The film of Davis Grubb’s novel The Night of the Hunter received scathing critical responses upon its first release. The film has, however, grown in stature since then and is now considered a classic with its expressionistic, dark, fairy tale evocation of the struggle of good against evil. The film’s star, Robert Mitchum, released from a gaol sentence for drug possession, was blacklisted by the studios till Charles Laughton brilliantly cast him as the murderous preacher. This film, Laughton’s only directorial production, is considered one of the archetypes of the Southern Gothic genre, and its haunting dreamlike imagery is unequalled.