Cape Fear
Sam Bowden witnesses a rape committed by Max Cady and testifies against him. When released after 8 years in prison, Cady begins stalking Bowden and his family but is always clever enough not to violate the law.
Critics Sentiment
Cady sets houseboat adrift and assaults Peggy
Private investigator Sievers tracks down rape victim Diane Taylor
The film surges from the slower Diane Taylor subplot to the terrifying traffic incident with Nancy, jumping 2.2 points as Cady's threat becomes immediate and personal.
Cape Fear maintains consistently high tension throughout most of its runtime, with reviewers praising Mitchum's understated menace and the film's psychological approach to horror. The sentiment peaks during the houseboat sequence where Cady's threat becomes reality, while only dipping during necessary but less compelling subplot material. Critics consistently highlight the film's masterful build of suspense without relying on graphic violence.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 29
Gregory Peck
Sam Bowden
Robert Mitchum
Max Cady
Polly Bergen
Peggy Bowden
Martin Balsam
Police Chief Mark Dutton
Lori Martin
Nancy Bowden
Jack Kruschen
Attorney Dave Grafton
Telly Savalas
Private Detective Charles Sievers
Barrie Chase
Diane Taylor
Paul Comi
Garner
John McKee
Officer Marconi
Page Slattery
Deputy Kersek
Ward Ramsey
Officer Brown
Edward Platt
Judge
Will Wright
Dr. Pearsall
Joan Staley
Waitress
Norma Yost
Ticket Clerk
Mack Williams
Dr. Lowney
Tom Newman
Lt. Gervasi
Alan Reynolds
Vernon
Herb Armstrong
Waiter
Crew
Write a Review
Rate each story beat:
