Night Tide (1961) - Supernatural Drama Horror

Starring Dennis Hopper, Linda Lawson, Gavin Muir

A young sailor on shore leave becomes enchanted by a mysterious woman who performs as a mermaid at a local carnival and believes she may be a real siren destined to kill.

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📖 STORY
Johnny,a lonely sailor, arrives in a sleepy coastal California town. There, he meets and falls for Mora, a beautiful and enigmatic woman who works as a "mermaid" in a carnival sideshow. As their romance deepens, Johnny learns of a dark legend: the previous two men who grew close to Mora both died under mysterious circumstances. Local rumors suggest she might be a real siren, a supernatural being compelled to kill her lovers. Johnny is caught between his growing obsession and the terrifying possibility that the woman he loves is leading him to a watery grave.

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⭐ HIGHLIGHTS

· An early leading role for a very young Dennis Hopper
· A moody, atmospheric blend of romance and psychological horror
· Dreamlike cinematography that creates a constant sense of unease
· More of a poetic, low-key thriller than a traditional monster movie
· Often considered a precursor to the independent horror movement

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🎬 PRODUCTION DETAILS

· Genre: Drama, Horror, Romance
· Director: Curtis Harrington
· Runtime: 84 minutes
· Cast: Dennis Hopper, Linda Lawson, Gavin Muir
· Country: United States

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🎪 BEHIND THE SCENES

· This was an early independent film that helped bridge the gap between the classic era and the more personal American cinema of the late 1960s.
· Director Curtis Harrington was a key figure in the American underground film scene and a friend of Kenneth Anger.
· The film was shot on location at the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach, giving it a authentic, offbeat atmosphere.
· Dennis Hopper's performance here is a world away from his later, more famous roles in Easy Rider and Blue Velvet.

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🏛️ CULTURAL LEGACY
Night Tideis a cherished cult classic, celebrated for its haunting ambiance and its place in the history of American independent horror. It is a prime example of the "carnival noir" subgenre, where the seedy, romantic world of the carnival masks something more sinister. The film is a major touchstone for the early careers of both Dennis Hopper and Curtis Harrington, showcasing a more subtle and suggestive style of filmmaking that stood in contrast to the big studio productions of the era.

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💬 DISCUSSION
Is Mora a supernatural siren,or is the horror all in Johnny's mind? How does the film's low-budget, atmospheric approach make it more effective? What other films use a carnival or seaside setting to create a sense of dread?

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