Directed by William Castle and written by Robert Bloch (author of Psycho), The Night Walker is a moody psychological horror film that explores the blurred line between dreams and reality. Released by Universal Pictures in black and white, it marked the final theatrical film appearance of Barbara Stanwyck, reuniting her on screen with former husband Robert Taylor—their first film together since their divorce in 1952.
Plot Summary
Stanwyck plays Irene Trent, the wife of a blind, possessive millionaire inventor, Howard Trent. Trapped in a mansion filled with synchronized cuckoo clocks and audio surveillance, Irene begins to experience vivid dreams of a mysterious lover. After Howard dies in a lab explosion, Irene inherits his estate—but her nightmares intensify. She dreams of marrying her fantasy lover in a chapel filled with wax figures, only to be interrupted by a disfigured Howard. When she finds a wedding ring from her dream in the real chapel, she begins to question whether her dreams are truly imaginary—or part of a sinister plot.
Cast Highlights
- Barbara Stanwyck as Irene Trent
- Robert Taylor as Barry Morland
- Judith Meredith as Joyce
- Lloyd Bochner as the dream lover
- Hayden Rorke as Howard Trent
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
- The film’s poster features a goat-like demon, inspired by Henry Fuseli’s painting The Nightmare (1781), though the creature only appears metaphorically in the opening narration
- Castle originally offered the lead role to Joan Crawford, who declined due to her commitment to Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte. Ironically, Stanwyck also turned down a role in that film, which went to Mary Astor
- The film was Universal’s last black-and-white release, marking the end of an era
- The story plays heavily with gaslighting, as Irene is manipulated into doubting her own sanity through staged dreams and psychological tricks
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