The Night Has Eyes

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"She loved the man, even though she thought he was a murderer!"
  • 1932
  • 78 hr
  • 6.2  (840)

The Night Has Eyes is a psychological thriller film from 1942 that centers on two travelers who find themselves stranded in a mountain cabin. The film stars James Mason as Stephen Deremid, a reclusive pianist, and Wilfrid Lawson as Drax, a strange and menacing man who lives in the woods. The film opens with two travelers, Laurie and Gwen, who are on a hiking excursion in the mountains. They become lost and stumble upon a cabin, where they hope to find shelter and assistance. There they meet Drax, a mysterious and unsavory character who initially offers to help them, only to reveal his true nature soon after. Drax lives in a nearby cabin and seems to know everything that goes on in the woods; he is clearly very familiar with his surroundings.

Soon after their arrival, Stephen emerges from his own cabin and greets the travelers. He is initially reserved and seems uncomfortable in their presence, but he eventually warms up to them and offers his hospitality. He is a talented pianist and Laurie is drawn to his music. Over the course of the film, it becomes apparent that Stephen is not who he appears to be, and that he may have a dark secret hidden in his past.

As the night wears on, the travelers become more and more uneasy. They hear strange noises in the woods and are spooked by Drax's odd behavior. They try to leave the cabin several times, but they are always thwarted by the elements or by Drax himself. As the tension mounts, it becomes clear that something sinister is afoot in the woods, and that the travelers are in grave danger.

The Night Has Eyes is a classic example of a psychological thriller. The film is shot in a way that creates a claustrophobic and eerie atmosphere; the viewer is constantly aware of the isolation and danger facing the travelers. The cinematography is excellent, making full use of the stark mountain landscape and the oppressive darkness of the forest at night. There are several moments in the film that are genuinely unnerving, and the tension builds up slowly but surely throughout the night.

The performances in the film are strong, especially those of Mason and Lawson. Mason does an excellent job of portraying Stephen's initial awkwardness and eventual unraveling. While we want to sympathize with him, we are never quite sure what he is capable of. Lawson, on the other hand, is a master of playing creepy characters, and he is at his best in this film. His portrayal of Drax is perfect; he is outwardly friendly but has a dark and dangerous side that is always present just beneath the surface.

The Night Has Eyes is not a perfect film, however. The characterization of Laurie and Gwen is somewhat weak, and they do not get as much screen time or development as they deserve. There are also a few plot holes that are never adequately explained. Nevertheless, the film is an effective thriller that will satisfy fans of the genre.

Overall, The Night Has Eyes is a must-see film for fans of psychological thrillers. It is an excellent representation of the sub-genre, and it features strong performances and excellent cinematography. The tension builds up slowly and deliberately throughout the film, leading to a satisfying and surprising conclusion. If you are a fan of films that keep you on the edge of your seat, then The Night Has Eyes is definitely worth checking out.

The Night Has Eyes
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Description
  • Release Date
    1932
  • Runtime
    78 hr
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.2  (840)