Night Must Fall (1964)

User Rating:

6.1/10   

Director:

Karel Reisz

Writers:

Emlyn Williams (play)
Clive Exton (writer)

Release Date:

18 March 1964 (USA)

Genre:

Thriller

Tagline:

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

Plot:

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.

Plot Keywords:

Murder | Based On Play

Awards:

1 nomination

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

Runtime:

Germany:92 min | USA:101 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

UK:X | Finland:(Banned) (1964)

Filming Locations:

MGM British Studios, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Company:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer British Studios

Movie Connections:

Version of Night Must Fall (1957) (TV)

Gripping thriller

Night must fall is a riveting film with Albert Finney giving a fantastic performance. He plays Danny, the boyfriend of a kitchen maid (Sheila Hancock) who works for a wealthy widow. However, it isn't long before he sets his sights on the widow's daughter, Olivia (Susan Hampshire). Danny hides a terrible secret from those around him, he is not who people think he is. He is charming towards his girlfriend, his employer and even manages to win round Olivia, and it is this charm which makes his dark side even more frightening. Albert Finney is wonderful to watch, combining charm and humour with menace and danger. The supporting cast is also first-rate, there is a tense atmosphere throughout and it is a shame this film is so little-known - it is an excellent, suspenseful, engaging thriller.