Dickens & Rumi
Cover of High Anxiety

film

High Anxiety

1977

A psychiatrist with intense acrophobia (fear of heights) goes to work for a mental institution run by doctors who appear to be crazier than their patients, and have secrets that they are willing to commit murder to keep.

Source checked

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Violence4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Real locations like the Hyatt Regency are featured as settings.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Several characters die or are targeted, including deaths by stroke, strangulation-related violence, shootings, and falls from a tower.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

A character's ears hemorrhage after loud noise; minimal blood and gore.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Any strong language appears limited; the available information suggests at most occasional mild profanity or suggestive remarks.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

A romance develops between Thorndyke and Victoria and ends in marriage and a honeymoon, but it is secondary to the mystery comedy.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Threats, attempted killings, strangling, vertigo, cliffs, and tower peril create real suspense, but the broad comedic parody keeps the intensity moderate.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

The plot includes a passionate S&M session, a flasher impersonating a police officer, and the tagline's reference to kinkiness; explicit detail appears limited.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

There is no prominent substance use in the available plot information; any adult social drinking appears incidental rather than central or glamorized.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Repeated comic and thriller violence includes shootings, strangulation, attacks, a killing with glass, perilous falls, and attempts to murder patients.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Thorndyke overcomes severe fear of heights to rescue Brisbane and confront the villains, making courage a major plot element.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The film uses inventive visual gags, elaborate comic set pieces, Hitchcock parody, absurd characters, and imaginative suspense reversals.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Reflects the limited casting diversity of mid-1970s mainstream comedies.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It offers satirical ideas about psychiatry, psychoanalysis, and Hitchcock-style filmmaking, but education is not its main purpose.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Helping patients and rescuing Brisbane are important, though compassion is secondary to the parody and many characters exploit or mistreat others.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story supports confronting fear, exposing exploitation, helping vulnerable people, and resisting corrupt authority, while presenting danger through broad satire.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Thorndyke ultimately shows loyalty and courage, but the protagonists and adults behave in exaggerated, flawed, and sometimes reckless ways.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in High Anxiety would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in High Anxiety, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating