NIGHT PEOPLE

US, 1954, 93 minutes, Colour.
Gregory Peck, Broderick Crawford, Rita Gam, Anita Bjork, Buddy Ebsen.
Directed by Nunnally Johnson.

Night People was an effective thriller from the fifties, one of the first colour Cinemascope films and was notable for its interesting use of authentic Berlin locations. Written and directed by Nunnally Johnson, a popular director of Twentieth Century Fox films during the fifties ranging from How to Marry a Millionaire to The Man In the Gray Flannel Suit, the film reflects the tensions and atmosphere of the cold war. It is also a typical Gregory Peck vehicle of the time. Not a great flit but effective within its conventions.

1. The significance of the title and its tone as explained in the film?

2, How enjoyable a thriller was this, how interesting? The contrast between the 1950's and now? Berlin then and now, American patriotism, Russian suspicions?

3. How important was the style of the film: colour, Cinemascope, music etc.? The atmosphere of the film?

4. How well did the film use thriller techniques, the spy stories, double talk, the ending?

5. What did the film have to say about theory and practice? emotions, life and death, justice? Easier to talk than to act? The need for strength in decisions? Morality?

6. The authority of Gregory Peck in his role? Typical American, what kind of man in himself, his explanations of himself, dedication to work, the fact that he could be tricked, the tough line he took with Leatherby, the human touches, the risks he was prepared to take, the film ending with him? insight into his character?

7. The character of Leatherby: also the typical American, self-centred, rich industrialist, golf, big talk, his needing to learn, the effect of talk being talked back to, what he had learnt, emotionally, sentiment for this film?

8. The character of Hoffie? How well portrayed? A credible spy?

9. Miss Rates and the other members of the staff? Convincing officialdom? What impression did they make? Why?

10. How well did the film blend human interest and political and spy background? The start with the visit to the films and the kidnapping? Leatherby's sentiment? The couple going back to Russia? Their background and explanation of themselves?

11. How strong was the plight of the pianist and her husband?
Taking poison and the explanation by the British?

12. How exciting were the exchange sequences? The plans? Van Dyke's poisoning trick? Its lack of effect? was justice seen to be done? The irony of sending Hoffie back? How were the Russians made to seem?

13. Did this film throw light on international relationships, especially the news broadcast at the end?

14. How satisfying and thoughtful entertainment was this?