The Shocking Truth: Psycho

On the surface, he looks perfectly harmless. But behind those innocent looking eyes is the soul of a killer. Norman Bates from Psycho is one of the most memorable psychopaths in movie history. But the inspiration for the character was all too real. Ed Gein was known as "the Butcher of Plainfield" a sadistic psychopath who made horrifying souvenirs from the body parts of his victims. His crimes were committed against the living - and the dead. Like Norman Bates, he developed an unhealthy bond with his mother. And his devotion to her - even after her death - led him to commit unspeakable acts that shocked a nation.