Wednesday Movie Club: The Night of the Hunter

For our Halloween season finale, we're ending with a film that proves atmosphere and imagination can be far more unsettling than gore ever could. A haunting blend of psychological crime thriller and Southern Gothic fairy tale, The Night of the Hunter remains one of the most influential - and visually stunning - films ever made. The only film ever directed by legendary actor Charles Laughton, The Night of the Hunter stars Robert Mitchum in one of cinema's most unforgettable villainous performances. Mitchum plays a charismatic preacher who relentlessly pursues two young children after learning they may know the location of stolen money. While the film's bold vision proved too unconventional for many 1950s audiences, it is now widely regarded as one of the great achievements of American cinema. Once you've experienced its haunting imagery and unforgettable performances, it's easy to understand why. This film is being presented as part of the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library's Wednesday Movie Club, a weekly showcase of movies that matter for people who love movies. Attendees will be invited to discuss the film immediately following the screening. Registration is not required. Rating: PG Runtime: 1h 33m Production Year: 1955 Cast: Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Billy Chapin, Sally Jane Bruce, Peter Graves Director: Charles Laughton