Cast
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John Ireland
as Sgt. Dave Harmon
Beverly Bain
as Barbara Crane
Cliff Fields
as Jonathan Crane
John Hart
as Dr. Philip Crane
Elena Verdugo
as Miss Devi
Jimmy Cross
as Detective Smith
Liz Renay
as Laura Sisterman (uncredited)
Lynne Lori
as Dee the Model (uncredited)
Harvey Shain
as Tony (uncredited)
Elizabeth Knowles
as Jonathan's Mother (uncredited)
Steve Vincent
as Perry (uncredited)
Bambi Allen
as Girl at Party (uncredited)
Sheri Jackson
as Brunette Lesbian (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- John A. Bushelman
Writer
- Leonard Goldstein
Producer
- Leon Bleiberg
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Mystery/Thriller/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Day of the Nightmare presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director John A. Bushelman brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1965, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Day of the Nightmare took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 119 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 419 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1965, when this film was released:
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Day of the Nightmare shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Death Proof, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Day of the Nightmare subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Biohazard and Dogville explore similar territory, Day of the Nightmare stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 1, 1965
- Runtime: 1h 34m
Where to Watch
