The Night of the Hunter Charles Laughton 1955

The Night of the Hunter is a very creepy and atmospheric movie. Laughton’s only directorial contribution is a marvel. It’s an almost modern tale. A man robs a bank to support his family and hides the money, only telling his small children where it is and swearing them to secrecy. A terrible burden for the kids. Their father is hanged, but not before being bullied by his cellmate, Preacher. Robert Mitchum plays this fabulous psycho to perfection. His preacher doesn’t mind the killing as long has he get what he wants. He thinks his actions are okay with Jesus as long as he prays on it. After getting out of prison he sets his sights on his cellmates’ widow and her children. The creepy Christianity is what makes this movie truly terrifying. Lillian Gish is a wonder antidote to Robert Mitchum and almost makes you believe that good will triumph over evil.

Chapter & Scene is your daily stop for cozy, intelligent reviews of books, movies, and TV shows. Each weekday we share a short, spoiler-free recommendation designed to help you discover your next great story. Whether you’re looking for a novel to curl up with, a binge-worthy series, or a film worth watching, our reviews combine thoughtful insight with genuine enthusiasm for storytelling. Subscribe to get fresh reviews delivered straight to your inbox, and explore our growing archive of book and screen recommendations.