Harry Powell is doing everything he can to find the 10 000 dollars his cell mate Ben said he has hidden somewhere. He is even getting married with his fragile widow, Willa, with only one thing on his mind- to find the money. The trick is that Ben didn't tell her about that money, but he did tell to someone, before he was executed. The question is- who knows?
Ben's daughter, Pearl is always carrying her favorite toy with her, while no one knows why is that toy so important. His son, John shares a secret with his younger sister, about the money, but children would not tell anyone where the money was hidden. Harry is still doing everything to find the money, but he is not very successful with that, which only makes him more frustrated. The best part is- authorities do not know about that stolen money, so whoever finds it...
Although Robert Mitchum is not officially credited, he is one of the two directors of the movie, with Charles Laughton. It is difficult to categorize this movie, although it is a thriller as much as child's nightmare. It is stylized and dreamlike, but also cruel and powerful. Similar to tattoos "Love" and "Hate" on Powell's arms. It is considered to be one of the most extraordinary movies in America.
Harry Powell was played by Robert Mitchum, lovely Shelley Winters got the role of Willa Harper, and her kids were played by Sally Jane Bruce and Billy Chapin as Pearl and John Harper.
Oh, and... did anyone got where the money was?