Dark Night, Calcutta

In the Depression-era American South, a psychotic preacher named Harry Powell roams the country, charming women and then murdering them for their money, leaving 'Love' and 'Hate' tattooed on his knuckles. He marries a widow, Willa Harper, whose deceased husband hid $10,000. Powell becomes obsessed with finding the money, which the children know the location of, leading to a terrifying cat-and-mouse game.

Despite initial mixed reviews and a disappointing box office performance, 'The Night of the Hunter' has since been re-evaluated as a masterpiece of American cinema. Its unique blend of expressionistic style, chilling performances, and allegorical themes has earned it widespread critical acclaim and a place on numerous 'greatest films' lists.

• Robert Mitchum delivers an iconic, terrifying performance as the predatory preacher.

• The film's expressionistic visuals and dreamlike atmosphere create a uniquely disturbing and unforgettable experience.

• A haunting exploration of childhood innocence confronting pure evil.

Google audience: Audiences consistently praise the film's chilling atmosphere, Robert Mitchum's unforgettable portrayal of the villain, and its enduring suspense. Many appreciate its dark, fairy-tale-like quality and its powerful themes.

Nominated for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival in 1955. Widely considered one of the greatest films ever made, frequently cited in critical polls.

Charles Laughton directed only one film in his career, 'The Night of the Hunter,' and famously never directed another, reportedly due to the film's difficult production and initial poor reception.