Nightfall

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Nightfall

1956,

1h 18m,

Crime/

Drama

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Watchlist

100%

9 Reviews

Tomatometer

75%

250+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

9 Reviews

75%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

In rural Wyoming, James Vanning (Aldo Ray) aids stranded motorists John (Brian Keith) and Red (Rudy Bond). But after James finds out that the men just pulled off a huge bank heist, they try to kill him. When a harsh storm suddenly hits, the crooks lose their loot, and James manages to escape to Los Angeles, where he goes into hiding. He receives an unwelcome visit, however, from John and Red, who believe that James knows more about their lost money than he's letting on.

David Fear

Time Out

Jun 9, 2010

3/5

The kind of pedigreed pulp that gets left off greatest-genre-hits lists yet still inspires motormouthed overpraising from directorial enthusiasts.

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J. Hoberman

Village Voice

Jun 8, 2010

Not only a nifty late noir but a model of economical filmmaking -- well-sketched atmosphere, deft characterizations, and a 78-minute running time.

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Simon Abrams

Slant Magazine

Jun 7, 2010

3/4

In spite of that tantalizing potential, Nightfall will always just be a promising B picture.

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

Apr 27, 2026

3/4

...a tight, mostly engrossing film noir that benefits substantially from its appealingly mysterious atmosphere...

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Rob Aldam

Backseat Mafia

May 31, 2019

Jacques Tourneur has great fun playing with and subverting noir tropes.

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Michael E. Grost

Classic Film and Television

Aug 9, 2007

Uneven thriller with some fine set pieces and beautiful photography.

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Finn R

Jul 15, 2018

Jacques Torneur maestro del blanco y negro.

Kylo S

Apr 23, 2018

Aldo Ray is so-so, but anne bancroft and the other actors more than compensate. The plot has some weaknesses but the mood is great and i enjoyed the ending a lot.

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Anakin R

Feb 23, 2018

Aldo Ray as an innocent man accused of murder who just so happens to meet a fashion model (Anne Bancroft) while on the lam (we all should be so lucky). The title has zip to do with the story, speaking of which, even seen in a positive light plays as noir light. But its competently achieved, if easy on the tension dynamic. Rudy Bond is standout as a 50's version psycho.

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Hagrid M

Oct 1, 2017

Interesting. quaint 1957 film noir. Only saw it, on tv, 60 yrs later. Brando's sister looked good, as a fashion model "manniquin". Lots of snow and scenery.

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Jacques Tourneur

Director

Aldo Ray

James Vanning

Brian Keith

John

Anne Bancroft

Marie Gardner

Jocelyn Brando

Laura Fraser

James Gregory

Ben Fraser

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Synopsis

In rural Wyoming, James Vanning (Aldo Ray) aids stranded motorists John (Brian Keith) and Red (Rudy Bond). But after James finds out that the men just pulled off a huge bank heist, they try to kill him. When a harsh storm suddenly hits, the crooks lose their loot, and James manages to escape to Los Angeles, where he goes into hiding. He receives an unwelcome visit, however, from John and Red, who believe that James knows more about their lost money than he's letting on.

Director: Jacques Tourneur
Producer: Ted Richmond
Screenwriter: Stirling Silliphant
Production Co: Copa Productions
Genre: Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (DVD): Oct 19, 2010
Runtime: 1h 18m

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