Review of The Night of the Hunter (1955) by Ryan V — 08 Oct 2012
Harry Powell (Robert Mitchum) is a phony preacher who discovers that his former cellmate stashed $10,000 with his family before getting put on death row. After getting out of jail, Powell connives his way into this family and begins a regimen of intimidation, beguilement, torture, and murder in an attempt to locate the cache of blood money.
The children are wise to Powell's nefarious deeds; something that leads to a long and winding chase. In addition to featuring one of Robert Mitchum's finest performances, Night of the Hunter is a masterwork of cinematic tension.
The last half hour is a showcase for how music and lighting can be used to generate dramatic suspense in visual storytelling.
This review of The Night of the Hunter (1955) was written by Ryan V on 08 Oct 2012.
The Night of the Hunter has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
