Night Of The Hunter took the bobsled most
places, but I bet not in Steubenville,
where local filming fueled interest in Charles Laughton's horrific fairy tale. Nearby
Moundsville as homeplace tosource novelist Davis Grubb was help as well, for
locals knew his name, if not the author himself. Movies with a backyard
connection tend to play well in same backyard, even if they plunge elsewhere.
For my NC neck of woods, it wasThunder Road,Redline 7000,The Flim-Flam Man, The Last American Hero, others I
could name. Every bomb found its target somewhere. For Night Of The Hunter, it
was playdates in southern Ohio and West Virginia vicinity. These folks got fun seeing if preacher Harry Powell might
drive past a farm they knew. Here's guessing Night Of The Hunter did worlds better than upcoming Summertime with K. Hepburn ...
What? No Scope presentation? Here is a contemporary ad from Argentina not from Buenos Aires but Rosario, where it was premiered simultaneously in five theaters.
Considering how bizarre and bleak this film was, it is not surprising 'Hunter' was a commercial failure. Yet Laughton and company have had the last laugh.
Stinky really likes novelist Davis Grubb, probably more than James Agee. Not saying Grubb is better, just more readable.
Some things I can't figure out. One is why critics slammed Laughton's direction of this film. Another is why it bombed. Did not know that until now. First time I saw it (by chance on TV late night) it scared the yell out of me.
As a West Virginian this is easily the best film about the Mountain State. The only other one that comes close would be John Sayles Matewan. That movie is more about the reality of the state but Night of the Hunter is full of authentic West Virginia settings and mood.
I submit that the shot of Shelley Winters' long blonde hair drifting upward in a flow of water from the submerged automobile is one of the most unforgettable shots in film. If I remember nothing else I remember that shot. Well, the "H-A-T-E" and "L-O-V-E' referenced above also.
8 Comments:
"It's a hard world for little things. They abide, and they endure."
"Chiiilll... dren!"
Very high on my all-time favorites list.
What? No Scope presentation? Here is a contemporary ad from Argentina not from Buenos Aires but Rosario, where it was premiered simultaneously in five theaters.
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/46/0b/6e/460b6e4fe5ca1d0166c94f8202227a55.jpg
Considering how bizarre and bleak this film was, it is not surprising 'Hunter' was a commercial failure. Yet Laughton and company have had the last laugh.
Stinky really likes novelist Davis Grubb, probably more than James Agee. Not saying Grubb is better, just more readable.
Some things I can't figure out. One is why critics slammed Laughton's direction of this film. Another is why it bombed. Did not know that until now. First time I saw it (by chance on TV late night) it scared the yell out of me.
It's a great, great film. And my candidate for best film ever by a one-time director.
As a West Virginian this is easily the best film about the Mountain State. The only other one that comes close would be John Sayles Matewan. That movie is more about the reality of the state but Night of the Hunter is full of authentic West Virginia settings and mood.
radiotelefonia - Assuming Filmvision was an anamorphic process (is it?), NOTH wasn't shot in anamorphic.
"The right hand...the hand of love."
I submit that the shot of Shelley Winters' long blonde hair drifting upward in a flow of water from the submerged automobile is one of the most unforgettable shots in film. If I remember nothing else I remember that shot. Well, the "H-A-T-E" and "L-O-V-E' referenced above also.
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