The Night of the Hunter

12A

In Depression-era West Virginia, Harry Powell, (a magnificent Robert Mitcham, in arguably his finest role), is a serial killer posing as a preacher. Serving time in prison for car theft, he meets condemned murderer Ben Harper, who confesses to hiding $10,000 in stolen loot. Released from jail, Powell is obsessed with finding the money, and he tracks down Harper's widow, Willa and pursues her two children in an attempt to get his hands on the cash.

Based on the 1953 novel of the same name by Davis Grubb, the novel and film both draw on the true story of Harry Powers, who was hanged in 1932 for the murder of two widows and three children in Clarksburg, West Virginia.

Charles Laughton's mesmerising and expressionistic film, is probably the best debut of all time, yet criminally it was to be his only feature as director, due to the poor critical and commercial reception on it's release. Part noir, part fairy tale, part allegorical lucid dream, the film's refusal to fit into a particular genre likely resulted in this reaction (however mis-guided it was). Thankfully re-evaluated, Laughton's masterpiece is now rightly regarded as one of the best and most influential films of all time.

After the screening we welcome back The Evolution of Horror podcast who will be recording another special live episode! Their panel of guests will include writer and director Jeremy Dyson (League of Gentlemen, Ghost Stories).

This is a special 35mm screening with the print sourced from the BFI Archive.

The Evolution of Horror is a weekly podcast, hosted by Mike Muncer, that explores the history of the horror genre by delving into particular sub-genres across several weeks. Each episode, Mike is joined by a critic, filmmaker or expert, to discuss a particular film in depth, look at its place within a sub-genre, and explore its cultural impact and lasting legacy.

Please note: free members tickets are not available for this screening, however memberships and concession prices will still apply (£11.50). Full price tickets are £13.00.