The Night of the Hunter

Main Plot

The Night of the Hunter follows the story of a sinister preacher named Harry Powell, who marries a widow named Willa to gain access to her deceased husband's hidden fortune. The children, John and Pearl, are aware of their father's secret and become wary of Powell's intentions. As Powell's true nature emerges, he becomes increasingly menacing, determined to extract the location of the money from the children. After Willa is murdered, John and Pearl flee down the river, embarking on a perilous journey to escape Powell's clutches. They find refuge with a kind-hearted woman who offers them shelter, but Powell relentlessly pursues them. The film explores themes of good versus evil, innocence, and the impact of fear, creating a tense atmosphere as the children navigate their dangerous situation while trying to protect themselves and their father's legacy.

Characters

• Robert Mitchum plays Reverend Harry Powell, a sinister preacher who marries a widow to find hidden money, terrorizing her children in his relentless pursuit.
• Shelley Winters plays Willa Harper, a widow whose new husband, Harry Powell, seeks hidden money. Her tragic fate propels her children to flee and seek refuge.
• Lillian Gish plays Rachel Cooper, a protective guardian who shelters and defends two children from a menacing preacher, ultimately confronting him to ensure their safety.

Ending Explained

In the ending of The Night of the Hunter, the tension reaches its peak as the children, John and Pearl, are pursued by the sinister preacher, Harry Powell, who is determined to find the hidden money their father left behind. After a harrowing chase, the children manage to escape by hiding in a small, makeshift boat on a river. Powell, relentless in his pursuit, eventually discovers their location, leading to a climactic confrontation. The resolution comes when the children are rescued by a kind-hearted woman who takes them in, providing a stark contrast to Powell's malevolence. As the story unfolds, Powell's true nature is revealed, and his violent intentions culminate in his downfall. The townspeople, realizing the danger he poses, come together to confront him, leading to his arrest. This resolution not only brings justice but also restores a sense of safety for the children. The ending encapsulates the film's exploration of good versus evil, highlighting the innocence of childhood amidst the darkness of adult corruption. The final scenes emphasize the triumph of love and protection over greed and malice, reinforcing the film's moral themes and leaving a lasting impact on the audience.