“Fear in the Night” is a 1947 film noir directed by Maxwell Shane. The movie follows the story of Vince Grayson (played by DeForest Kelley), a young man who begins to have terrifying nightmares after starting a new job as a bank clerk. In his dreams, Vince is haunted by a mysterious figure in a wheelchair who he believes is trying to kill him.
As the nightmares continue, Vince’s grip on reality begins to slip, causing him to act erratically and behave suspiciously. His wife, Betty (played by Ann Doran), becomes concerned for his mental health and urges him to seek help. However, Vince is convinced that his nightmares are real and that the figure in the wheelchair is a danger to his life.
As the plot unfolds, it is revealed that Vince’s fears are rooted in a traumatic event from his past. The film builds to a suspenseful climax as Vince confronts the truth about his nightmares and the identity of the figure in the wheelchair.
“Fear in the Night” is notable for its use of dream sequences and psychological horror elements, which were uncommon in films of the era. The movie was well-received upon its release and has since become a cult classic of the film noir genre.
Directors:
Maxwell Shane
Writer:
Cornell Woolrich, Maxwell Shane
Stars:
Paul KellyDe, Forest Kelley, Kay Scott
