Dead of Night

Dead of Night

Year: 1945

Runtime: 103 mins

Language: English

Directors: Charles Crichton, Robert Hamer

ThrillerHorrorHorror the undead and monster classicsIntense violence and sexual transgressionTerrifying haunted and supernatural horror

Architect Walter Craig journeys to a country farmhouse hoping for work, only to become caught in a recurring nightmare. As the end of the dream approaches, he must listen to the strange, unsettling stories each assembled guest shares, weaving together unexpected tragedy, comic romance and dramatic moments. All swirl within the haunting night.

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Timeline & Setting – Dead of Night (1945)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Dead of Night (1945). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary (likely mid-20th century)

The events occur in a modern period, suggested by references to automobiles, hospitals, and contemporary clothing. The setting aligns with the era’s technological and social context, yet it explores timeless themes of fear, guilt, and the supernatural.

Location

Kent, England

The movie is set in a secluded country cottage in Kent, an area known for its picturesque landscapes and historic homes. The setting creates an intimate atmosphere, perfect for exploring supernatural and psychological themes. Kent’s quiet charm contrasts with the eerie events that unfold within the cottage.

🏞️ Rural 🌳 Countryside 🏡 Cottage

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:49

Main Characters – Dead of Night (1945)

Meet the key characters of Dead of Night (1945), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Walter Craig (Sally Ann Howes)

Walter is an architect plagued by recurring nightmares and premonitions, which suggest a troubled mind or a connection to supernatural forces. His visions drive the story, reflecting themes of guilt and fate. His journey culminates in a confrontation with his subconscious fears.

🤔 Dreamer 🧠 Intellectual 😱 Anxious

Elliot Foley (Roland Culver)

Foley is the host who invites Walter into the country cottage, serving as the narrative’s connector. His calm demeanor contrasts with the unsettling stories shared, embodying the hospitable but mysterious figure that anchors the setting.

🏡 Host 👔 Calm 🤝 Mysterious

Hugh Grainger (Peggy Bryan)

Hugh is a racing driver haunted by a premonition of death, which manifests eerily during his hospital stay. His story embodies themes of fate and sudden tragedy, illustrating how past or subconscious fears can influence reality.

🏎️ Racer 😨 Fearful ⚰️ Fatalistic

Joan Cortland (Googie Withers)

Joan narrates a story involving a mysterious mirror that reveals a tragic murder and leads to violence. Her character explores the destructive power of obsession and the supernatural effects of cursed objects.

💎 Mysterious 🪞 Supernatural 💔 Tragic

Maxwell Frere (Michael Redgrave)

A ventriloquist whose dummy, Hugo, seems to act independently, symbolizing externalized mental struggles. His encounters with Hugo explore themes of identity, possession, and madness.

🎭 Performer 🗣️ Ventriloquist 🧟‍♂️ Haunted

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:49

Major Themes – Dead of Night (1945)

Explore the central themes of Dead of Night (1945), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👻 Haunting

The film delves into supernatural hauntings and visions, blurring the line between reality and the supernatural. Guests experience ghostly encounters and visions that hint at unresolved guilt and tragic pasts. The haunting motif emphasizes the inescapable nature of unresolved fears.

🧠 Psychology

The storyline explores psychological themes such as hallucinations, madness, and subconscious fears. Characters’ supernatural experiences often symbolize internal struggles or guilt. The film questions the nature of reality versus perception, emphasizing mental states.

💀 Death

Death is a central theme, demonstrated through ghostly apparitions, murders, and self-destructive behaviors. Many characters reflect on or are haunted by past deaths, underscoring mortality and the impact of unresolved violence. The narrative explores the lingering influence of mortality on the living.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:49

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Unlock the Full Story of Dead of Night

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Dead of Night Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Dead of Night, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Dead of Night Summary

Dead of Night Timeline

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Dead of Night Timeline

Dead of Night Spoiler-Free Summary

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Dead of Night Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Dead of Night

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