Night Tide

I knew this was going to be special during the Tarot reading scene: a normally dismissive sidebar becomes a mature exploration of the film's characters and the human condition it reflects. A countercultural loss of innocence fable with memorable images, an eerie mood, and potent themes - a minor gem.

A nicely atmospheric piece of work that I find compelling yet comforting. I'm a sucker for sideshow stuff so I had no trouble getting into this. Harrington never made a film better than this, and although I have an odd affection for his films, this is probably the only one that's essential.

Obviously inspired by the Val Lewton-produced classic _Cat People_, Harrington's moody seaside chiller emerges as a sort of _Cat*fish* People_. Like its model, this is less an all-out horror film than a supremely eerie mood piece, heightened by B&W cinematography that captures the otherworldly aura of Santa Monica and Venice, California's seedy piers and amusement parlors. A West Coast cousin to _Carnival of Souls_, this movie rates as an essential addition to any genre-film library.

Strange, gently poetic horror film that features a fine early Dennis Hopper performance (as a wholesome, innocent young man?!?) and Linda Lawson as an exotic young lady who may or may not be a mermaid. The California beach atmosphere and the carnival attractions on the amusement pier are very well done.

Good photography, occasional flashes of directorial vision. Recalls some works of Sturgeon or maybe Bradbury in its seaside setting and its melodramatic but unforced approach to pathos.

I'm tempted to name this Fish People, since it's more or less Cat People but with a mermaid in the place of a cat woman. It has that whole grey Val Lewton approach of "is it psychological or is it supernatural"? This was made 20 years later though and has more of a Carnival of Souls vibe going on (which came out the following year). Fairly solid experimental b-flick until the end; things are wrapped up clunkily and there's a chunk of exposition ala Psycho.

The clear highlight here is Hopper in hist first starring role, as he's very believable as the 'naive sailor'. I'd go so far as to say he is adorable at times. I also saw something pleasing in Luana Anders' understated performance. The story itself is far from engrossing, but the black-and-white photography of the illuminated fairground at night with Hopper wandering and wondering does catch the eye. And the (mainly) jazz score is suitably groovy and unsettling.

Some nice interplay between reality and fantasy. Dennis Hopper is cool.

Not a horror movie

Love Dennis Hopper. As you attempt to drift thru it’s hazy dream a knife comes out and stabs you in the heart

Boring as hell, even including Dennis Hopper. Feels less like an intentionally ambiguous spooky mystery and more a melodramatic undercooked plot with a messy tie-up after 50 minutes of unrelenting waffle. The British captain guy was good though, especially that rather subversive massage scene (which maybe toed the line between subversive fun and subversive homophobia).

Cheaply made and very derivative romantic fantasy which seemed to hold a promise never fulfilled.

Hopper is great in this cult flick that would pair nicely with Carnival of Souls.

Has a certain beatnikish and low-key New Wavey charm.

Star Rating: ★★★

An ambitious B-movie that punches above it's weight, 'Cat People' meets 'Carnival of Souls'.

Impressive directorial bow for Harrington, in which he remakes _Cat People_. Harrington's fascination for nuance and detail and strong work from Hopper, Lawson, and Anders make this haunting little movie one of the most fascinating low-budget chillers of the 1960s. Look fast for Bruno Ve Sota.

A Noite do Terror estreava há 60 anos no Festival de Spoleto. Gosto demais do cinema do Harrington, embora tenha certa fama de cult, ainda o considero subestimado demais pela fina obra que apresentou e esse aqui é um trabalho fínissimo na estreia de longas, só não dou nota maior porque não gosto da explicação final - assim como não gosto em Psicose - acho que tira boa parte do encanto da narrativa. Box Versátil Obras-primas do Terror Volume 13.

watchable

Hopper in another off the wall character study. Interesting and different little love story, sometimes advertised as horror, which it is not.

This didn't quite work for me but is pretty intriguing and unusual. A lot of the acting is very questionable. Hopper gives a very understated performance that doesn't really make full use of his talents. Luana Anders is quite good in a small role. Too many answers are given at the end, which knocks it down considerably. The low budget shows at times. This is the type of film that I'd like to see remade now and then. A ton of potential, interesting ideas, but some limitations. Interesting watch.

A low-budget drama with plenty of innovative touches.

A little cheesy, but effective.