This thriller bombed so hard the director quit but I think it's a masterpiece — stream it now on Prime Video
Directed by Charles Laughton in his only turn behind the camera, this 1955 masterpiece initially bombed, crushed by brutal reviews that stopped Laughton’s directing career before it could take off. Adapted from Davis Grubb’s novel, it’s a film that was criminally ahead of its time. While awaiting execution, Ben shares a cell with Harry Powell (Robert Mitchum), a chilling traveling preacher.
- ▪Directed by Charles Laughton in his only turn behind the camera, this 1955 masterpiece initially bombed, crushed by brutal reviews that stopped Laughton’s directing career before it could take off.
- ▪Adapted from Davis Grubb’s novel, it’s a film that was criminally ahead of its time.
- ▪While awaiting execution, Ben shares a cell with Harry Powell (Robert Mitchum), a chilling traveling preacher.
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Entertainment Streaming Prime Video This thriller bombed so hard the director quit but I think it's a masterpiece — stream it now on Prime Video Opinion By Brittany Vincent Published 24 July 2026 'The Night of the Hunter' is a chilling tale that never got its due When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Alamy) Copy link Facebook X Reddit Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Some thrillers only need a great villain to grab you from the start, and "The Night of the Hunter" features one of the absolute best.
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