The Night of the Hunter

(Charles Laughton, US 1955, 92 min., 35mm)

This gorgeously evocative amalgam of Grimm’s Fairy Tales, German Expressionism, and Depression-era drama is a unique masterpiece in the history of cinema. At its core is Robert Mitchum’s terrifying performance as Preacher Harry Powell, a serial-killing wolf in sheep’s clothing, who relentlessly hounds two young children for the treasure they are hiding. Shelley Winters and Lillian Gish costar in the only film ever directed by acclaimed actor Charles Laughton. The film and its source novel draw inspiration from the true story of Harry Powers, who was hanged in 1932 for the murder of two widows and three children.