I was too young to see this film in the cinema, so had to settle for a late-night TV showing, when I was around 12 years old. Directed by the estimable Charles Laughton, this film stars Robert Mitchum in one of his finest performances, ably assisted by Shelly Winters, Lilian Gish, and Peter Graves.
Set in West Virginia, during the depression-era 1930s, Mitchum plays Reverend Harry Powell, a fire and brimstone travelling preacher, who hides a dark secret. He is a serial killer, a fake preacher, and a man without a conscience. During a short spell in prison for car theft, he meets a man called Ben Harper, who has killed two men during a robbery. Harper confides in Powell, telling him he has hidden the loot at his home, and nobody will find it. When Harper is executed for his crime, Powell travels to Ben’s home town to meet his widow, and search for the concealed loot.
He soon charms the devout widow, Willa, (Shelly Winters) and tries to ingratiate himself with her two children too. But the boy, John Harper, is suspicious of the supposedly affable reverend, though his sister Pearl accepts him. He even marries Willa, claiming to want to care for her and the children. But when she discovers his true intentions, he kills her, and hides her body. Powell tells all the local people that Willa has run away, and left him alone to care for the children. They all rally round to help, and feel sorry for him.
The reverend eventually discovers that the money is hidden in Pearl’s rag doll, and the children run away. They hide at the home of a local old lady, Rachel Cooper, (Gish) as Powell tries to hunt them down.
This is an excellent film, with convincing performances from all involved, and a great sense of menace instilled by Laughton’s near-perfect direction, unusual camera angles, and stark black and white cinematography. At times, it is also very frightening, as Mitchum goes from concerned and caring preacher, to psychotic maniac. It is undoubtedly his film, and he commands every scene he is in by totally inhabiting the character of Powell.
Highly recommended.
No shade, just respect, Pete. Fantastic film indeed.
–Pam
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Great Review, Pete!💙🎥💜💯💙
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Thanks, honey. This film still holds up, after all those years.
Best wishes, Pete. x
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I don’t think I’ve seen this film. I have seen it referenced a lot. When it would be played on tv after its Cinema days I suppose I would be about 10-13ish. My parents would consider it too unsuitable for me! The same fate I do remember being applied to The Outlaw along with Jane Russell and her pneumatic breasts!! (I did eventually see that one and couldn’t see what the fuss was about!)
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I believe this had an ‘X’ certificate on UK release, John. Probably considered to be too scary! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Excellent movie.
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I can only agree. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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🙂
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you have probably figured out that I am not much of a movie buff-but the old ones are my favorite, and this one especially.
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When they’re good, they’re good, Michele. Doesn’t matter how old they are. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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you are right and what artistry the actors of the past had-without all the effects. I am a huge fan of the old ones.
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I haven’t seen this film, but I’ve heard about it. I think I’ll watch it. Thanks to John for the YouTube link.
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It is well-worth the time, David.
Best wishes, Pete.
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A classic. Robert Mitchum was the real deal
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Thanks, John. I am thinking a lot more about him lately. He was a lot better than I gave him credit for in my youth.
Best wishes, Pete.
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He was a true original…
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Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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When I was a kid, there was a station that would play one movie a week – 5 times. Being as Robert Mitchem is one of my all-time favorites – guess who watched this film 5 times? Oh, you guessed it!!
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And why not, GP? 🙂
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Ah yes, like you I was too young, but saw it on TV, I think…brilliant!
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Brilliant indeed, Sue. They don’t make them like they used to. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Too true!
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This movie is fantastic! Mitchum at his menacing best!😁
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Indeed he is, Kim. Not unlike his role as Max Cady in ‘Cape Fear’, I always thought.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Loveeeeee robert mitchum!
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Glad to hear you like him, Shoniessky. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I too saw this on TV during the 60s, only watched it once, but I remember that it was a great film.I was moved to read the book, which had been a big bestseller in the 50s. My mother still had a hardcover copy of it a decade later.
Cheers!
Susan
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I confess I didn’t know it was from a book, Susan, until much later. I haven’t read it since.
(I knew the ending. 🙂 )
Best wishes, Pete.
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LOVE THIS FILM!!!
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Pleased to hear it, dearest Em.
As ever, Pete. XXX
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This is a superb film. One of Mitchem’s best performances and I love Shelley Winters in this, too. Great direction.
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The only film Laughton ever directed. He should have done more! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete. x
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That I did not know. I love the attic scene with the light and camera angles tilting. Reminded me of Hitchcock.
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I won’t mention Hitchcock ( 🙂 ) but I also loved the surreal camera angles, and unusual sets. x
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Haven’t see this but I do usually like anythign with Robert Mitchum – those hooded eyes.
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He is at his menacing best in this film, Mary. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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A little bit before my time, (not much) and do’t remember seeing it as a kid, probably won’t, I rarely go back in time 🙂
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Ah, that’s where we differ. I love to go back in time. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I know 🙂 you and Phil both, I like going to the future 😀
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Oh wow, 1955. I haven’t been born yet. Are there full movies for all these trailers you are posting Pete?
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I can’t find a complete copy of this particular film online, Arlene.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Dear Pete — I found a complete copy of Night of The Hunter online and here it is —-
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Thanks, John. I will let Arlene know.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Arlene, John has found a copy. The link is in the comments below.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thanks Pete 🙂
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