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The Night of the Hunter (1955)

Reviewed by Carl
Posted on July 16, 2005 
Filed Under Classics, Slashers

The Night of the Hunter represents actor Charles Laughton’s sole attempt at directing and he presents us with a chilling tale of good versus evil of immense quality and presence. The first thing that strikes you when watching Hunter is the stunning cinematography (the work of Stanley Cortez), which is a seamless combination of German expressionism and American Gothic. Hunter contains some of the most memorable images I think I’ve ever seen on film, from the close-up scenes of the children hiding from a psychopathic Robert Mitchum in the basement through to the closing scenes of him pursuing them across country. Excellent camera work, minimal sets and swift direction combine to add real grit and a melancholy beauty to a simple tale of an evil ‘preacher’-Harry Powell (Mitchum)- who tries ingratiates his way into a family which has recently been widowed to try and steal their cash.

Laughton took the courageous decision of framing the film through the perspective of the two children of the family, and their youthful innocence gives the viewer the impression of being caught up in the nightmare that subtly unfolds, with mesmerising effect. Walter Schumann’s score bolsters the atmospherics and is really in mood with the tone of the film, making Hunter a sensory treat on all levels.

The cast that Laughton assembled gel together perfectly in telling their woeful tale. Mitchum is really unnerving as the sinister Preacher in what is undoubtedly one of his finest ever performances. His constant singing and preaching are horribly unsettling, on the one hand disarming the adults around him of their suspicions whilst simultaneously terrifying his young prey and thus acting as an effective wedge between the vulnerable and their protectors. The child actors are excellent too, and Billy Chapin especially brings a convincing realism and attractive maturity to his role of the boy who finally uncovers Powell’s machinations.

The Night of the Hunter is a strange and compelling work that stays with the viewer long after they first watch it. Haunting yet optimistic, it strives for excellence in every aspect of its production and never fails to hit its targets. Though Mitchum is undoubtedly the star of the show this was in no way intended as a star vehicle, and the story that is there tells itself with exceptional quality and resonance. Truly amongst the finest films of the 1950’s and a genuine classic to this day; If only Laughton could have given us a few more.

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