Say the name Alfred Hitchcock and almost everyone recognizes it and can name at least one of his films. Often, that film is "Psycho."

As it turns out, there's a very interesting back story to the making of that particular movie, and that's the focus of the movie "Hitchcock," directed by Sacha Gervasi. Now at the Sunrise Theater, the story is based on the book "Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho," by Stephen Rebello.

It is 1959, and Hitchcock (Anthony Hopkins) is coming off a great success with the movie "North by Northwest." But he is 60 years old and finds there are some critics who think he's getting old and losing his edge.

Casting about for a new project, Hitchcock happens upon a book by Robert Bloch based on the true story of a Wisconsin body snatcher, Ed Gein.

To the horror of his wife, screenwriter and editor Alma Reville (Helen Mirren), his agent, Lew Wasserman (Michael Stuhlbarg), and Paramount's chief, Barney Balaban (Richard Portnow), Hitchcock determines to make a movie loosely based on Gein's shocking exploits.

Hitchcock has to finance the film personally by taking out a loan against his home. When Alma finally comes on board with the project, she proves to be an invaluable ally and adviser. Mirren received a Golden Globe nomination for her warm and effective portrayal of Alma. James D'Arcy appears as Anthony Perkins, and Scarlett Johansson is the spunky Janet Leigh.

"Hitchcock" continues Friday, Jan. 18, through Monday, Jan. 21, at 7:30 p.m. and includes a 2:30 p.m. show Sunday, Jan 20. There will not be a matinee on Saturday.

Tickets are $7. "Hitchcock" is rated PG-13 for some violent images, sexual content and thematic material. The film runs 98 minutes.

The theater has an excellent concession counter offering beer, wine, soft drinks, candy and popcorn with real butter.

The Sunrise Theater is a nonprofit organization providing a diverse range of programs for the community. The theater is currently raising funds for new digital projection equipment.

"If you will add $1 to your movie ticket price we'll put that dollar in the fund," says a spokesman. "Please also consider becoming a 'Friend' of the Sunrise."

Visit the Sunrise at www.sunrisetheater. com for more information about the theater and a complete calendar of events.