Runtime: 85 minutes
Directed by: Curtis Harrington
Starring: Dennis Hopper, Linda Lawson, Gavin Muir, Luana Anders, Marjorie Eaton
From: AIP
In the first of two reviews I'm posting tonight, I discuss this interesting romantic fantasy horror flick:
After years of thinking that I should finally view Night Tide, the trigger was pulled last night. It’s a film I’ve known of for ages-after all, it stars Dennis Hopper-his first starring role-and features a plot where his Navy man fell in love with an attractive dark-haired woman named Mora (understandable) who performs as a mermaid at a Venice Beach, California carnival but as this is a romance picture which can be described as either a fantasy or a horror movie-or perhaps both…
The strongest aspect are the spooky, dreamy vibes Night Tide has throughout. Even at the time, Venice Beach possessed unique vibes & attracted eccentric sorts. Mora lived right above an amusement hall that included a merry-go-round, to list but one example. Director Curtis Harrison and co-star Marjorie Cameron worked with/knew the likes of Kenneth Anger, Maya Deren, and Aleister Crowley-no surprise the film would have a different flavor and style to what was common at the time. Colorful characters are present, including a former ship captain who is Mora’s godfather and a fortune teller… excuse me, “clairvoyant.” As there’s also a carnival shown at night, the vibes are exquisite. Some will undoubtedly appreciate the occasional queer vibes that are present.
The story always fascinated, featuring moments and plot points that are surprisingly dark for the early 60’s. Night Tide feels both ahead of its time & fresh even 65 years later. Harrington was also inspired by the likes of James Whale (he knew Whale late in his life) & Val Lewtin-great inspirations. Hopper was aces as the lead, and so was Linda Lawson as the alluring Mora; the cast was nice, although the only other face I recognized was Luana Andrers in a supporting part. The jazzy score-particularly the scene in the Blue Grotto night club in the opening minutes-was also exquisite.
Spooky Seasons past, the thought has crossed my mind of viewing Night Tide then; I done goofed by not doing so-it’s a nice tonic and something different from a standard horror movie.
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