Skip to main content
Crime Cult Classic

Murder, family secrets, and racial tension ignite a deadly spree in New Orleans.

NIGHT OF THE STRANGLER

Southern revenge!

1972 · 1h 31m · R · Crime / Drama / Horror · IMDB TMDB
▶ Watch Now My List
5,470 FilmsIn The Vault
Vault UpdatedDaily
Curated ByHumans
No AlgorithmBullsh*t
Quick Answer
What is Night of the Strangler about?

Night of the Strangler is a 1972 American crime, drama, and horror film directed by Joy N. Houck Jr. about a series of murders set off by family conflict and interracial relationships in New Orleans.

Details & Specs
Director
Joy N. Houck Jr.
Writers
J.J. Milane, Jeffrey Newton, Robert A. Weaver
Release
1972
Runtime
1h 31m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Crime, Drama, Horror
Also Known As
Is the Father Black Enough?, Dirty Dan's Women, The Ace of Spades, The Night of the Strangler (original title)

Overview

Set against the sultry backdrop of New Orleans, Night of the Strangler centers on the Roberts family as tensions erupt when Denise reveals her pregnancy and the identity of the baby's father to her brothers, Vance and Dan. Racial animosities and family discord spiral after Dan reacts violently to the news, setting off a chain of threats and violence. Murders begin to stalk those connected to Denise, including her fiancé and Denise herself, whose death is staged to look like suicide. The unsettling arrival of Father Jessie, a black priest with ties to the community, coincides with mounting suspicion and an escalating body count. The film blends exploitation horror with a crime drama edge, exploring racism and revenge in a city simmering with secrets.
Ending Explained Spoilers — click to reveal

Jake, posing as his twin brother Father Jessie, is revealed as the orchestrator of the murders and kills Dan before attempting to escape. The police intervene, using a venomous snake to force Jake out of his car.

The ending ties the film’s violence directly to the cycle of revenge and racial animosity at the family’s core. By unmasking Jake as both avenger and final killer, the film closes its loop of betrayal and retaliation, leaving the community rattled and the cost of hatred laid bare. The snake—a recurring murder weapon—serves poetic justice, closing the circle with the same lethal method used earlier.

Why Cult

Southern Gothic Murders

The film’s New Orleans setting adds atmosphere and tension to a string of uniquely staged murders.

Crimesploitation Edge

Blending exploitation horror with crime drama, this is a showcase of 1970s crimesploitation at its rawest.

Racial Tensions

A rare exploitation film that foregrounds interracial relationships and the violence of racism within a family.

Peace-Sign Belt Killer

The killer’s signature belt buckle is a twisted 1970s touch you won’t soon forget.

Threat File

Trigger

Revelation of Denise's interracial pregnancy

Threat

Series of murders by an unknown killer

Effect

Victims are killed and deaths disguised as suicide or accident

Setting

New Orleans

Cast & Crew

View all →
Director: Joy N. Houck Jr. Writers: J.J. Milane +2 more
Micky Dolenz Micky Dolenz Vance JR James Ralston Dan MA Michael Anthony Lt. De Vivo CP Chuck Patterson Father Jessie / Jake SM Susan McCullough Denise KT Katie Tilley Ann AB Ann Barrett Carol WK Warren Kenner Willie Harold Sylvester Harold Sylvester Jim Bunch Stocker Fontelieu Stocker Fontelieu Father Babbin Patrick Wright Patrick Wright Assassin (as Michael Wright) WS Wilbur Swartz Monsignor Greyson BT Brick Tilley Sailor BR Bert Roberts Groomsman

Scene Gallery

Trailers & Clips

Questions from the Vault

What is Night of the Strangler about? +

Night of the Strangler is a 1972 American crime, drama, and horror film directed by Joy N. Houck Jr. about a series of murders set off by family conflict and interracial relationships in New Orleans.

When was Night of the Strangler released? +

Night of the Strangler was released in 1972.

Who directed Night of the Strangler? +

Night of the Strangler was directed by Joy N. Houck Jr.

How long is Night of the Strangler? +

Night of the Strangler has a runtime of 91 minutes.

What genre is Night of the Strangler? +

Night of the Strangler is a crime, drama, and horror film.

Where can I watch Night of the Strangler? +

You can watch Night of the Strangler on SassyFlix.

How are the murders staged to mislead investigators in Night of the Strangler? +

The killer disguises Denise’s murder as a suicide by drowning her in her bathtub and slitting her wrists.

Explore