zkonedog To be completely honest, I do not know if a movie with themes as sinister and overt as "Cape Fear" could be made in Hollywood today. Yet, amazingly, it was released in 1962, only adding to the creepiness factor of the overall movie experience (I cannot imagine the reaction of theater- goers to this in the early 60s!).For a basic plot summary, "Cape Fear" tells the story of Max Cady (Robert Mitchum), a just- released prisoner who blames lawyer Sam Bowden (Gregory Peck) for his time in the slammer. Thus, Cady decides to hound Sam, wife Peggy (Polly Bergen), and daughter Nancy (Lori Martin), threatening them with a sinister type of violence that only a man with his criminal past can threaten. Cady is careful to work inside the law however, so not even the town police chief (Martin Balsam) or a private investigator (Telly Savalas) can stop him.Without any beating around the bush, this movie is a classic because of Robert Mitchum as Cady. From the first time you see him on screen, you know that he is a slime-ball among the worst of all-time cinema villains. Just the way he swaggers around combined with his accent makes you instantly aware that this is a man to be feared.Of course, that character only truly works against Mr. straight-laced himself, Peck. Though you can read my review for the '91 "Cape Fear" to discover all that was wrong (or average) about that film, the main thing is that they went away from Peck's family representing, well, the innocence of family. In order for Cady to truly strike fear into us, he has to be attacking something we hold dear...that being the notion of family. Sam's family is the epitome of that innocence (shaggy dog, teenage daughter, white picket fence, etc.).The themes in this movie are quite brutal, dealing with violence, rape, pedophilia, and the limitations of the law. Yet, the film is not overtly violent. It is much more of a psychological-type humor, not anything too graphic. That's not saying, however, that you won't be utterly terrified at certain points...because you will.Overall, "Cape Fear" is one of my favorite psychological thrillers of all-time! It has incredible acting, deep suspense, and themes that hold up as well today as they did in 1962. If you have watched the '91 version, you've only gotten the "gist" of things. Watch this for the REAL terror.

TheLittleSongbird Comparisons with this and the 1991 Martin Scorsese film are inevitable. Both are worth watching in their own way, but am of the general consensus that the 1962 film is superior.Scorsese's film may be slicker, bigger and with more character complexities and expansive themes. However, the 1962 film while more subtle in comparison is more chilling, more tense and more suspenseful with the much better portrayal of Max Cady. A brilliant film in all respects, and a near-masterpiece.The cinematography is eerily stark yet also beautiful, while there is clever use of light and shadows that enhances the suitably uncomfortable atmosphere and the sets handsome but also atmospheric. Bernard Hermann, responsible for penning some of the all-time great film scores ('Vertigo' and 'Psycho' being big examples), provides a score that's sometimes lush but often unsettlingly haunting that increasingly adds to the growing and intensifying dread deftly.'Cape Fear's' script is taut and thoughtful, while the story is a master class of the gripping, genuinely shocking and the tension-laden, showing that one doesn't need violence and swearing to make an impression. Not just the nail-biting stalking scenes, but also the bowling alley scene that shows wonderfully how sadistic a character Cady is and especially the ending that still sends up chills up the spine and a brilliant mix of sexual tension and knuckle quivering. The cracking of an egg touch is improvisation at its finest.J. Lee Thompson directs adroitly, especially in the use of light and shadow and how effectively he allows the tension and suspense to mount up. A good cast helps which the film has. Robert Mitchum's performance has been praised for very good reason, but it is easy to overlook everybody else. Found myself appreciating Gregory Peck's quietly confident and subtly heroic performance (that contrasts very well with Mitchum's Cady), and while Polly Bergen and Lori Martin don't have as much to do in roles that are nowhere near as meaty (the film's sole weak spot to me actually) but they still fare well regardless, Bergen being especially powerful at the end.It is Mitchum's film all the way though. Even when smooth and subtle, Mitchum disappears into the role and gives one of the most sadistic, downright scary and memorably vicious human monsters on film.All in all, a brilliant film that just falls shy of being a masterpiece. 9/10 Bethany Cox

John Brooks "A lawyer's family is stalked by a man he once helped put in jail." That was this very website's official synopsis for the film. And guess what. There really isn't a whole lot past the very written down narrative on screen.There is the fact a lot of scenes, perhaps three to four maybe five are totally unrealistic and help install a feeling of fictional cinematic experience rather than the atmosphere of poignant vivid suspense-driven thriller film than this Gregory Peck starring production promotes itself as being.There is a feeling of inevitability and predictability in how the developments occur, and this from the start to the very end.It holds up alright besides those points, but makes for too thick and unsubtle a viewing overall, and that can't be overlooked.

feakes Robert Mitchum is the show in 1962's CAPE FEAR. Just to watch his Cady prowl and menace is to be Scared. Cady is a animal out for revenge. and he is smart and cunning and tough. Gregory Peck is Sam Bowdern the Lawyer who stopped Cady 8 years ago. Cady was trying to rape a 16 year old girl and he beat her and Sam saved her. Cady spent 8 years in jail. Now he's free and wants revenge and his revenge is terrorizing the Bowderns By using the very system that Sam serves and the same system that put Cady away for 8 years. Cady has devised a way to use that system as a weapon. Cape Fear was ahead of its time. No one actually thought anything like this could happen but now sadly it does all the time.Robert Mitchum gives Max Cady a air of menace. he's a brute that's always thinking always one step ahead. And Peck Gives Sam a Sense of justice he wants to do this legally even after that matter has been taken out of his hands.A dark moody Film noir that never disappoints.