The uber-classic 1955 Robert Mitchum flick Night of the Hunter was a possessed masterwork in a dozen different directions, including several freaky psychosexual themes.
The best one was old lady Icey Spoon that runs the ice cream shop, who's about ready to cream down her leg over that handsome (secret black widow) Reverend Harry Powell- which results in her delivering this little explanation to the ladies gathered at the church social - with her husband standing right there listening.
By the end, she'll be literally leading the rabble with a pitchfork, looking for Powell.
Article comments
1 - GoHah
Al--thanks for the different slant on one of my old-time favorite movies. I always thought it was unfortunate that Charles Laughton, with his unique vision, couldn't go on to direct any more films.
2 - Al Barger
Well for one thing, this one wasn't a big hit at the time- though it is of course very highly regarded now, 50 years later. Freaked people's monkeys, apparently. I can't even imagine what kind of shameful recognition this character must have set off among good church going Christian women- just for starters.
3 - Victor Lana
AL,
Great old flick, Al. I'll never forget that underwater scene with the dead body. Still haunting.
4 - Bliffle
I didn't remember that scene: thanks for pointing it out. Maybe I'll add "Night.." to my Netflix queue (will go in at position 109!). I only saw it once and that was enough to frighten me off: I can't stand scenes of threat to children, it's worse than the worst fear I've ever had.
5 - Al Barger
I watch the movie sometimes to concentrate on different specific characters, with their involved personal psychology. Watch the whole movie once concentrating on just Icey, or Icey and Walt, and their inner dynamics.
Young Ruby is another one to suss out. Notice how her eggs drop - literally - when she sees Powell.
I'd recommend just flat BUYING a copy for repeat viewings. There's the idea of a threat to children, but nothing's going to happen to them with with Miss Cooper and her shotgun around.
As to that threat, apparently the director didn't really relate so much to working with the children. It was mostly in fact Mitchum working with the children during shooting.
6 - Victor Lana
Al,
I do own a copy of this film, Al. Should be noted this was director Laughton's only film (as director).
And man, Shirley Winters was as beautiful as Mitchum was handsome. Amazing stuff still after 50 years!
7 - Bliffle
I look forward to seeing this one again. Maybe I should queue up a bunch of Mitchums.