Night Must Fall (1964)

Summoned to the wealthy home of wheelchair-bound widow Mrs Bramson (Mona Washbourne)  because he is responsible for the pregnancy of her maid, Dora (Sheila Hancock), Danny (Albert Finney) – a charismatic young waiter at a nearby inn – manages to ingratiate himself with the old lady – to the extent that she persuades him to live there and earn some money as a handyman.

He continues to put off the marriage plans made by Dora, acts as a playful companion for Mrs B, and endears himself to the latter’s daughter Olivia (Susan Hampshire), who at first resents his familiarity

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

But Danny is also a psychopathic murderer whose favourite victims are women and whose speciality is dismemberment. 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 with an axe. When Olivia returns with the police, they find a child-like whimpering Danny cowering in the bathroom.

Albert Finney gives his most impressive performance, which is at once chilling, lovable, funny, and scary. The photography is superb.

Based on a play by Emlyn Williams, which was a London and Broadway stage hit.

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