Play Misty for Me (1971)

Psychological thriller with the emphasis on the “psycho”. A radio DJ in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, is stalked by an obsessive fan, endangering his career, his relationships and ultimately his life. 

It’s absolutely terrifying. Clint Eastwood is superb as the DJ who doesn’t grasp the gravity of the situation quickly enough. Donna Mills plays his girlfriend Tobie (“the foxiest chick on the peninsula”). And Jessica Walter plays the stalker Evelyn, who is convincingly mad throughout. 

The scenery is terrific. The music played on the radio – popular jazz of the time – is wonderful. “Misty” itself is a song by Erroll Garner that features prominently.  The film also includes “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack, plus actual in-concert scenes shot at the Monterey Jazz Festival.