Not a good movie or a very good movie but a great one. The sole directorial effort of master thespian Charles Laughton based on the work of Davis Grubb about a wicked Bluebeard parading around as a preacher who preys and prays on the lonely women who use their sexuality to make Harry Powell(Robert Mitchum) mentally succumb to his desires but seemingly unable to do so physically. This pernicious wanderer has killed dozens and we have him introduced to the main tale at hand about a man who robbed ten thousand dollars safeguarding his loot with his two young children John and Pearl right before the strong arm of the law collects him and he is hanged for murder. Ben Harper(Peter Graves) has his son and daughter promise to never disclose the whereabouts of his ill-gotten treasure. Whilst in prison, his cellmate is none other than Harry Powell who vows to find that money no matter what by introducing himself to the new widow Harper(Shelley Winters).
All this happens early on the film. As stories go, this one is really a straightforward thriller at its core, but with Laughton's deft and magical direction becomes something not like many films I have ever seen. Robert Mitchum gives one of his greatest performances as the somewhat affable and charming Harry(when he wants to be) to one of the most vile villains ever to "grace" the screen. Mitchum's singing of hymns contrasting with his murderous and villainous intents underscores many a scene. All of them remarkably powerful. But as good as he is...and make no mistake he is great...the film's main characters really are the two children - particularly John(played very capably by child star Billy Chapin).
What we really have is a horrific bildungsroman of the growth and manhood of John being pressed on him by the execution of his father, the unfortunate mothering of a very simplistic woman with virtually no common sense, and the adult responsibilities of being a man taking care of his sister, keeping his father's secret, and later protecting his own life. Chapin really gives some dimension to this role. His sister Pearl is considerably younger and played with a naivete and innocence that enhances the events of good and evil and the grey that sometimes can exist between.
In the last third of the film we are introduced to Mitchum's good counterpart played with such empathy as only Lillian Gish can. She is amazingly strong in her role and helps protect the children from this "wolf in sheep's clothing."
So what makes the film great? As I said you have first-rate acting all around. Even Shelley Winters in a bit of a throwaway role as the mother has her moments. Mitchum and Gish are powerhouses on the screen. The best aspect of the film though is the way Laughton directed it. It is surreal in many parts. the river scene with all the animals and the artificial stars looked liked something out of a dream or nightmare. Some of the scenes are shot with such exquisite beauty though their subject matter is disturbing. Two come to mind quickly. First, there is the murder scene of Shelley Winters. It is not shown explicitly, but look how Laughton framed the scene. The lighting almost suggest that these two characters are in church. The other is when James Gleason finds winter's body in a car below in the river with her hair waving like a mermaid...what a chilling shot to be sure!
Night of the Hunter is to me required viewing for serious student of film. I pick up more with each viewing and always leave with the feeling that I just got off a scary rollercoaster. Mostly, I always reflect on what might have been if Laughton had had an opportunity to direct another film.
All this happens early on the film. As stories go, this one is really a straightforward thriller at its core, but with Laughton's deft and magical direction becomes something not like many films I have ever seen. Robert Mitchum gives one of his greatest performances as the somewhat affable and charming Harry(when he wants to be) to one of the most vile villains ever to "grace" the screen. Mitchum's singing of hymns contrasting with his murderous and villainous intents underscores many a scene. All of them remarkably powerful. But as good as he is...and make no mistake he is great...the film's main characters really are the two children - particularly John(played very capably by child star Billy Chapin).
What we really have is a horrific bildungsroman of the growth and manhood of John being pressed on him by the execution of his father, the unfortunate mothering of a very simplistic woman with virtually no common sense, and the adult responsibilities of being a man taking care of his sister, keeping his father's secret, and later protecting his own life. Chapin really gives some dimension to this role. His sister Pearl is considerably younger and played with a naivete and innocence that enhances the events of good and evil and the grey that sometimes can exist between.
In the last third of the film we are introduced to Mitchum's good counterpart played with such empathy as only Lillian Gish can. She is amazingly strong in her role and helps protect the children from this "wolf in sheep's clothing."
So what makes the film great? As I said you have first-rate acting all around. Even Shelley Winters in a bit of a throwaway role as the mother has her moments. Mitchum and Gish are powerhouses on the screen. The best aspect of the film though is the way Laughton directed it. It is surreal in many parts. the river scene with all the animals and the artificial stars looked liked something out of a dream or nightmare. Some of the scenes are shot with such exquisite beauty though their subject matter is disturbing. Two come to mind quickly. First, there is the murder scene of Shelley Winters. It is not shown explicitly, but look how Laughton framed the scene. The lighting almost suggest that these two characters are in church. The other is when James Gleason finds winter's body in a car below in the river with her hair waving like a mermaid...what a chilling shot to be sure!
Night of the Hunter is to me required viewing for serious student of film. I pick up more with each viewing and always leave with the feeling that I just got off a scary rollercoaster. Mostly, I always reflect on what might have been if Laughton had had an opportunity to direct another film.