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Horror Cult Classic

A grieving Englishman in Morocco faces a fateful choice between life and death amid gothic mystery.

THE HAND OF NIGHT

1968 · 1h 28m · NR · Horror · IMDB TMDB

A handsome tourist travelling through the desert comes at night upon a lavish Moorish castle wherein he is entertained by a mysterious wealthy woman. He departs and returns in the morning to find the place has vanished. His inquiries only bring fear and hostility from the local villagers. He gradually finds himself lured into a deadly and sinister mystery.

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Quick Answer

What is The Hand of Night about?

The Hand of Night is a 1968 United Kingdom horror film directed by Frederick Goode about Paul Carver, an Englishman who, after losing his family, travels to Morocco and becomes entangled in a deadly mystery involving two enigmatic women.

Programmer's Pick

Between lavish Moorish castles and ghostly figures who offer little comfort, The Hand of Night makes the most of its atmospheric Moroccan setting—and its leading man's haunted stare. It’s an under-the-radar gothic horror where guilt is as perilous as any supernatural threat.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Still reeling from the loss of his wife and children in a tragic accident, Englishman Paul Carver sets off for Morocco, hoping to find answers from a doctor—only to learn of the doctor's unexpected death. Adrift, he accepts the hospitality of German archaeologist Otto Gunther, whom he met during his flight. At Gunther’s residence, Carver is introduced to two women: Chantal, the assistant who embodies hope and vitality, and Marissa, a mysterious figure whose presence suggests something far more ominous. Torn between his grief and the possibility of renewal or doom, Carver soon finds himself ensnared in an unsettling atmosphere where the boundaries between reality and ghostly legend blur. The film weaves psychological torment and gothic suspense against an exotic Moroccan backdrop.

Details & Specs

Director
Frederick Goode
Writer
Bruce Stewart
Release
1968
Runtime
1h 28m
Country
United Kingdom
Language
English
Genres
Horror
Also Known As
Beast of Morocco

Cast & Crew

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Director: Frederick Goode Writer: Bruce Stewart
William Sylvester William Sylvester Paul Carver Diane Clare Diane Clare Chantal Aliza Gur Aliza Gur Marissa Edward Underdown Edward Underdown Gunther Terence de Marney Terence de Marney Omar Sylvia Marriott Sylvia Marriott Mrs. Petty William Dexter William Dexter Leclerc AS Avril Sadler Mrs. Carver Angela Lovell Angela Lovell Air Hostess PE Peter Evans Pallbearer (uncredited)

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Why Cult

Moroccan Gothic Mystique

The film’s exotic Moroccan setting and lavish Moorish castle add an unusual gothic flavor to its horror atmosphere.

Psychological Grief Horror

Paul Carver's deep survivor’s guilt and trauma create a psychological dimension rare for late '60s horror.

Enigmatic Female Forces

Chantal and Marissa serve as personifications of life and death, compelling Carver—and viewers—to question what’s real.

Sinister Mystery Unfolds

Villagers’ fear and hostility as Carver investigates the vanished castle deepen the sense of a deadly, unseen menace.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Paul Carver's encounter at the vanished castle

Threat

Mysterious and possibly supernatural forces

Effect

Lures Carver into an ominous and deadly mystery

Setting

Morocco; Moorish castle and surrounding villages

Questions from the Vault

When was The Hand of Night released? +

The Hand of Night was released in 1968.

Who directed The Hand of Night? +

The Hand of Night was directed by Frederick Goode.

How long is The Hand of Night? +

The Hand of Night has a runtime of 88 minutes.

What genre is The Hand of Night? +

The Hand of Night is a horror film.

Where can I watch The Hand of Night? +

You can watch The Hand of Night on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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