The Night of the Hunter

United States, 1955

Crime, Drama, Film noir

Synopsis

An expressionist classic about a corrupt preacher who holds nefarious motives for marrying an unsuspecting widow. Her terrified young children, soon become savvy to this strangers act.

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The Night of the Hunter Directed by Charles Laughton

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Awards & Festivals

Cannes Film Festival

2002

Berlin International Film Festival

1991

Telluride Film Festival

2017

The New York Film Festival

2001

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Articles from the Notebook

If it ranks as Mitchum’s broadest, showiest performance, it was no doubt egged on by his director, the brilliant Charles Laughton, who knew a thing or two about the deliciousness of pure ham. His only match in that film is the magnificent black-and-white cinematography of Stanley Cortez.

Tony Pipolo

September 29, 2017

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Library of America

It is the power of the image (as much that of dialogue or setting) that stays with us. What could have been a familiar scene—two criminals sharing a prison cell, one attempting to pry a secret out of the other—becomes something wholly new and shocking as the preacher’s head appears—upside down!—when he leans over from the top bunk to better hear what Ben is mumbling in his sleep.

Francine Prose

June 01, 2016

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A simple villain becomes a necessary force, just like the sentimentality of townsfolk becomes violence, the film’s Expressionist shadowplay (shot by Stanley Cortez) becomes the American South, and so on, until the end of days. It’s a movie to watch, maybe, once every decade, as one’s face changes, and doesn’t.

Elina Alter

April 20, 2016

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What are people saying?

El Biffo's rating of the film The Night of the Hunter
El Biffo

I love this film except for the sanctimonious Lillian Gish, she gets on my nerves. She was ok in THE WIND, but her presence in this film practically ruins it. Mitchum is great, so are the little kids.
January 21, 2020 14:45
- 9
- 1
dionysus67's rating of the film The Night of the Hunter
dionysus67

A superb drama on the very problem of evil and its absolute manifestation in the seduction of children. Mitchum as evil incarnate is ounterpoised to Lillian Gish protective embrace through the Manichaestic worldview of the film. This is a gorgeously shot and engaging thriller punctuated by moments of oneiric poetry like the famous boat sequence under the starry skies or the one at the bottom of the river. Dazzling!
January 28, 2020 07:24
- 5
- 0
msmichel's rating of the film The Night of the Hunter
msmichel

Though not successful with the public or critically upon release Laughton's sole directorial effort is now considered an American classic. The gothic expressionism seen throughout is certainly unique with its mix of fiery brimstone, true faith and the innocence of childhood. Mitchum gives his most memorable performance here with stellar support from the rest of the cast. A story of love and hate indeed.
January 21, 2020 14:45
- 6
- 0
HKFanatic's rating of the film The Night of the Hunter
HKFanatic

A stunning work of Southern Gothic and one of the rare Fifties Hollywood films that manages to feel strikingly avant garde. One can sense its far-reaching influence on filmmakers like David Lynch. Aided by moody, Expressionistic lighting and a healthy dose of irony, "The Night of the Hunter" is one of the best works of art about Christian hypocrisy and the duality of man outside the writing of Flannery O'Connor.
January 28, 2020 07:23
- 17
- 1
letters never sent's rating of the film The Night of the Hunter
letters never sent

The first half of this was a solid 5 for me. It was creepy, sinister, and fascinating. Cinematography was most excellent, the light and shadows emanated danger and discord. However, after the river chase scene, every build up and suspense just went many notches down. Odd family tv sort of ending too, but I still get it's the kind of ending the kids (and Lillian Gish) somehow deserved.
June 29, 2015 12:33
- 2
- 0
ASHES IN THE HOURGLASS's rating of the film The Night of the Hunter
ASHES IN THE HOURGLASS

It accomplishes the near impossible: It sets a fairy-tale during the Great Depression and balances the fantastic and the sorrow. Admittedly, it took me a second viewing before I stopped thinking that the child actors were bad and I'm sure others will have the same issue. If I had to point it's best asset, it would be the mise en scene (lighting especially) which gives Mitchum's preacher the aura of the grim reaper.
January 28, 2020 07:24
- 12
- 0
Zac Weber's rating of the film The Night of the Hunter
Zac Weber

The Night of the Hunter is an American classic. Former Orson Welles collaborator Stanley Cortez’s vivid black-and-white cinematography perfectly accentuates the film's mood, especially the use of shadows and formalist lighting. It's a shame Charles Laughton never directed another film.
November 02, 2019 07:38
- 7
- 0
josé neves's rating of the film The Night of the Hunter
josé neves

Director of just one film, a wonderful film, but since quantity is no criterion, never will be, it belongs, in all fairness, in this choice of favorite filmmakers. And is in "con le armi della poesia" not because of Mitchum, as the pick shows, but because of the great Lilian Gish, in her final immense moment. And also because of Shelley Winters eyes of fear for the big bad wolf.
December 14, 2019 05:43
- 4
- 0