James Agee (screenwriter) THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER (1955) Photo archive

[Los Angeles: United Artists, 1955]. Set of twenty-three (23) vintage original photos, including twenty-one 8 x 10″ (20 x 25 cm.) and two 7 x 9″ (17 x 22 cm.) black-and-white glossy silver gelatin photos. A few photos have tiny edge tears, general corner creases and bumps. Near fine.

Some of the most memorable and terrifying scenes are present in this group of photos from this suspenseful and beautifully atmospheric noir thriller. It is an exploration of the psychotic side of organized religion. Difficult to categorize, it is also a combination child’s nightmare and fantasy. One of the most interesting films of the 1950s, it is directed expertly by Charles Laughton.

The film contains what is most likely Robert Mitchum’s strongest acting performance and is amongst Shelly Winters’ and Lillian Gish’s finest film work. All are present in the various scenes in this group which covers much of the story. Laughton, along with James Agee and Davis Grubb, wrote the script. The film is lauded for its use of lighting by cinematographer Stanley Cortez. Charles Laughton described the film as “a nightmarish sort of Mother Goose tale.”

Photo code numbers are: NH-AD-10, NH-20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 34, 38, 42, 45, 46, 51, 54, 60, 61, 63, 79, 84, 88, 101, 105, one scene still does not have a number nor does a behind-the-scenes photo with director Charles Laughton. There are variations on the versos including some with original paper text blurbs, some with Dell Publishing stamps and theatre ink stamps.