• 1955

  Release Date

• July 26th, 1955

• Runtime

• 93 minutes

• Synopsis

• Harry Powell marries and murders widows for their money, believing he is helping God do away with women who arouse men's carnal instincts. Arrested for auto theft, he shares a cell with condemned killer Ben Harper and tries to get him to reveal the whereabouts of the $10,000 he stole. Only Ben's nine-year-old son, John, and four-year-old daughter, Pearl, know the money is in Pearl's doll; and they have sworn to their father to keep this secret. After Ben is executed, Preacher goes to Cresap's Landing to court Ben's widow, Willa. When he overwhelms her with his Scripture quoting, sermons, and hymns, she agrees to marry him. On their wedding night, he tells her they will never have sex because it is sinful.

• CAST

• Robert Mitchum - Preacher Harry Powell,   Shelley Winters - Willa Harper,   Lillian Gish - Rachel Cooper,   Billy Chapin - John Harper,   Sally Jane Bruce - Pearl Harper,   James Gleason - Uncle Birdie Steptoe,   Evelyn Varden - Icey Spoon,   Don Beddoe - Walt Spoon,   Peter Graves - Ben Harper,   James Griffith - District Attorney,   Gloria Castillo - Ruby,   Gloria Pall - Burlesque Dancer,   Paul Bryar - Bart,   Cheryl Callaway - Mary,   Alexander Campbell - Judge,   Michael Chapin - Ruby's Boyfriend,   Roy Engel - Sheriff,   Kay Lavelle - Miz Cunningham,   Frances Morris - Bart's Wife,   Rudy Germane - Townsman (uncredited)     

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