SYNOPSIS: "Night Tide" (1961), directed by Curtis Harrington, is a moody and atmospheric thriller that unfolds against the backdrop of a seaside carnival town. The film follows Johnny Drake (Dennis Hopper), a young sailor on shore leave, who becomes enchanted by Mora (Linda Lawson), a mysterious woman who performs as a mermaid in a sideshow attraction. Johnny is drawn into Mora's world as they begin a romantic relationship, but he soon discovers unsettling rumors surrounding Mora's past: her previous boyfriends have all mysteriously died under suspicious circumstances. Determined to uncover the truth, Johnny delves deeper into the eerie undercurrents of the town's folklore and superstitions, encountering characters like Captain Murdock (Gavin Muir), who warns him about Mora's supposed supernatural nature.

As Johnny's investigation progresses, he becomes increasingly entangled in a web of suspicion and danger, questioning whether Mora is a dangerous siren or simply a misunderstood woman caught in a cycle of tragedy. The film builds tension through its haunting atmosphere, evocative cinematography, and Harrington's skillful blending of psychological thriller elements with supernatural undertones, culminating in a chilling and enigmatic climax that leaves viewers questioning reality and perception.

PLOT Spoiler Alert: "Night Tide" follows the story of Johnny Drake, a young sailor on shore leave in Venice, California. Johnny, feeling lonely and adrift, encounters Mora, a beautiful and enigmatic woman who performs as a mermaid in a local carnival sideshow.

Intrigued by her allure and her mysterious demeanor, Johnny begins to court Mora, despite warnings from the carnival's fortune teller, Madame Romanovitch, who hints at a dark past.

As Johnny and Mora's relationship develops, he learns about her peculiar fascination with the sea and her belief that she is descended from ancient sirens. Mora lives with her guardian, Captain Murdock, a gruff and secretive man who reinforces her belief in her supernatural heritage. He tells Johnny about Mora's tragic past lovers who have all died under mysterious circumstances.

Mora and Johnny's romance deepens, but Johnny becomes increasingly disturbed by the strange happenings around him. Mora's behavior grows more erratic and she becomes more withdrawn, seemingly drawn to the sea with an almost hypnotic pull. Johnny struggles with his feelings for Mora, torn between love and the fear that she might indeed be a mythical siren.

One night, Johnny follows Mora to the pier, where she has gone to swim in the ocean. He watches in horror as she dives into the water, seemingly transforming into a creature of the sea. Desperate to save her, Johnny plunges in after her, but she vanishes beneath the waves. He is rescued by the police and taken back to the shore, where he learns that another body has been found – one of Mora's former lovers.

Captain Murdock reveals to Johnny that Mora has been plagued by these thoughts since childhood, driven by a belief instilled in her by her late mother. He explains that Mora's mother, also believing she was a siren, drowned herself when Mora was a child. The weight of this legacy has haunted Mora ever since.

As Johnny searches for answers, he visits Madame Romanovitch again. She confirms the tragic history of Mora's family but insists that Mora is merely a troubled girl, not a supernatural being. Johnny's resolve to save Mora is strengthened, and he confronts her on the pier once more, declaring his love and his belief in her humanity.

In the film's climax, during a violent storm, Johnny races to the beach where Mora is standing by the water. He pleads with her to stay with him and leave behind the haunting belief of being a siren. Mora, torn between her love for Johnny and her perceived destiny, ultimately chooses to remain with Johnny, rejecting the sea's call.

However, the tragedy strikes as a large wave crashes onto the shore, sweeping Mora away. Johnny desperately searches for her but finds only her lifeless body washed up on the beach. The film ends with Johnny holding Mora, his love for her enduring even as he grapples with the mystery and sadness of her life.

PRODUCTION: "Night Tide" (1961), directed by Curtis Harrington, emerged as a distinctive entry in independent cinema, blending elements of psychological thriller, film noir, and supernatural mystery. With a cast that included Dennis Hopper and Linda Gear, the film tells the story of a sailor who becomes obsessed with a mysterious mermaid statue and begins to question his own identity. Harrington's background in film noir contributed to the shadowy cinematography and morally complex characters, adding layers of mystery and tension to the narrative. The decision to shoot on location in Venice Beach, California, lent authenticity to the film's coastal setting and carnival backdrop, enhancing the eerie ambiance.

Richard Boddington's score added to the film's suspenseful atmosphere, while Robert Morgan's cinematography used high-contrast black-and-white film and atmospheric lighting to create a moody visual style. Despite being made on a relatively low budget of around $20,000, the production team managed to create a visually striking film that explores themes of identity, love, and perception.

Harrington's interest in psychological themes and Gothic storytelling influenced the film's narrative and visual aesthetic, resulting in a unique blend of genres that has captivated audiences for decades.

Curtis Harrington's avant-garde filmmaking style and background in film noir also played a role in shaping the atmospheric tone of "Night Tide," incorporating elements such as shadowy cinematography and morally ambiguous characters. The decision to shoot independently on a modest budget necessitated creative solutions, yet Harrington's artistic vision and the dedication of the cast and crew ensured the film's distinct visual style and thematic depth. As a result, "Night Tide" stands as a testament to Harrington's innovative approach to storytelling and his ability to craft a compelling cinematic experience within the constraints of independent filmmaking.

RELEASE: "Night Tide" (1961), directed by Curtis Harrington, had a limited release following its completion. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 1961, where it garnered attention for its unique blend of psychological thriller and supernatural mystery. Despite receiving positive reviews from critics who praised Harrington's atmospheric direction and Dennis Hopper's performance, "Night Tide" initially struggled to find a wide audience. Its release was further limited by distribution challenges typical of independent productions at the time. However, the film gained a cult following over the years, particularly among enthusiasts of art-house cinema and fans of Harrington's distinctive style.

Its reputation grew through screenings at film festivals and revival screenings, where audiences appreciated its eerie atmosphere, noir-inspired visuals, and the enigmatic portrayal of mermaid folklore. "Night Tide" eventually became recognized as a seminal work in Harrington's filmography and a notable example of independent filmmaking from the early 1960s, solidifying its place in the annals of cult cinema.

CAST:

• Dennis Hopper as Johnny Drake

• Linda Lawson as Mora

• Gavin Muir as Captain Samuel Murdock

• Luana Anders as Ellen Sands

• Marjorie Eaton as Madame Romanovitch

• Tom Dillion as Merry Go-Round Operator - Ellen’s Grandfather

• H.E. West as Lt. Henderson

• Ben Roseman as Bruno

• Marjorie Cameron as Water Witch

CREW:

• Director: Curtis Harrington

• Producer: Aram Kantarian

• Writer: Curtis Harrington

• Cinematographer: Vilis Lapeniks

• Editor: Jodie Copelan

• Music: David Raksin

• Art Director: Paul Mathison

Production Company: Phoenix Films, Virgo Productions
Distributor: American International Pictures (AIP)

Release Date: February 1, 1963
Country of Origin: United States
Running Time: 85 minutes
Budget: $75,000
Box Office Return: N/A

IMDB Rating =  6.4 / 10

TRIVIA:

• "Night Tide" marked one of Dennis Hopper's early starring roles, showcasing his talent before he became a major star in the late 1960s.

• The film's surreal and dreamlike quality was influenced by Harrington's background in avant-garde cinema.

• Marjorie Cameron, who played Madame Romanovitch, was a well-known figure in the Los Angeles occult community and appeared in Kenneth Anger's experimental films.

• The film's score by David Raksin, known for his work on "Laura," contributed significantly to the film's haunting atmosphere.

• "Night Tide" was shot on a shoestring budget, with many scenes filmed guerrilla-style in and around Venice, California.

• Despite its initial lack of commercial success, "Night Tide" has been recognized for its artistic merit and is considered an early example of independent American horror cinema.

• Dennis Hopper's sailor suit was slightly darkened so it would read as white on film. During production, Hopper was spotted by military police who threatened to arrest him for wearing a dirty uniform.

• Dennis Hopper insisted on not using a double for the scuba diving sequence.

• The club patrons in the opening scene, in the Blue Grotto Bar, were friends of the crew. They appeared because there was no money in the budget to hire extras.

• The seagull's beak was wired shut to prevent it from injuring the actors.

• Peter Lorre was approached to play the role of Capt. Murdock, but the filmmakers couldn't afford the salary he demanded.

• The screenplay was expanded from a short story called "The Secrets of the Sea" by writer-director Curtis Harrington, which was finally made available in its entirety in Harrington's posthumously-published autobiography, "Nice Guys Don't Work in Hollywood."

• Writer/director Curtis Harrington had a lifelong obsession with the writings of Edgar Allan Poe, which surfaced in many of his films. The story was inspired by, and the title "Night Tide" was derived from, Poe's poem "Annabel Lee."

• In the beginning, in the jazz club scene where the exotic Sea Witch interrupts Dennis Hopper and Mora, by simply presenting herself to Mora, is very similar to the exotic "Cat Woman" intimidating Simone Simon (in the restaurant) in "Cat People" (1942), of which director Curtis Harrington was a huge fan.

• The beatnik playing the flute in the jazz band is Paul Horn, who composed the theme to the "Clutch Cargo" (1959) cartoons.

• It was shown at the Venice Film Festival in 1961 by its original distributor, Filmgroup. In 1963, AIP acquired the rights and gave it wider distribution.

• The poetry over the final sequence is the last stanza of "Annabel Lee" by Poe.

• It's noted that although the film was released in 1961, the calendar in Mora's apartment shows August beginning on a Wednesday, which wouldn't occur again until 1962. Since the calendar shows the full moon on Tuesday the 21st, the year would have to be 1956.

"Night Tide" from 1961 remains a haunting mystery, distinguished by its atmospheric portrayal of a sailor's fascination with 

a mysterious woman and the eerie seaside setting, captivating viewers with its blend of romance and supernatural intrigue.