Review of The Night of the Hunter (1955) by Ricardo O — 04 Feb 2010

The Night Of the Hunter is legendary actor Charles Laughton's first and only film as director. And boy what a great film this is.

"Would you like me to tell you the little story of right-hand/left-hand? The story of good and evil? H-A-T-E! It was with this left hand that old brother Cain struck the blow that laid his brother low. L-O-V-E! You see these fingers, dear hearts? These fingers has veins that run straight to the soul of man. The right hand, friends, the hand of love. Now watch, and I'll show you the story of life. Those fingers, dear hearts, is always a-warring and a-tugging, one agin t'other. Now watch 'em! Old brother left hand, left hand he's a fighting, and it looks like love's a goner. But wait a minute! Hot dog, love's a winning! Yessirree! It's love that's won, and old left hand hate is down for the count!".

It is a nightmarish almost fairy tale film noir about a "reverend" recently released from prison who marries the widow of his cellmate. His cellmate was a man who stole $10,000 in a robbery and was caught leaving his two children to look after and keep the loot safe and hidden from anyone. The reverend is played by Robert Mitchum in his signature role and easily ranking as one of the greatest villains in film history. Atmosphere throughout this film is amazing, it just reeks of style. The cinematography is expertly photographed to perfection creating so many great compositions. The final third of the film contains such great horror and lyricism. It is an American classic and one of the greatest films ever made, period! 10/10.