A Cry in the Night (1956)

A Cry in the Night Poster

A police captain's emotions get in the way when his daughter is kidnapped.

Introduction
"A Cry in the Night" is a 1956 crime drama film directed by Frank Tuttle, starring Raymond Burr, Natalie Wood, and Richard Anderson. The motion picture is a blend of suspense, crime, and drama, highlighting the styles of adult control, youth rebellion, and the effects of past injuries.

Plot Summary
The story begins with Liz Taggart (Natalie Wood) on a date with her sweetheart, Owen Clark (Richard Anderson) at a fans' lane. Their romantic night out turns into a nightmare when Harold Loftus (Raymond Burr), the unstable son of a regional cops captain, kidnaps Liz. Harold is portrayed as an emotionally disrupted male, an outcome of suffering extreme psychological and physical abuse by his domineering mother during childhood. He prowls in the shadows, peeping at couples at fans' lanes.

Owen hurries to the authorities, where Dan Taggart (Edmond O'Brien), Liz's self-important authorities captain dad, doesn't take him seriously, misjudging his daughter as a defiant teenager. However, upon the discovery of Liz's individual belongings and indications of a battle at the site, he recognizes the gravity of the scenario. A manhunt for the abductor quickly ensues-- a race against time to rescue Liz.

Character Development and Conflicts
"A Cry in the Night" paints an awful figure of Harold as a victim of adult tyranny. His character depicts the terrible impact of prolonged abuse and neglect, driving him to desperation. Liz, in contrast, symbolizes harmless rebellion and youthful hope. Liz's daddy, Dan, personifies overbearing parental authority, which alienates his kids resulting in additional dispute.

Conclusion and Resolution
The climax ensues in Harold's hideout, where his mental illness leads him to be more dangerous, threatening Liz's life. Dan and his team of law enforcement officer zero in on the location. After a tense exchange, Harold is shot and suppressed. Liz is rescued, and the ordeal produces a realization in Dan about his extreme and repressive parenting design.

Vital Acclaim
"A Cry in the Night" integrates aspects of suspense, drama, and psychological exploration seamlessly. Burr's cooling performance as Harold gathered crucial honor, helping him carve a specific niche in atrocious functions. Natalie Wood, with her representation of younger energy combined with vulnerability, included depth to the story. The movie continues to be admired for its hard-hitting take on abuse, parenting, and their psychological ramifications.

In conclusion, "A Cry in the Night" is a suspenseful, thought-provoking film that efficiently combines components of crime and drama while clarifying themes of adult control, previous injuries, and the repercussions they bear on individuals and their options.

Top Cast

  • Edmond O'Brien (small)
    Edmond O'Brien
    Dan Taggart
  • Brian Donlevy (small)
    Brian Donlevy
    Ed Bates
  • Natalie Wood (small)
    Natalie Wood
    Elizabeth
  • Raymond Burr (small)
    Raymond Burr
    Harold Loftus
  • Richard Anderson (small)
    Richard Anderson
    Owen Clark
  • Irene Hervey (small)
    Irene Hervey
    Helen Taggart
  • Carol Veazie (small)
    Carol Veazie
    Mabel Loftus
  • Mary Lawrence (small)
    Mary Lawrence
    Madge Taggart
  • George J. Lewis (small)
    George J. Lewis
    George Gerrity
  • Anthony Caruso (small)
    Anthony Caruso
    Tony Chavez
  • Peter Hansen (small)
    Peter Hansen
    Dr. Frazee