» Genre Films

Erotic ecstasy becomes psychic terror!

A sailor on shore leave becomes fascinated by a woman who poses as a mermaid in an oceanfront carnival. As their relationship blossoms, Johnny (Dennis Hopper) realizes that Mora (Linda Lawson) 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.

Curtis Harrington, widely regarded as one of the important avant-garde directors of the 1940’s, 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, often deeply surreal, intuitive, and owing 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; to the elite group of independent filmmakers associated with Kenneth Anger (the two remained life-long friends and colleagues); to the famed film factory of cult icon Roger Corman; then on to his own stint in the world of genre movie-making with such films as NIGHT TIDE (1961) and GAMES (1967), and most unpredictable of all, to finding commercial success in television, directing episodes of CHARLIE’S ANGELS (1978-1979) and DYNASTY (1983-1985), among numerous other series.

“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

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, and helped establish Dennis Hopper as one of cinemas's most eclectic leading men. It also launched Curtis Harrington’s career as a cult genre feature film director. 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 high quality digital edition 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 Curtis Harrington and actor Dennis Hopper, a video interview with Curtis Harrington, and an original theatrical trailer for the film, in addition to trailers from several other horror films.

Also by Curtis Harrington

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