The gritty and uniquely sexy Robert Mitchum brings to life the terrifying role of psychopathic religious fanatic Harry Powell in Night of The Hunter 1955. Co starring Shelley Winters as the widow whose children refuse to tell Harry where their real father’s hidden money is. Also starring the wonderful Lillian Gish. Scripted by James Agee.
Directed by the great Charles Laughton, it was his only film, yet is it one of the most memorable, suspenseful, elegantly simple and grim masterpieces of American cinema to date.
“The wedding night, the anticipation, the kiss, the knife, BUT ABOVE ALL… THE SUSPENSE!”
One of my favorite film makers, Jules Dassin’s1944 whimsical romp starring the always wonderful Charles Laughtonas the cowardly, lovable and brooding, Sir Simon de Canterville. Also starring pixie Margaret O’Brien and Robert Young. Based on Oscar Wilde’s story of the 17th century cowardly Sir Simon who runs from a duel, only to be sealed into a room by his father who is ashamed of his son. Doomed to roam the castle until his American kin Cuffy can break the curse and set him free.
THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES1946
Directed by Charles Barton this haunted history lesson stars the iconic comedy duo Bud AbbottandLouCostellowith Marjorie Reynolds. Lou plays Horatio Prim. Bud Abbott plays a dual role as Dr Ralph Greenway the ancestor of Cuthbert Greenway. The beautiful Marjorie plays Melody Allen. Horatio and Melody have been condemned as traitors during the Revolutionary War, and now must try and track down a letter from George Washington proving their innocence. There is a hilarious scene with a pair of women’s under things running down the stairs scaring the bejesus out ofGale Sondergaard.
THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR 1947
Directed by another favorite of mine Joseph L Mankiewicz and starring again, one of my all time favorite screen beauties,Gene Tierneyas Mrs. Lucy Muir who moves into an old sea captain’s cottage only to find it inhabited by Captain Daniel Cregg played by the marvelously droll and often irascible Rex Harrison. This is such a poignantly well told story of a gruff and hearty love that reaches from beyond the grave.
TOPPER 1937
Cary Grant and Constance Bennett (Marion and George Kerby) drive way too reckless. After realizing that they have died, they decide to have some fun with their uptight friend Cosmo Topper played by Roland Young. Directed by Norman McLeod
PORTRAIT OF JENNIE 1948
Another beautifully poetic haunted romance directed by yet again, a favored director of mineWilliamDieterle. Starring the effervescent Jennifer Jonesand everyman actor Joseph Cotten. Jones plays Jennie Appleton and Cotten is Eben Adams the struggling painter she inspires. Great performances by Ethel Barrymore,Lillian Gish and Cecil Kellaway. Is Jennie real or merely a dream?
