Synopsis
Sam Bowden witnesses a rape committed by Max Cady and testifies against him. When released after 8 years in prison, Cady begins stalking Bowden and his family but is always clever enough not to violate the law.
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Cast
- Gregory PeckSam Bowden
- Robert MitchumMax Cady
- Polly BergenPeggy Bowden
- Lori MartinNancy Bowden
- Martin BalsamPolice Chief Mark Dutton
- Jack KruschenAttorney Dave Grafton
- Telly SavalasPrivate Detective Charles Sievers
- Barrie ChaseDiane Taylor
- Paul ComiGarner
- John McKeeOfficer Marconi
Recommendations
- 80
Time Out London
If director Thompson isn't quite skilful enough to give the film its final touch of class (many of the shocks are just too planned), the relentlessness of the story and Mitchum's tangibly sordid presence guarantee the viewer's quivering attention. - 80
TV Guide Magazine
Suspenseful and very frightening, thanks to Robert Mitchum's lethally threatening performance and the frightened reactions of a pro cast. - 80
Chicago Reader
This 1962 thriller is better than the Scorsese remake—above all for Robert Mitchum's chilling performance as a vengeful ex-con and an overall brute force in the crude story line—though it's arguably still some distance from deserving its reputation as a classic. - 70
The New York Times
Technically, it's a good job. Mr. Webb has prepared a tough, tight script and Mr. Thompson has directed in a steady and starkly sinister style. There is no waste motion, no fooling. Everything is sharp and direct. Menace quivers in the picture like a sneaky electrical charge. And Mr. Mitchum plays the villain with the cheekiest, wickedest arrogance and the most relentless aura of sadism that he has ever managed to generate...But this is really one of those shockers that provokes disgust and regret. There seems to be no reason for it but to agitate anguish and a violent, vengeful urge that is offered some animal satisfaction by that murderous fight at the end. - 70
Variety
As a forthright exercise in cumulative terror Cape Fear is a competent and visually polished entry.
