I’m taking a look at a James Mason British thriller from 1942 called The Night Has Eyes. Network Distributing has recently released it on Blu-ray following a 2K restoration. Have they done a good job and is the film worth a look? Let’s find out, so without further ado here’s my The Night Has Eyes blu-ray review.
- The Night Has Eyes (1942)
- Genre: Thriller
- Directed by Leslie Arliss
- Running Time: 79 mins
- UK Rating PG
- Discs: 1
- Released By Network
- Blu-ray Released: 15 July 2019
Plot
Two teachers Marian and Doris decide to holiday on the Yorkshire Moors. Marian chooses their destination as she hopes to learn more about their friend whom disappeared the previous year in the same area. However they are caught out in a storm on the moors and stumble across an old house. The owner Stephen Deremid (James Mason) seems somewhat strange. He lives there with his two staff. Why has Stephen decided to live in such a remote location, what does he have to hide?
Style / Direction
The films directed by Leslie Arliss whilst Günther Krampf is responsible for the cinematography. There’s certainly a tense atmosphere and that’s not just the storm but the uncomfortably owner of the house with a secret that could prove deadly. It all works rather well and suits the genre perfectly.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is provided by Charles Williams and is perfectly in keeping with the thriller genre.
Acting / Characters
There’s a good cast all of which play their respective roles well and in doing so create a rather good thriller.
James Mason always seems to delivery strong performances in every film I’ve seen him star in. The Night Has Eyes (1942) is simply another. He plays a man struggling with mental issues believed to be brought on by his time in the war in Spain. His portrayal as a conflicted man not sure of his own sanity is done exceptionally well.
Meanwhile Joyce Howard plays the extremely likeable school teacher Marian Ives.
Cast
- James Mason as Stephen Deremid
- Joyce Howard as Marian Ives
- Mary Clare as Mrs. Ranger
- Wilfrid Lawson as Jim Sturrock
- Tucker McGuire as Doris
- John Fernald as Doctor Barry Randall
- Dorothy Black as Miss Fenwick
- Amy Dalby as Miss Miggs
Conclusion: The Night Has Eyes (1942) Film Review
There little doubt in my opinion that The Night Has Eyes is a very good British thriller and one I’d never seen before. It’s particularly good at building the tension and leading you down a certain path but not everything is always as it seems. Add in James Mason striking performance and you have rather good thriller.
I’d certainly recommend you give this one a look.
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Conclusion: The Night Has Eyes Blu-ray Review
The film has undergone a 2K restoration and now looks flawless. It’s a black and white film that now looks sharp and free from dirt. Overall I’d say Network have done an outstanding job with this one.
There’s only the image gallery on the extras front although I’m fine with that as the picture quality is excellent.
Extras
- Image Gallery
Popcorn Cinema Rating: The Night Has Eyes (1942)
MOVIE RATING: WELL WORTH WATCHING
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
EXTRAS: BASIC
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Amazon UK Links
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The Night Has Eyes (1942) Film Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the blu-ray version
That concludes my The Night Has Eyes blu-ray review, I’m aiming to review more classic thrillers soon. What’s next? Check back soon…
Summary: The Night Has Eyes (1942) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: The Night Has Eyes (1942)
Duration: 79 mins
Director(s): Leslie Arliss
Actor(s): James Mason, Joyce Howard, Mary Clare, Wilfrid Lawson, Tucker McGuire, John Fernald
Genre: Thriller
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
An excellent British thriller starring the remarkable James Mason. Furthermore is undergone a fabulous 2K restoration by Network Distributing.
