Night Must Fall (1964)

Danny (Albert Finney) is a charismatic young Welsh chap who enters the isolated countryside mansion of wealthy old wheelchair-bound widow Mrs Bramson (Mona Washbourne) as a handyman and endears himself to her and her daughter Olivia (Susan Hampshire).

He is also a psychopathic murderer whose favourite victims are women and whose speciality is dismemberment . . .

While making love to Olivia, he skilfully retains a respectful, dutiful relationship with the invalided Mrs Bramson, who sees Danny as a little boy who needs her guidance and protection.

But in a hatbox in his room, he keeps the head of a girl he recently murdered and dismembered in the adjacent woods.

When Olivia goes into town to seek solace at the cinema, Danny is left alone with Mrs Bramson in the house. He suddenly tires of her and kills her. When Olivia returns with the police, they find a child-like whimpering Danny.

Albert Finney gives his most impressive performance, at once chilling, lovable, funny and scary, and the photography is superb. Sheila Hancock plays Dora, Mrs Bramson’s housemaid and Danny’s pregnant girlfriend.

Based on a play by Emlyn Williams.

Danny
Albert Finney
Mrs Bramson
Mona Washbourne
Olivia Greyne
Susan Hampshire
Dora Parkoe
Sheila Hancock
Derek
Michael Medwin
Dodge
Joe Gladwin
Inspector Willett
Martin Wyldeck
Foster
John Gill

Director
Karel Reisz