Nightfall1957
Nightfall (1957)
Nightfall Photos
Movie Info
Cast
as James Vanning
as Marie Gardner
as John
as Laura Fraser
as Ben Fraser, Insurance Investigator
as Dr. Edward Gurston
as Red
as Bus Driver
as Taxi Driver
as Woman
as Woman
as Spanish Couple
as Spanish Couple
as Spanish Woman
as Shoeshine Boy
as Taxi Driver
as Clerk
as Cashier
as Hostess
as Bartender
as Man
as Model
as Model
as Model
as Model
as Model
as Model
as Fashion Narrator
Critic Reviews for Nightfall
All Critics (8) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (8) | Rotten (0) | DVD (1)
The kind of pedigreed pulp that gets left off greatest-genre-hits lists yet still inspires motormouthed overpraising from directorial enthusiasts.
Not only a nifty late noir but a model of economical filmmaking -- well-sketched atmosphere, deft characterizations, and a 78-minute running time.
A minor film compared to Out of the Past, perhaps, but no less gripping.
Crisply directed, scripted with gems of hardboiled lines and superbly paced, it's a film of darkness and light that ends up in the snowy mountains of Wyoming...
In spite of that tantalizing potential, Nightfall will always just be a promising B picture.
Uneven thriller with some fine set pieces and beautiful photography.
Audience Reviews for Nightfall
Aldo Ray as an innocent man accused of murder who just so happens to meet a fashion model (Anne Bancroft) while on the lam (we all should be so lucky). The title has zip to do with the story, speaking of which, even seen in a positive light plays as noir light. But its competently achieved, if easy on the tension dynamic. Rudy Bond is standout as a 50's version psycho.
Super Reviewer
In "Nightfall," James Vanning(Aldo Ray) has a conversation with Ben Fraser(James Gregory), an insurance investigator, at a bus stop before deciding to go into a bar. There, he takes a seat next to Marie(Anne Bancroft, impossibly young), a model, and loans her enough money for a drink. They hit it off and agree to meet later which is a shame when John(Brian Keith, highly improbably young) and Red(Rudy Bond) come menacingly back into his life, really wanting to know where the money is which reminds Vanning of happier days, camping with his best friend Doc Gurston(Frank Albertson)in Wyoming. As behooves any good film noir, "Nightfall" works much better in the shadows with its crackling dialogue than in the harsh glare of day. The movie starts well, dealing out clues methodically, especially Fraser's involvement. At the same time, it ably depicts the darkness lurking just behind 1950's conformity as the movie neatly seques between Vanning's lonely story and the domestic back and forth between the Frasers. There is also some fine location work for the time while the supporting cast fares better than the dull lead. Sadly, in trying to find a way out, the movie takes the easiest path in tying together the pieces too tightly for this sort of film.
Super Reviewer
Average noir with some bright spots. Aldo Ray is a interesting actor, but has a tendency to smile too much in this film. He has a great look, but comes across as more of a teddy bear than a bad ass. Keith and Bond are great bad guys who dislike each other, but want to know where their money is hidden. Bancroft is just a pleasure to look at and has a great presence in this film. She and Ray have great chemistry, but fall in love too quickly and it seems a little tact on. Not a great film, but is still enjoyable.
Super Reviewer
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