Classic and brilliant. The violence is now less than what you would see on any prime time TV show. My only criticism is that it suffers from Peckinpahs usual teenage humor and cheesy TV size moments and production in most interior scenes. But all the rest makes up for it. William Holden and Robert Ryan are particularly great. I wonder how, with such classic Hollywood actors involved, the marketing machine was not able to sell this more. And some of the same critics who lavished praise on the far more violent Bonnie and Clyde (truly glamorizing the nut jobs and making violence fun) were so against this film. Peckinpah must have really been a difficult ass. But a great film maker.

Admirable for the time, but dated and even infuriating now. Claudine has too many kids she can't afford to feed and raise. She's been flirting with a garbage man but only finds out his name after accepting a date. On the first date she's had sex with him (no concern or mention of a condom or birth control so she is highly likely to add to her problems) leaves all her kids alone all night, and we're supposed to sympathize with her. It makes even a confirmed liberal like me go all republican on her.

I respect this film and it is a ‘classic’. However, I cannot help but feel let down every time I see it. The end thrill is explained away, and silly, and we are told to not mind that, but remember the supernatural stuff from earlier. If only it stuck to the supernatural, and Harris’ character loosing her mind. The only truly scary scene is the door ‘breathing’ in and out.

The only specific thing I will mention about this monumental piece of shit is this.... it is beyond me that I dont?t see more critics call it out for Katherine Houghton giving the single most horrible performance in any film even remotely connected to Oscar. Will someone please destroy all copies of this so we never have to see or hear any piece of it? Ever again!