The Couch

The Couch

Year: 1962

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: English

Director: Owen Crump

HorrorThrillerDrama

A daring plunge into the psyche of a killer, the film follows a charismatic psychopath who, between therapy sessions with his paternal‑like analyst, repeatedly contacts the police to warn them before he murders. The unsettling interplay creates a tense, psychological cat‑and‑mouse that probes the darkness of the human mind.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Couch 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 – The Couch (1962)

Trace every key event in The Couch (1962) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Charles phones the police to announce a planned murder

Charles Campbell phones the police, announcing that a murder will occur at seven o'clock. The call sets the stage for his chilling pattern as the so-called 7:00 killer begins to shape the night's events.

before 7:00 p.m. police station / phone
2

First murder occurs at 7:00 p.m.

At 7:00 p.m., Charles stabs a stranger on the streets with an icepick. He then reports to Dr. Janz for his daily psychiatric session.

7:00 p.m. streets
3

Charles reports to his psychiatric session after the murder

Charles reports to his daily psychiatric session with Dr. Janz immediately after the murder. The routine session proceeds as staff remain unaware of the crime just committed.

immediately after 7:00 p.m. Dr. Janz's clinic
4

Terry unaware of the exact time due to a mislaid watch

At the clinic reception, Terry has mislaid her watch and remains unaware of the exact time. This lapse allows Charles to manipulate alibis later on.

unknown clinic reception
5

Charles returns the icepick to the bar in the clinic

After the first murder, Charles returns the icepick to the bar in the clinic's practice area. He had taken it from that bar earlier, and the action is meant to cover his tracks.

after first murder bar in the clinic's practice
6

Night walk confession about parole and Ruthie

During a night walk, Charles tells Terry that he is seeing Janz as a condition of parole following a manslaughter conviction for Ruthie’s death. He is tormented with guilt over the car crash that killed Ruthie.

evening on a walk
7

A second murder occurs and alibi manipulation begins

Days after the first murder, he kills again in the same manner, announcing the act to the police. He has stolen Terry's watch, enabling him to mislead her about the actual time.

a few days after first murder streets
8

Janz session discusses alibi and delusions deepen

In another session, Charles hints at waiting longer than he did, creating an alibi for the second murder. Janz confronts Charles's deeper delusions about Ruthie and his father.

during therapy session Dr. Janz's office
9

Next target is Janz; he is stabbed at a football stadium

Charles next targets Dr. Janz and stabs him in a crowded passageway at a football stadium. This brutal act marks the escalation of his violence beyond casual murders.

after second murder football stadium passageway
10

Charles visits Janz's office with Terry; lies about inheritance

Charles then goes to Janz's office to meet Terry, where they plan to reveal their relationship and marriage to Janz. He lies that he has just come from another meeting confirming a large inheritance, saying that he is now free to do anything.

same evening Janz's office
11

Janz is alive but unconscious; hospital rush ensues

A phone call interrupts their meeting: Janz has been stabbed but is alive, now unconscious and in a hospital. Terry and Charles race to the hospital and learn that surgery will be required.

immediately after stabbing hospital
12

Handbill ties Terry's car to the stadium area

Investigators find a handbill in Terry's car tying the car to the stadium area where Janz was stabbed. Because Terry had lent the car to Charles, this evidence makes Charles the prime suspect.

after Janz's stabbing near football stadium / car area
13

Disguise and pursuit in the operating room

Charles disguises himself with an operating gown and mask from a supply room and confronts Janz in the operating theater. He makes another attempt to kill him, but the plan is foiled by circumstances.

during the attempt operating room
14

Charles is finally apprehended in the hospital

Charles is apprehended by the police in the hospital, with Terry present, as the truth behind the murders and his disturbed mind is laid bare. The revelation closes the chain of killings and solidifies his capture.

after attempt on Janz hospital

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 11:59

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The Couch Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Couch, 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.

The Couch Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Couch

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Couch

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More About The Couch

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