Night Watch (1973)

Directed by Brian G. Hutton [Other horror films: N/A]

A nice take on what could have been a rather unoriginal story, Night Watch is a movie with a lot going for it. You have an interesting mystery, some stand-out performances, a killer finale, and the joys of British weather. It’s not an amazing movie, but I’ve always liked it.

And when I say ‘always,’ I mean I’ve just seen it twice, but I found it a decent watch. I think I liked it a bit more this time around, perhaps because, while I’ve seen it before, I actually forgot how the film ended, and seeing the movie with more mature eyes probably led to a deeper enjoyment.

Even so, I don’t think the movie’s perfect, by any means. The film does well at building up the tension Elizabeth Taylor’s character faces after witnessing a murder, yet having no one – her husband, her friend, the police – believe her. It’s good, slow tension. The movie is about an hour and 40 minutes, though, and while it shines during the finale, getting there can be a bit of a drag.

Elizabeth Taylor (Doctor Faustus, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?) did pretty well in her role. There are a few moments when I’m not sure her acting entirely nails it, but overall, she does quite well. Laurence Harvey (Welcome to Arrow Beach, House of Darkness) had a suave, debonair aura to him, and he was quite fun.

Billie Whitelaw (The Omen, The Flesh and the Fiends, Murder Elite) was never quite trustworthy, but a solid character nonetheless. Others who warrant a brief mention include Bill Dean, Tony Britton, and Robert Lang.

Most of this movie is mystery and build-up, but during the finale, there is a solid murder or two by stabbing, which I appreciated. It’s a short scene, and a small part of what is a very solid finale, but certainly worth it.

All of this said, I don’t think that Night Watch is a movie I’d consider that great. It’s still above average, but because of how long the film sometimes feels, it’s not one I imagine I’d revisit all that often, especially when other movies of a similar nature, such as Endless Night, are a bit more enjoyable.

It’s a good movie, worth a watch or two, but it’s not a movie I personally consider too special.

7.5/10