FANS of film noir are in for a treat when Skipton Film Club brings The Night of the Hunter to the town's Plaza Cinema on Sunday, January 7.

Staring Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters and Lillian Gish, the film, directed by Charles Laughton, received a poor reception when it was brought out in 1955, but has since become revered as one of the classics of American cinema.

Mitchum gives arguably his greatest and most menacing performances as a criminal who disguises himself as a preacher to marry a widow, played by Shelley Winters, in order to get his hands on the treasure looted by her late husband. He has “Love” and “Hate” tattooed on his knuckles - he’s that kind of guy!

Paul Valentine, of Skipton Film Club, said: "What makes the film so powerful is the unique visual style that Laughton brings to the telling of the story. Mitchum’s menacing pursuit of the widow’s children takes the viewer into an almost fairytale sense of fear and wonder.

"Words cannot do this film justice - it’s fair to say it will be a fantastic experience on a big screen in a brand new print. It’s a must for any film lover and we are proud to have it as our next screening."

The Night of The Hunter plays at Skipton Plaza at 5.15pm on January 7. Members and non-members welcome. Find Skipton Film Club on Facebook.