Night Must Fall (1964)

A psychotic killer gets in the good graces of his aging invalid employer, and worms his way into the affection of her beautiful daughter, with unpleasant results for all.

Director:

Karel Reisz

Writers:

Emlyn Williams (play), Clive Exton

Stars:

Albert Finney, Mona Washbourne, Susan Hampshire

1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Albert Finney	...	Danny
Mona Washbourne	...	Mrs. Bramson
Susan Hampshire	...	Olivia Greyne
Sheila Hancock	...	Dora Parkoe
Michael Medwin	...	Derek
Joe Gladwin	...	Dodge
Martin Wyldeck	...	Inspector Willett
John Gill	...	Foster

Storyline

Danny is a working-class psychopath who moves in with a wealthy widow to redecorate her house. He plays "games" with her while sleeping with her daughter and maid.

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Plot Keywords:

murder | crime wave | based on play

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Taglines:

The lusty brawling star of "Tom Jones" goes psycho in Night Must Fall.

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Genres:

Crime | Thriller

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English German

Release Date:

18 March 1964 (USA)

Also Known As:

Al caer la noche

Filming Locations:

MGM British Studios, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer British Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Did You Know?

Connections

Version of Broadway Television Theatre: Night Must Fall (1952)

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Soundtracks

"Three Blind Mice"
(uncredited)
Traditional
Arranged by Ron Grainer

User Reviews

Immensely underrated

The remake of the 1937 film was slaughtered both by critics and audience at the time it premiered and there was mainly one reason for it:the crazed fans of Albert Finney were absolutely shocked,as he daringly chose the role of the psychotic ''killer with the angelic face'', following his all-time favorite roles of ''Saturday night and Sunday morning''and, particularly, ''Tom Jones''.As many historians mention, the ''MGM wives'' who were few of the first to see the film, turned violently against the gifted director, Karel Reisz, shouting ''what have you done to that beautiful boy?''!But this is not a serious reason to dismiss an, overall, very good film, which, however, has some serious flaws.The use of music is exaggerated and some times irritating and, only in the first part of the film, Finney doesn't quite know how to tackle with his disturbed character. But the photography is great, Mona Washbourne gives a superb performance and Karel Reisz does a great job, not only updating the old text and bringing it within the ''realism'' of the British Free Cinema movement, but also with his masterful camera movements and his use of editing and abruptly cutting to different scenes, he creates an imposing psychological thriller, where what you don't see is more disturbing than what you do. Being one of the greatest actors EVER, Finney soon finds a convincing attitude for his character and the last part of the film is absolutely brilliant as a whole.It should be re-examined and re-appreciated, that's why it has to come out on VHS and DVD a.s.a.p.! 7.5/10