The Night of the Hunter
1955
*****
Director: Charles Laughton
Cast: Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Lillian Gish, Billy Chapin, Evelyn Varden, Peter Graves, Sally Jane Bruce
A man who killed two people in a bank robbery hides the loot, and only his two small children know where. Shortly after his execution, his widow and children are approached by a self-appointed preacher who will do anything to find the money. Actor Charles Laughton's first and last directorial work is a haunting thriller James Agee scripted from Davis Grubb's 1953 novel. This atmospheric and totally unique black and white film offers unusual but stunning visuals and a sinister lead performance by Robert Mitchum, who memorably has the words Love and Hate tattooed on his knuckles.
