Cape Fear (1962)

October Challenge Day 17

I've been afraid - nay, terrified - of Robert Mitchum since I watched The Night of the Hunter. So I thought I would give this classic a go. Let's talk about (the original):

Cape Fear

This is a chiller, for sure! A man recently released from prison hunts down the witness who essentialy put him in prision and proceeds to torment his family. I say hunt, because that is what he is, a hunter, but he's also a stalker and psychopath. None of this is good for the good lawyers/witness.

When we are first introduced to the witness's family, his daughter gave me a jump scare. To my absolute astonishment, I legit could not tell if this kid was 13 or 33. I'm so, so, so sorry to the actress, Lori Martin, but the face straight-up frightened me. My brain short circuted and it never recovered. GADDAM

Back to the movie!

The family, aware of this unhinged ex-convict, try to hide out on a houseboat and that's when the shit really hits the fan. 

This is a fine film - a very solid thriller, but I felt it lacked something and I have no idea what it is. There is one scene, however, where our psychopath looks at a woman laying in a hotel bed and it is SO SCARY. His look, his face, is the thing of nightmares - particularly if you've experienced seeing that same look from a man and you know he's going to hurt you, badly. 

You know what he's going to do. You know she might not make it out of that hotel room alive. You know something very very very horrible is about to happen and there isn't a thing you can do about it. 

GAH. That scene alone is so awful, so, prepare youself. 

This movie actually makes me want to watch the 1991 remake, Cape Fear. As well as the recently released TV Series, Cape Fear! So stay turned for updates about those. 

Best watched late at night, alone, particularly when you are feeling especially safe. Pairs with something made from a 1950s cookbook. 

I watched this film on Amazon Prime, or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's sidebar to see where else you can find this solid classic that is deserving of all its remakes.