Alfred Hitchcock is easily one of the most influential directors, having defined the suspense genre for decades. The filmmaker had a unique visual style that amplified tension and conflict, resulting in some of the most pathbreaking movies of the time, which eventually became beloved classics.

One such critically acclaimed Hitchcock classic was released on this day 65 years ago. The movie in question left a lasting legacy and continues to inspire a new generation of filmmakers. It is also one of Hitchcock’s best works, and here is what you need to know about its legacy and lasting appeal.

Alfred Hitchcock earned himself the title of “Master of Suspense” with a string of commercially successful movies. However, one of his best works came in 1960 when the filmmaker adapted Robert Bloch’s 1959 novel, Psycho, into a critically acclaimed movie.

The movie will complete 65 years of release this year, with its original release in New York City theaters taking place on June 16, 1960. It was later released nationwide on September 8, 1960. As a result, Psycho is now more than six decades old but remains one of Hitchcock’s most influential works.

The film starring Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates received universal acclaim and currently holds an audience score of 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. It was also a commercial success, collecting $32 million during its original run against a modest budget of $807k (via Box Office Mojo).

Psycho‘s box office numbers are particularly impressive given the limitations on the acceptability of violence and sexual scenes in mainstream movies of the time. As a result, by the 1990s, it became every millennial’s worst nightmare. It also earned Hitchcock a Best Director Oscar nomination and frequently ranks as one of the greatest movies of all time.

Unlike modern movies, Hitchcock’s Psycho wasn’t released across the USA on the same day. Instead, it first premiered at the DeMille Theatre and the Baronet Theatre in New York City on June 16, 1960 (via AFI). Its release was slowly expanded to other parts of New York before a nationwide release.

While such a staggered release was common for the movies of the time, Hitchcock’s Psycho was released with an unusual and unique condition. According to several well-reputed sources, the movie was released with a “no admittance after picture start” policy.

Despite reluctance from theater owners, Hitchcock insisted on the policy that no patron could be admitted to a theater after the picture had started. The policy generated plenty of publicity for the movie, resulting in long lines of patrons waiting outside the theaters.

After Hitchcock’s passing in 1980, several sequels were produced, with Perkins reprising the role of Norman Bates in several installments, none of which matched the appeal of the original. Director Gus Van Sant helmed a remake in 1998, which polarized reviews and bombed at the box office, underlining Hitchcock’s brilliance with the 1960 original.