A small-town cop hunts a killer with help from a psychic who knows more than he should.
MAN ON A SWING
Clairvoyant. Occultist. Murderer. Which?
A small-town police chief investigating a murder is offered help by a self-described psychic. However, when the chief discovers that the "psychic" is in possession of information known only to the police, he suspects that the man may be more involved in the case than he lets on.
Quick Answer
Man on a Swing is a 1974 American crime thriller directed by Frank Perry about a small-town police chief who seeks help from a psychic in solving a young woman's murder, only to suspect the psychic himself.
Programmer's Pick
With a psychic who just might be the perp and a cop who can't catch a break, Man on a Swing keeps its crime procedural weird and its suspects weirder. This is Frank Perry dabbling in the eerie corners of small-town America, where a can of Bud and a trance are both clues.
— SassyFlix Programmer
Overview
Why This Matters
Directed by Frank Perry and based on a real-life murder case chronicled in William Arthur Clark's non-fiction book, this thriller adapts true crime material for the screen, reflecting the era's fascination with fact-based suspense stories.
Cast & Crew
View all →
Why Cult
The investigation turns bizarre when the 'helpful' clairvoyant becomes a prime suspect due to his uncanny knowledge of the crime.
This crime thriller is grounded in a true story, adding an extra chill to the tale of murder and deception.
The setting is as important as the crime—Americana on the surface, with disturbing secrets brewing underneath.
Expect Ford Mustangs, rain-soaked scenes, and a police procedural that's anything but conventional.
Scene Gallery
Threat File
Questions from the Vault
When was Man on a Swing released? +
Man on a Swing was released in 1974.
Who directed Man on a Swing? +
Man on a Swing was directed by Frank Perry.
How long is Man on a Swing? +
Man on a Swing has a runtime of 110 minutes.
What genre is Man on a Swing? +
Man on a Swing is a crime thriller.
Where can I watch Man on a Swing? +
Man on a Swing is available to stream on SassyFlix.
How does Franklin Wills provide information only the killer could know? +
Franklin Wills claims to receive visions related to the crime, but his detailed knowledge of case specifics that are known only to police leads Chief Tucker to suspect he might be personally involved.
What makes Chief Tucker suspicious of the psychic? +
Tucker's suspicion grows when Wills' supposed psychic insights become too precise, revealing information about the crime that had not been made public.
