“A film without precedents, and without any real equals.”
Harry Powell, the crazed preacher with LOVE and HATE tattooed on his knuckles is the greatest role of Robert Mitchum's career. Bizarre shadows, stylized dialogue, distorted perspectives, surreal sets and odd camera angles make this gothic tale of good and evil unlike any other movies of the 50s. Such a distinctive vision alienated critics and audiences on release, enough to put Charles Laughton off directing another film.
