Bloch, Robert Albert

▪ 1995

      U.S. writer (b. April 5, 1917, Chicago, Ill.—d. Sept. 23, 1994, Los Angeles, Calif.), crafted dozens of screenplays, mysteries, fantasies, and essays but was best remembered for his spine-tingling psychological tales of horror and suspense, most notably the classic Psycho (1959), a cult favourite that was adapted for Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 film of the same title. Bloch, who relied on elements of surprise rather than scenes of graphic violence or mythological forces to terrorize and captivate readers, was also one of the first writers to delve into the criminal mind. His style, which was influenced by the writings of his mentor, H.P. Lovecraft, was also the model for horror specialist Stephen King and science-fiction writer Ray Bradbury. Bloch worked for an advertising agency while writing stories for the magazine Weird Tales. He also wrote 39 episodes for the radio program "Stay Tuned for Terror" and established his reputation through multiple broadcasts and republications of the story "Yours Truly, Jack the Ripper." In 1953 he quit his job to become a full-time writer. After publishing his first novel, The Scarf (1947), Block began a prolific career writing for television, radio, and film. Some of his screenplays include Torture Garden (1967), The House That Dripped Blood (1970), and Asylum (1972).

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