***

Quite a simple film, but thrilling in its simplicity...with a climax that absolutely kept me at the edge of my seat.  I guess it is fitting that Charles Laughton, who created such a spectacular, iconic villain in MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY, creats yet another iconic villain with Robert Mitchum's portrayal of Reverend Harry Powell.  The story is about two young children, how their father entrusted them with a secret about his bank robbery stash, and their father's cellmate who is hellbent on discovering the loot.  Reverend Powell encroaches on the children's life in EVERY way.  He is as relentless as the shark in Jaws, and he is so flippant while doing it.  The movie is beautifully shot and I really loved Mitchum's performance.