The Night of the Hunter

The Night of the Hunter

Year: 1955

Runtime: 92 min

Language: English

Director: Terry Sanders

DramaMysteryThrillerCrimeFilm-NoirFilm-Noir

After serving time for arson and murder, a manipulative preacher is released and becomes fixated on finding money hidden by a recently executed convict. He targets a widowed mother and her two young children, using a false facade of righteousness to gain their trust while secretly plotting to find the stolen funds. The film explores themes of good versus evil, and the vulnerability of innocence in the face of calculated deception and escalating danger.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Night of the Hunter (1955)

Trace every key event in The Night of the Hunter (1955) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Introduction of Rachel Cooper

The film opens in the stars with Rachel Cooper narrating a Southern Gothic parable to the audience. She emphasizes the importance of childhood and warns of the dangers posed by deceptive individuals, commonly referred to as 'wolves in sheep's clothing.' This sets the tone for the impending threats the children will face.

2

Children Playing Hide and Seek

Several children play hide and seek near a farmhouse, enjoying the simplicity of childhood. One child discovers a hidden cellar, but as he opens the door, he is met with a sinister sight—a young woman's twisted legs at the top of the stairs, foreshadowing darker events to come.

Farmhouse
3

Reverend Powell's Arrival

Reverend Harry Powell drives a stolen Model-T and believes he is on a divine mission to punish wicked individuals. His disturbing nature is revealed as he sneers in disdain at a peep show and is soon arrested for car robbery, leading to a thirty-day sentence in Moundsville Penitentiary.

4

Ben Harper's Desperation

In a frantic moment, Ben Harper, the father of John and Pearl, returns home clutching stolen money amounting to $10,000. He implores young John to protect his sister Pearl and never reveal the money's location as the police close in on their home, leading to his ultimate arrest.

Front yard
5

Ben Harper's Trial

Ben Harper is tried for murder and sentenced to be hanged. While incarcerated, he meets Reverend Powell, who learns about Ben's hidden fortune. Powell begins to plot how to marry Ben's widow and seize the money for himself, which he perceives as his opportunity from the Lord.

Prison
6

Children's Fear and Resilience

John and Pearl are taunted by other children at school, who sing a dark hangman's song. John tries to shield Pearl from the grim reality, showing maturity beyond his years as he resists the temptation to spend the money they have.

School
7

Reverend Powell's Manipulation

During a town picnic, Reverend Powell deceives Willa, John's mother, claiming he knows the whereabouts of the stolen money. John becomes increasingly wary of Powell, suspicious of his intentions and how he manipulates the adults around him.

Town picnic
8

Willa's Descent into Madness

Powell's sinister influence over Willa becomes apparent as she fervently leads a revival meeting, convinced of Powell's righteousness. However, she is simultaneously manipulated into a state of delusion regarding the safety of her family.

Revival meeting
9

Tragic Turn of Events

As tensions escalate, Willa overhears Powell's threatening tactics toward John and Pearl regarding the hidden money. Unfortunately, her hopes of a happy family life shatter when Powell brutally murders her, leading to a profound moment of loss for the children.

10

Uncovering the Truth

The morning after Willa's death, Reverend Powell feigns innocence, claiming she has run away. However, the reality is revealed as Uncle Birdie discovers Willa's body submerged in a car, highlighting Powell's true nature and the danger he poses.

11

Children's Escape

After hiding from Powell, John and Pearl attempt to escape by boat down the river. As they navigate under the crescent moon and evade Powell's relentless pursuit, they find a fleeting moment of peace in their resilience against their threats.

River
12

Rachel Cooper's Intervention

John and Pearl encounter Rachel Cooper, a woman dedicated to caring for abandoned children. Rachel becomes their protector, confronting Powell when he attempts to reclaim the children. Her strong stance provides a sense of security in the face of danger.

Rachel's farm
13

Confrontation with the Law

As Reverend Powell faces arrest following Rachel's confrontation, John struggles with conflicting emotions about the justice system. His refusal to point out Powell as Willa's murderer reveals his deep-seated sense of fear and loyalty to his family.

14

Final Showdown

In a tense culmination, Reverend Powell attempts to intimidate Rachel and the children, but she stands firm, illustrating the battle between good and evil. As he is finally apprehended, the children's escape from his grasp signals a new beginning for their lives.

Rachel's farm
15

The Aftermath

In the closing moments, John and Pearl are shown as safe and free from Powell’s menace. They signify hope for the future, suggesting that the trauma they've endured will not define them, as they slowly begin to heal and move on from their tragic past.

Last Updated: January 19, 2025 at 18:49

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The Night of the Hunter Summary

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The Night of the Hunter Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Night of the Hunter

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Night of the Hunter

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