---
title: "The Night of the Hunter"
year: 1955
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-night-of-the-hunter-1955"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 3112
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 93
community_rating: 7.9
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# The Night of the Hunter (1955) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-night-of-the-hunter-1955

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Night of the Hunter is a film first released in 1955. Catalogued under Crime, Drama, Thriller. Produced and broadcast by Paul Gregory Productions, United Artists. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A menacing preacher stalks two children in a bleak Depression‑era West Virginia."

### Why Watch
- Tense cat‑and‑mouse chase between a preacher and children
- Depression‑era setting adds atmospheric depth

### Caveats & Content Note
- Its dark themes may be unsettling for younger viewers
- Tone & Suitability: The film contains intense chase scenes and a murderous antagonist, making it unsuitable for very young children.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: dark, tense, atmospheric, thriller

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/the-night-of-the-hunter-1955#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Charles Laughton
- **Networks / Studios**: Paul Gregory Productions, United Artists

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Robert Mitchum** as *Preacher Harry Powell*
- **Shelley Winters** as *Willa Harper*
- **Lillian Gish** as *Rachel Cooper*
- **Billy Chapin** as *John Harper*
- **Sally Jane Bruce** as *Pearl Harper*
- **James Gleason** as *Uncle Birdie Steptoe*
- **Evelyn Varden** as *Icey Spoon*
- **Don Beddoe** as *Walt Spoon*
- **Peter Graves** as *Ben Harper*
- **James Griffith** as *District Attorney*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the setting of the film?
The story takes place in Depression‑era West Virginia.

### Q: Who is the main antagonist?
A serial‑killing preacher hunts the children.

### Q: What genres does the film belong to?
It is classified as crime, drama, and thriller.

### Q: How long is the movie?
The runtime is 1 hour 33 minutes.

### Q: When was the film released?
It was released in the United States on July 26, 1955.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Night of the Hunter — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/3112)
- [Lovcova noc [The Night of the Hunter] (1955): Zpětně zhlédnout…](https://www.kinobox.cz/film/11623-lovcova-noc/zpetne-zhlednuti)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*