The 1962 film version of "Cape Fear" was shown in black and white; to use color might have distracted from the mood and tension-filled atmosphere of this film. Gregory Peck is the good guy, or hero, in the film, but the viewing audience will be constantly drawn to the truly great performance by Robert Mitchum, as a returning ex-con bent on extracting a path of revenge on Peck and his family.
Mitchum plays Max Cady, a drifter who was sent to prison by the work of Sam Bowden, Peck's character. Cady has been released from prison and is determined to make Bowden pay for ruining his life, unwilling to admit that he caused his own problems. The back-and-forth meetings between Peck and Mitchum, and the tension caused by these confrontations, simply causes the audience to really squirm as Mitchum uses the legal means to cause Peck and his family to be in fear of their very existence.
The Cape Fear river area in Carolina is the site designated for location for this film, and its creepiness, coupled with the swamp area that Peck takes his family to for safety, add to the suspense and tension that builds with each scene. The music score also grips the film, and each moment builds to the final climax, which takes place in the swampy river area aboard a floating houseboat.
Cast-wise, Peck and Mitchum are ably supported by Martin Balsam, Polly Bergen, Jack Krushen, and with hair,sans lollipop Telly Savalas.
"Cape Fear" rates very high on the list of thrillers, and Mitchum simply conveys evil in every scene he is in. 9/10
Mitchum plays Max Cady, a drifter who was sent to prison by the work of Sam Bowden, Peck's character. Cady has been released from prison and is determined to make Bowden pay for ruining his life, unwilling to admit that he caused his own problems. The back-and-forth meetings between Peck and Mitchum, and the tension caused by these confrontations, simply causes the audience to really squirm as Mitchum uses the legal means to cause Peck and his family to be in fear of their very existence.
The Cape Fear river area in Carolina is the site designated for location for this film, and its creepiness, coupled with the swamp area that Peck takes his family to for safety, add to the suspense and tension that builds with each scene. The music score also grips the film, and each moment builds to the final climax, which takes place in the swampy river area aboard a floating houseboat.
Cast-wise, Peck and Mitchum are ably supported by Martin Balsam, Polly Bergen, Jack Krushen, and with hair,sans lollipop Telly Savalas.
"Cape Fear" rates very high on the list of thrillers, and Mitchum simply conveys evil in every scene he is in. 9/10