Review of The Night of the Hunter (1955) by Danny R — 11 Nov 2010
An expressionistic classic masterpiece which is a nightmarishly haunting parable of children on the run from their evil psychotic preacher-stepfather. Robert Mitchum gives one of his greatest performances as the misogynistic and avaricious false charismatic preacher who spellbinds adults.
He is relentlessly pursuing the two young children, played by Billy Chapman and Sally Jane Bruce in two sterling performances after murdering their mother, in order to fine the whereabouts of $10,000 of bank-robbery loot that was hid by their late father, who was executed for killing a bank teller.
The children flee to the homestead of a wise old matron, played magnificently by silent screen legend Lillian Gish, who takes in the kids and becomes their unconventional savior, and protects them from their malevolent stalker.
This great film was the only directorial effort by the Oscar winning actor Charles Laughton, there are superlative supporting performances by Shelley Winters, Peter Graves, James Gleason and Don Beddoe.
But Mitchum's show-stopping turn steals the film, we did not expect this level of menace from the character he created, to be so terrifically frightening. Special kudos must be given to Stanley Cortez for his spectacular surreal cinematography.
A compelling and evocative film that stays in your mind like a fever dream. Highly Recommended.
This review of The Night of the Hunter (1955) was written by Danny R on 11 Nov 2010.
The Night of the Hunter has generally received very positive reviews.
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