The patriarch of a family on the brink of poverty, attempts to rob a bank to provide a better life for his wife and two children. Things don’t go as planned, and the father is hung for a killing he committed in the course of the robbery. However, before being captured, he managed to pass on the money to his young daughter Pearl. The money becomes no comfort, however, as a psychotic self-proclaimed preacher having learned of the treasure, sets his eyes on the helpless little family.

Every time I hear Michael Medved prattle on about movies in the age of innocence, I think back on this twisted little film, and laugh. The evil religious figure has become an unbearable cliché in today’s Hollywood, but at the time I’m sure Robert Mitchum’s turn as Harry Powell, the sociopath padre, was very shocking. At the time, hell! Mitchum’s performance is just as strong today as it was back then! He exudes a cold, slimy malevolence in this role, and casting him as the lead was an act of pure brilliance.

After ‘Night’, Charles Laughton was never given another chance to direct, which is a crying shame as there is little debate (well, among intelligent viewers anyway, idiots will argue about anything) that this film is a masterpiece of film noir. The cinematography and framing are exquisite, and cause the film to take on an eerie, ethereal beauty unlike any other. Aside from Mitchum, the rest of the players are perfectly cast, (Yes, even the kids! Pearl was supposed to be simple and naïve) and the writing is just peachy.

I want, so badly to give this film a 10, and yet one or two small flaws are holding me back. This being a 1950’s era film, the director seemed to think it requisite to include a sappy musical number or two. While the hymn-singing confrontation between the angelic Rachel Cooper and Satan in a black suit is inspired, Pearl’s odd, awkward little dirge sung while the children escape via rowboat is just embarrassing, and seems painfully dubbed. (I’m almost positive it was, just covering my ass in case I’m wrong.) And frankly, Powell’s odd yelping when he meets the business end of scatter gun, reminds me of Daffy Duck.

But please, please, don’t let this hold you back! This film is a classic for good reason.