Night of the Hunter

Director:

Charles Laughton

Details:

USA | 1955 | 93 mins | Rated 12

Starring:

Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Billy Chapin

Language:

English

Links & Reviews:

IMDB, Empire

Synopsis

Just before he is arrested, Ben Harper hides $10,000 with his son John (Billy Chapin). Harper, sentenced to death, meets preacher and serial-killer Harry Powell (Robert Mitchum) in prison, who travels back to Harper’s town after his release to find the money himself. Powell marries Harper’s widow Willa (Shelley Winters), but John won’t give up the secret of the money willingly.

Robert Mitchum gives a classic performance, stealing the show as a wolf in sheep’s clothing – the now-infamous “LOVE/HATE” tattoos on his knuckles typify the menacing, compelling character unleashed on small-town America.