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what High Anxiety is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

High Anxiety Summary

Read a complete plot summary of High Anxiety, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

High Anxiety Summary

High Anxiety Timeline

Track the full timeline of High Anxiety with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

High Anxiety Timeline

More About High Anxiety

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about High Anxiety: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About High Anxiety

Similar Movies to High Anxiety

Discover movies like High Anxiety that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.