Davis Grubb (1919–1980)

The Night of the Hunter by Davis Grubb is a 1953 publication.

I’ve seen the movie, which was adapted from this book, starring Robert Mitcham, who did an incredible job with the role of “Preacher”. It is yet another situation in which I’d seen the movie, but somehow never got around to reading the book, despite considering it countless times.

Naturally, I’m already familiar with the plot. A con man/ serial killer is stalking John and his little sister Pearl, because they know where a nice stash of stolen money is hidden. The Preacher insinuates himself into the children’s lives by marrying their mother, who accepts his proposal under the guise of providing a father to her children. From there a terrifying game of cat and mouse ensues, as the Preacher menacingly pressures poor John relentlessly, while his mother remains clueless about her new husband’s true motives….

It seems the book was well represented on the big screen as it appears, to the best of my recollection, it remained faithful to the book, with only a few differences. Was the book better than the movie? Well, in this case I’d say they were both very good, which is rare. I did think I got more insight into some of the characters’ actions and attitudes, like the way John behaved in Rachel’s care- which was a bit of a mystery to me- but made more sense after reading this book.

Overall, this a very chilling story of serial killer moving amongst people under the guise of being a man of God. It is also a story of hope for John and Pearl who are freed from the evil and danger that lurked around every corner, and land in a wonderful, stable, loving environment.

4.5 stars… (mere)

File this one under the heading of What is Possible is Scarier than What Isn’t. This book is perfect if you want to be truly frightened for Halloween, because I would much rather have a ghost in my house than have Preacher Harry Powell sleeping under my roof.

The novel is set in West Virginia during the great depression. Ten-year old John Harper’s father, Ben, commits a crime, steals several thousand dollars, and in the process kills two men. Before he is hauled off by the lawmen who come for him, he hides the money and tells John were it is, swearing him to secrecy. His crime and the terrible secret he thrusts upon his son sets a frightful series of events into motion, that bring into the lives of his wife and children the most evil of evil men, a self-proclaimed preacher named Harry Powell, who is intent on finding the money at any cost.

I’m not sure I breathed normally through the entire telling of this tale. That Grubb based it on a true story that occurred in his own hometown made it even more harrowing. I am not generally a fan of either murder thrillers or horror films, which probably explains why I never saw the classic movie made from this novel. Robert Mitchum was cast as the soulless Powell and, having seen him in Cape Fear, I had no problem imagining him in the role. I remember having a lot of trouble sleeping after seeing Cape Fear--I think Night of the Hunter might have the same effect. I believe this is the kind of book the word spine-chilling was invented for.… (mere)

This film, while certainly watchable, is just too contrived to deserve the greatness that has been bestowed upon it. Way too preachy--and I don't mean Mitchum's character! Great performances by the child actors, however, and by most of the adults. But Shelley Winters religious "rebirth" or whatever you want to call it is just ridiculous, and it isn't a good performance. Lilian Gish is saddled with the oh-too-precious lines toward the end of the film, which are almost too much to bear. But I do appreciate her skill with a shotgun.… (mere)

Although this is a review of the book Night of the Hunter by Davis Grubb, I can’t help but write about the 1955 movie that was made of this book. Robert Mitchum gave a chilling and haunting performance of the religious fanatic and malicious killer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. This movie stayed very close to the book, and I certainly pictured Robert Mitchum throughout the read.

Posing as a prison chaplain, Harry Powell comes to the family after husband and father Ben Harper has been hung for robbery and murder. He is convinced that Ben told someone in the family where the bank money was hidden. He charms the widow and marries her but all too soon his attention turns to the children who he discovers know where the money is hidden.

Unfolding like a parable of good against evil, the tension mounts, the atmosphere gets darker and darker and the reader is in constant fear for these children. The story takes place in the 1930’s, a dark time in America which suits this story perfectly. The author uses this backdrop as he sets the children on the run with a monster trailing them.

This noir thriller really took a hold of me and I was totally captivated. The author’s almost biblical prose, the shadowed atmosphere, and the deliberate characterizations make this “lambs being hunted by a wolf” story creepy, stylish and a great read.… (mere)