NIGHT WALKER

US, 1964, 88 minutes, Black and white.
Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Taylor, Judi Meredith, Lloyd Bochner, Hayden Roarke.
Directed by William Castle.

William Castle had built up a reputation in Hollywood for small-budget horror and shock films. During the 1950s he directed conventional B-budget supporting features, like the Saracen Blade. However, with the help of Vincent Price and other stars for horror films, he created gimmicky entertainments like The Tingler, 13 Ghosts. He had a coup for this film with Robert Taylor and Barbara Stanwyck who had appeared together in films in the thirties, had been married for some years. At this time, Taylor was appearing on television. Barbara Stanwyck made Roustabout with Elvis Presley.

In its plot and treatment, the film is fairly routine. However, Barbara Stanwyck gives it some class with her performance.

1. A William Castle production? His reputation in the late fifties and early sixties? Shock- horror?

2. Small-budget, minimal effects, creation of atmosphere? The strong cast for this film? Their status in the mid sixties?

3. The title, characters in dreams and nightmares? Irene and her talking in her sleep? Characters in her dreams?

4. Howard Trent, his age, wealth, suspicions of Irene and her talking in her sleep, that she had a lover? His discussions with Barry? Accusing Barry? Barry and his defence? His being the lawyer?

5. Barbara Stanwyck as Irene? Poise and manner? Talking in her sleep? The erotic nature of her dreams? The talk, the lover, visualised? Her relationship with her husband? Staying at home? Devoted to him? Her explanations? His attack, her going for a walk? Confirming his suspicions?

6. Trent, his character, an old suspicious man, his death? The funeral? His will? Irene and her grief, wanting to sell the house?

7. Barry, Robert Taylor’s screen presence, stern? Relationship with Irene, formal? Discussions with her about the will? Her wanting to sell the house? The information about the private detective and his following her?

8. The private detective, his work, his relationship with Joyce, her working with Irene? Irene going back to work, the beauty salon, the staff? The private detective appearing in Irene dreams? Erotic?

9. Irene and her nerves, trying to distinguish between dreams and reality? The appearance of Howard? George the detective?

10. The revelation that Barry was wearing the mask? Masterminding the torment? The private detective? His wanting the money?

11. The buildup to the dramatic climax, Irene and the explosion, the hole, her not falling in, George and Barry fighting, their falling, their deaths?

12. Irene and her survival? A classy cast in a potboiler?