Critics' Pics: Selections from AFI and Sight & Sound
Led by the sinister Robert Mitchum, this masterwork is a dark fairy tale mixed with eerie expressionist cinematography, creating the ultimate battle between good and evil.
A tall, handsome self-proclaimed preacher—his knuckles ominously tattooed with the words "love" and "hate"—roams the countryside, spreading the gospel ... and leaving a trail of murdered women in his wake. To Reverend Harry Powell (Robert Mitchum), the work of the Lord has more to do with condemning souls than saving them, especially when his own interests are involved. Now his sights are set on $10,000, and the only ones who know where it is are two little children, innocent young lambs who refuse to be led astray. Co-starring Shelley Winters, Lillian Gish, and Peter Graves, this film-noir classic was accepted into the National Film Registry in 1992. [92 min; crime, drama; English]
"The only film directed by actor Charles Laughton, this haunting masterpiece is simply one of the best horrors ever made." — Larushka Ivan-Zadeh, Metro UK
"Evil wrapped in religion, the twisted sexuality of the supposedly pious, the helpless gullibility of conservative rural folks for any wolf in sheep's clothing, it's a tale as timeless as it ever was, and shockingly timely even today." — Roger Moore, Movie Nation
"A unique blend of fractured fairy tale, Southern Gothic grisliness, and striking German expressionism." — Matt Brunson, Film Frenzy
Any film screened at IU Cinema may contain content that viewers find sensitive or upsetting. Visit our Audience Advisories page to learn more.
