Charles Laughton

Director

Forfans of classic cinema, students of film, and readers interested in gothic/noir films.
2 Reviews 0 Definitions 16 Charts

The Profile

Charles Laughton (1899–1962) was an English stage and film actor and director, best known for his performances in films such as Witness for the Prosecution and Spartacus, and for directing the 1955 film The Night of the Hunter.

Born July 1, 1899 in Scarborough, North Riding of Yorkshire, England; died December 15, 1962. Directed The Night of the Hunter (1955), his only feature film as director.

DeBaser reviews focus on Charles Laughton's 1955 film The Night of the Hunter, praising its blend of fairy-tale and noir elements and Robert Mitchum's performance. Critics highlight the film's psychoanalytic approach, striking black-and-white imagery, and initial commercial failure followed by later acclaim. Laughton's The Night of the Hunter is presented as his singular, daring work as director.

Notable Quotes

❝ The boogeyman exists. Oh yes. This seems to be what Charles Laughton wants to tell us with his directorial debut (year 1955): the boogeyman is cunning, he sneaks into our home, seduces those we love with lies and slyness.

❝ The Preacher/Gold Digger, played by Robert Mitchum, is one of the blackest villains Hollywood has ever conceived, as cunning as he is ruthless, managing to be called father by the girl he himself makes an orphan.