The Night of the Hunter (1955)

We're told at the outset that “blessed are the pure in heart…” That rules out Robert Mitchum’s character, although it doesn't stop him talking directly to God. They have something in common after all: God kills people, too.
The first half is superb stuff, filled with the kind of filmic techniques and cinematic quality that would make even Orson Welles grin and cough up for a round of drinks. The second half has some equally notable scenes but the story feels rushed in the last 15-20 minutes. An appreciation for what it dared to do from a technical point of view and an acceptance that it falls to pieces at the end are required to recognise its true worth.

4 warring fingers out of 5