What makes a good 'Scream Queen'?

Janet Leigh

Leigh was an established screen star for over a decade and wife of Tony Curtis when she teamed up with Alfred Hitchcock for his 1960 masterpiece, "Psycho." She received a best supporting actress Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Marion Crane, a woman on the lam after embezzling money from her employer who makes a big mistake when she registers at the Bates Motel. She meets her maker in the now-famous nude shower scene. Leigh's piercing screams are accentuated by composer Bernard Herrmann's seminal screeching musical score. Legend has it that after Leigh saw the scene, she wouldn't take showers unless she had to.

Decibel level: 9.5