The Night of the Hunter (1955) was Charles Laughton's only film as director. Part expressionist horror movie, part luminous fairy tale, it contains some of the most haunting images in cinema. Willa (Shelley Winters) her throat cut and hair streaming out like seaweed, sitting upright in a submerged Model-T Ford. Her children, framed by looming animals, in a downriver flight from Preacher (Robert Mitchum). Preacher on horseback, a silhouetted threat on the horizon. Rachel Cooper (Lilian Gish) keeping watch in the darkness. The Night of the Hunter is revered today, but it failed on its first release, and Laughton never recovered from the disappointment.
Simon Callow traces the life cycle of the film: from its roots in Davis Grubb's bestselling novel, through casting, production, editing, to its ill-fated release and subsequent elevation to classic status. Emphasising Laughton's skill at bringing out the best in a talented cast and crew, and adding his own commentary and interpretive insights, Callow celebrates a unique cinematic achievement.
In his afterword to this new edition, Simon Callow looks back on the film and its continuing influence through references, homages and remakes.