Watch Cape Fear
- Approved
- 1962
- 1 hr 46 min
-
7.7 (32,458)
Cape Fear is a classic thriller movie from 1962 that stars Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum, and Polly Bergen. The story is centered on Sam Bowden, a lawyer who once defended Max Cady, a criminal who is released from prison and begins stalking Bowden and his family. The suspenseful movie is based on John D. MacDonald's novel, The Executioners.
The movie begins when Max Cady, played by Robert Mitchum, is released from prison and heads straight to the small town where Sam Bowden (Gregory Peck) and his family live. Cady knew Bowden from the past, as he had defended him in a trial where he was convicted of rape. Cady holds Bowden responsible for his conviction, and he is seeking revenge. Soon, Cady begins to stalk Bowden and his family, following them wherever they go and causing chaos in their life.
Bowden, who has a wife and two children, is terrified of the threat that Cady poses to his family. He tries to get help from the police, but they can't do much, as Cady has not yet broken any laws. Bowden then seeks the assistance of a private detective, Charles Sievers (played by Telly Savalas), who tries to keep tabs on Cady and gathers information about his past. But Cady is always one step ahead and seems to be enjoying the cat and mouse game he plays with Bowden.
As the movie progresses, the tension between Bowden and Cady builds up, and the audience is kept on the edge of their seats. The performances of the actors, especially those of Peck and Mitchum, are brilliant and add depth to the characters. While Peck is the epitome of a wholesome family man trying to protect his family, Mitchum plays the role of the menacing Max Cady to perfection.
Cape Fear explores the themes of revenge, justice, and the limits of the law. The movie also delves into the psychology of criminals and their motivations. Cady is not just any ordinary villain, but a man with deep-rooted psychological issues who is seeking revenge against those he perceives to have crossed him. The movie also explores the idea of whether justice and the law are the same things and if vigilante justice is ever justified.
One of the highlights of Cape Fear is its use of suspense and tension. Director J. Lee Thompson masterfully creates an atmosphere of fear and dread while building the audience's anticipation of what Cady will do next. The film's score, composed by Bernard Herrmann, also adds to the suspense and drama, elevating the movie to new heights.
Cape Fear is a classic thriller movie that has stood the test of time. The movie inspired a 1991 remake, but the original remains a cinematic milestone. The movie's themes, performances, and suspenseful atmosphere make it a must-see for anyone looking to watch a thrilling classic.
Cape Fear is a 1962 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 76.