Night Must Fall (1964)

A critical failure at the time of its release and considered something of a let-down for its director and star, (it was certainly an odd choice of material), this 1964 film version of Emlyn Williams' play, (it was written in 1935 and filmed two years later with Robert Montgomery), is nowhere near as bad as people say. It's the one about the young psychopath, (a terrific Albert Finney), who worms his way into the affections of elderly invalid Mona Washbourne, (superb), and her initially stand-offish daughter, (an excellent Susan Hampshire). The problem is that in attempting to get to the psychological heart of the piece director Karl Reisz drains it of all suspense and Clive Exton's screenplay, (I haven't seen or read the original play), is a bit on the dull side. But neither is it a disaster and I have never understood why it disappeared so soon after its initial appearance.

Other reviewers have pretty much covered the synopsis of this film. I would just like to add that it really should be viewed with some consideration given to the time it was made. For those who feel Finney's performance was "over the top" remember in 1964 what the general perception was about a "crazy" or psychopathic person. The public wasn't as educated about or aware of what mental illness looks like.Some historical context for this film for the reviewers who commented that Finney must really have wanted to make this film because he could do whatever he wanted after Tom Jones, and that he was trying to provide a showcase for himself. First of all this movie was released in 1964, but it was filmed before Tom Jones was released. Finney did not have carte Blanche to do anything he wanted at this stage. This film was not, in fact, the first choice for Karel Reisz and Albert Finney, who wanted to collaborate again after working on Saturday Night and Sunday Morning. They were not trying to make a showcase, but rather were excited about film making, and were trying to do something different and unusual. They originally planned to make a film about Ned Kelley, and had spent a lot of time and effort trying to put that project together, even going so far as to scout locations in Australia. However, the financial backing was from MGM, and at the last minute they pulled the financing from the Ned Kelley project and told Reisz and Finney they were doing a remake of Night Must Fall.Both Director and Actor have said they didn't feel it was going well while they were making it, and they weren't happy with how it turned out; however, Tony Richardson said the same about Tom Jones. Sometimes, the artist doesn't appreciate his own masterpiece. I personally find Finney's performance riveting, the story suspenseful, and, as other people have mentioned, the cinematography as atmospheric and effective as you would expect from Freddy Francis. I'm obviously in the camp with those who think this is an overlooked gem. Everyone entitled to his/her own opinion, but I did want to clarify a little of the history. Also, it was probably just a typo by one reviewer, but Finney was 26/27, not his late thirties when this was being made, but yes I agree Ewan McGregor does resemble him.

Handsome, boyish Albert Finney is a schizophrenic axe murderer in "Night Must Fall," based on the Emlyn Williams play, and a remake of the 1937 film starring Robert Montgomery and Rosalind Russell. There have been some rewrites. This film is less a psychological drama than an actual thriller this time around, with accompanying loud, distracting music. There is no repressed niece; there is instead, in the body of Susan Hampshire, a good-looking and fascinated daughter. And instead of being a harridan, the role of the aunt (now mother) is portrayed by Mona Washbourne as annoying. Also, the film has been opened up to encompass the outdoors more than the original, which centered around a secluded cottage.Strangely, showing more of the surrounding area rather than keeping the film in the dark, claustrophobic cottage was less atmospheric somehow. I didn't have the feeling of foreboding that I had with the original, waiting - excuse the pun - for the axe to fall. There was none of the loneliness or tension either.Albert Finney was at the top of his form, and had the actual story been closer to the original, he would have done an excellent job with that, too. He is a flirtatious dandy one minute, a playful little boy who doesn't know when to stop in the next, and a dangerous, vengeful child later on. Robert Montgomery's portrayal was smoother and less obvious fitting in with that earlier script. Susan Hampshire is very pretty and always good as a young actress on leave from London for reasons not explained, and Mona Washbourne is a typical semi-invalid old lady who in a strange way competes with her daughter for Finney's affections."Night Without Fall" seems to have been made on a low budget. There are choppy edits, and it almost appears as if some scenes are missing. If you forget the original and take this as a thriller, you will enjoy it more.

I'm very glad I watched this extremely well made British '60s film before reading other critical judgements; otherwise I might not have bothered with it. I've seen a lot of British thrillers and films noirs from this period, and some of them are really terrible; not terrifying, dreadful. By comparison this one is a gem.Finney dominates the scene with his accustomed bravura. I agree he overdoes it, if he'd turned it down a couple of notches, he'd have been perfect. An interesting idea that Arthur Seton in "Saturday Night.." was being **outrageous**. I'm sure Finney imagined he was doing realism! Mona Washbourne is also very good. Not many parts like this are currently being written for elderly or middle-aged female actors in British or U.S films, but back then they were pretty common. Lastly, a word of praise for Susan Hampshire in her pre-Forsyte Saga days. She never looked better; a nuanced, sympathetic performance of that breed of emotionally challenged posh girls, who were often treated as off-putting caricatures in British cinema. Not here thankfully. The entire cast is excellent. This film was a huge treat all round.