NIGHT TIDE (United States, 1961, Curtis Harrington)

/
 

Curtis Harrington’s debut feature, NIGHT TIDE (1961), stars a youthful Dennis Hopper in his first leading role as a sailor who falls in love. (Harrington had met Hopper years earlier in a Los Angeles coffee shop that was showing his short experimental films). In NIGHT TIDE, set in a seaside amusement park in Venice, Harrington blends a romantic mystery story with elements of film noir and the horror genre. The characters, locations, motifs, and themes present in Harrington's PICNIC (1948) — an amorous couple, parental authority, the seaside locale, the presence of sea monsters, and death — are transformed by Harrington in NIGHT TIDE from an experimental vision into a suspenseful narrative. The location photography by Vilis Lapenieks, the studio cinematography by Floyd Crosby (HIGH NOON, 1952), and the jazzy, melodic score by David Raksin (LAURA, 1944) all enrich the brooding atmosphere of the film.” —Jon Gartenberg, Tribeca Film Festival Program Note

A sailor on shore leave named Johnny (Dennis Hopper) becomes fascinated by a woman, Mora (Linda Lawson), who poses as a mermaid in an oceanfront carnival. As their relationship blossoms, Johnny realizes that Mora is more than a sideshow illusionist. She seems to be a descendent of the mythical sirens of the sea, and is under the mesmeric control of a mysterious woman (Marjorie Cameron) who beckons Mora to return to her home beneath the waves.

A YOUNG DENNIS HOPPER IN CURTIS HARRINGTON’S NIGHT TIDE (1961).

Curtis Harrington, regarded as one of the important avant-garde directors of the 1940s as well as an early influential figure in what would come to be known as “New Queer Cinema,” was born in Los Angeles in 1926. He began making films as a teenager, which were often deeply surreal and intuitive and owed much to the writings of Edgar Allan Poe (THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, 1942). After graduating from UCLA with a degree in film studies, his unique career trajectory led him from the academic circles of cinematic criticism (he wrote a publication on the films of Josef von Sternberg) to the Hollywood assistant desk of writer/producer Jerry Wald. He subsequently joined the elite group of independent filmmakers associated with Kenneth Anger (the two remained life-long friends and colleagues) before working for the famed film factory of cult icon Roger Corman, which set the stage for his own stint in the world of genre movie-making with such films as NIGHT TIDE (1961) and GAMES (1967). Harrington later found commercial success in television, directing episodes of CHARLIE’S ANGELS (1978—1979) and DYNASTY (1983—1985), among other series.

DIRECTOR CURTIS HARRINGTON.

Alongside CARNIVAL OF SOULS (1962) and NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1968), NIGHT TIDE remains one of the most influential indie horror films of the 1960s. It helped establish Dennis Hopper as one of cinemas's most eclectic leading men. It also launched Harrington’s career as a cult director of genre films. NIGHT TIDE premiered at the Spoleto Film Festival in Spoleto, Italy, in July 1961, where it was named the top American film that year.

This digital restoration of NIGHT TIDE was mastered in HD from 35mm film elements restored by the Academy Film Archive, with support from The Film Foundation and Curtis Harrington. Included as bonus material are: an audio commentary track by director Harrington and actor Dennis Hopper, a video interview with Harrington, and an original theatrical trailer for the film, in addition to trailers from several other horror films.

NIGHT TIDE
(US, 1961)

Director: Curtis Harrington

  • 86 minutes
  • 35mm
  • B&W
  • Sound
Distribution Format/s: DSL/Downloadable 1080p .mp4 file on server

Published By: Kino Lorber

Institutional Price: $500

To order call: 212.280.8654 or click here for information on ordering by fax, e-mail or post.