**_Sordid Hitchcockian crime thriller set in the heart of the Big Apple_**

A sexually frustrated housewife in Manhattan (Angie Dickinson) does something foolish, which leads to a crime witnessed by an upscale prostitute (Nancy Allen). A therapist (Michael Caine), a detective (Dennis Franz) and a whiz kid (Keith Gordon) help try to solve the case.

Helmed by Brian De Palma, "Dressed to Kill" (1980) is a psychological drama/thriller in the tradition of Hitchcock. You’ll see bits borrowed from “Rear Window,” “North by Northwest,” “Psycho” and De Palma’s own “Carrie.” Some of the subway sequences are reminiscent of “The Warriors” from the year prior. Speaking of which, there’s a cartoonish, over-the-top quality to the proceedings that smacks of “A Touch of Evil.” The theme revolves around sexual lust, such as the carnal need of some women to feel desired, as well as male arousal. If that turns you off, I suggest staying away.

This was made before the ADHD era and so the film takes its time in telling its story. For instance, the creative art museum sequence in the first act lasts 9 minutes and features zero dialogue, which arguably could have been done in less than half the time. While I didn’t personally mind it, most modern viewers will find it tedious and unnecessary. The same could be said of the curiously elongated ending which, again, I didn’t mind.

Nancy Allen was De Palma’s new wife during shooting in 1979, a marriage that would only last until 1983. He tastefully illustrates her beauty despite her character being a hooker, although some have criticized her scenes in black lingerie as “softcore porn.” She appears in the other De Palma films “Carrie,” “Home Movies” and “Blow Out.”

It’s best to go into this without knowing much else. The ending features a surprising twist that wouldn’t be done today for reasons of “political correctness” (rolling my eyes).

The movie runs 1 hour, 44 minutes, and was shot in Manhattan with the art museum sequence done in Philadelphia.

GRADE: B