The Night of the Hunter


2/4

Starring: Robert Mitchum, Billy Chapin, Sally Jane Bruce, Shelly Long, Lillian Gish

Not Rated (contains violence)

Most films do not age well.  The “Transformers” series may be hugely popular now (however inexplicably), but in 15 years, no one is going to remember them.  I think that’s the reason why so many people are averse to watching movies in black and white.  Critics may appreciate them, but the average filmgoer may not.

That’s the case with “Night of the Hunter,” although apart from a terrific performance by Robert Mitchum, I’m wondering why anyone would rave about this film.  The pacing is erratic, the direction is uneven, and the film completely collapses at the end of the film.

Harry Powell (Mitchum) is a con-man who poses as a preacher to take advantage of people for his own means.  After stealing a car, he’s sentenced to 30 days in prison.  There, he meets Ben Harper (Peter Graves), who is on death row after stealing $10,000 and killing two people in the process.  Through his sleepy mumbling, Powell deduces that Harpers kid’s know where the loot is hidden.  When he’s released, Powell turns up in Harper’s old town, sweeping everyone off their feet with his charismatic, God-fearing ways.  Only Ben’s son, John (Chapin) isn’t convinced, but that doesn’t stop Powell from marrying Ben’s mother (Long).  Now it’s only a matter of time before Powell can wear Ben down and get the loot.

The film is a mess.  The script is uneven and the narrative flow is nonexistent; many scenes just don’t work, and those that do are hampered by a script that’s poorly constructed.  For a movie that’s so famous, I was expecting a film of at least some admirable qualities.  Quite frankly, the only reason that this film is worth remembering is Robert Mitchum.  Mitchum is outstanding, but there’s not much that he can do with a script this bad and an inexperienced director.

All movies, especially thrillers, need to flow smoothly, but “The Night of the Hunter” stops and starts like a car with a dead battery.  It’s a real shame, because Mitchum is so good.  Powell is a creepy character; he preys on people’s religiosity and exploits them for his own gain (hmm…I sense a deep connection to current events), and those who aren’t immediately won over by his charm are poked and prodded until they obey.  But Powell meets his match with a young kid who made a promise to his dad.  It’s not often that a young actor can match a legendary actor at the top of his game, but that’s what Billy Chapin does.  Strong support is provided by the two other acting legends in the cast, Shelly Long and Lillian Gish, but their roles are strictly supporting.

It’s a shame that this movie doesn’t work, because Harry Powell deserves a better movie.

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