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Cape Fear (1962)

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Top Critics

Average Rating: 7.6/10
Reviews Counted: 20
Fresh: 19 | Rotten: 1

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Release Date: Apr 18, 1962 Wide

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Average Rating: 3.7/5
User Ratings: 16,585

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Movie Info

After an eight-year prison term for rape and assault, Max Cady (Robert Mitchum) is set free. Immediately making a beeline to Sam Bowden (Gregory Peck), the former prosecutor responsible for Cady's conviction, Cady laconically informs Sam that he intends to "pay back" the attorney for his years behind bars. Conducting a meticulous campaign of terror, Cady is careful to stay within the law. Sam, realizing that Cady intends to wreak vengeance by raping the attorney's wife (Polly Bergen) and

Unrated, 1 hr. 46 min.

Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Classics

Directed By: J. Lee Thompson

Written By: James R. Webb

In Theaters: Apr 18, 1962 Wide

On DVD: Sep 18, 2001

Universal International Pictur

Cape Fear Trailer & Photos

Cast

Gregory Peck
Sam Bowden
Robert Mitchum
Max Cady
Polly Bergen
Peggy Bowden
Lori Martin
Nancy
Martin Balsam
Chief Dutton
Jack Kruschen
Dave Grafton
Telly Savalas
Charles Sievers
Barrie Chase
Diane Taylor
Paul Comi
Garner
John R. McKee
Officer Marconi
Page Slattery
Deputy Kersek
Edward Platt
Judge
Will Wright
Dr. Pearsall
Joan Staley
Waitress
Mack Williams
Dr. Lowney
Thomas Newman
Lt. Gervasi
Alan Reynolds
Vernon
Herb Armstrong
Waiter
Allan Ray
Young Blade
Paul Levitt
Police Operator
Ward Ramsey
Officer Brown
Al Silvani
Man
Josephine Smith
Librarian
Jack Richardson
Deputy

Critic Reviews for Cape Fear

All Critics (23) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (20) | Rotten (1) | DVD (12)

Its politics are abhorrent to me, but my god, it's such a slick, well-crafted thriller ... that I can't hate it

April 18, 2008 Full Review Source: Goatdog's Movies

| Comment

Michael W. Phillips, Jr.

Goatdog's Movies Source: Goatdog's Movies

Unpleasant but suspenseful film noir.

January 23, 2007 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews

| Comment

Dennis Schwartz

Ozus' World Movie Reviews

A tense thriller that holds your attention to the very end. The film is aided by one of Bernard Hermann's better scores.

June 24, 2006 Comment

Bob Bloom

Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)

Tedious remake of a "thriller" that wasn't that thrilling to begin with

March 19, 2003 Comments (3)

Brian Mckay

eFilmCritic.com

Keep-you-up-all-night terrifying!

February 7, 2003 Comment

Nell Minow

Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies

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Audience Reviews for Cape Fear

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Cape Fear is a classic noir that really achieves its intentions. J. Lee Thompson is a director I'm ashamed to say I'm still fairly unfamiliar with although the few films of his I have seen I have loved. It is obvious here that he has mastered the art of light and shadow, the film is beautiful throughout and the night

May 4, 2011

Anthony Lawrie

Super Reviewer

This is a great thriller, it's exciting and suspenseful, and has a couple of great actors. I highly recommend it.

September 5, 2010

AJ Verser

Super Reviewer

Cape Fear Quotes

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1. Max Cady: I got somethin' planned for your wife and kid that they ain't nevah gonna forget. They ain't nevah gonna forget it... and neither will you, Counselor!
– Submitted by 3guys 1 (5 months ago)

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