Night of the Eagle (1962)
A gripping British horror classic in which a rationalist professor's world unravels when he discovers his wife has been practicing witchcraft to protect him.
Night of the Eagle - Movie Information
- Original Title: Night of the Eagle
- Release Year: 1962
- Directed by: Sidney Hayers
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 25, 1962 (United States - NR), May 14, 1962 (United Kingdom)
- Alternative Titles: La Nuit de L'aigle (FR), Burn, Witch, Burn (US)
- Production Companies: Independent Artists
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Night of the Eagle - Plot
A woman who may be a witch defends her husband from forces attempting to harm him.
Night of the Eagle - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the supernatural terror unfold:
Do The Undead Demons Of Hell Still Arise To Terrorise The World?
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Night of the Eagle - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Sidney Hayers
Main Cast
- Peter Wyngarde
- Janet Blair
- Margaret Johnston
- Anthony Nicholls
- Colin Gordon
- Kathleen Byron
- Reginald Beckwith
- Jessica Dunning
- Norman Bird
- Judith Stott
Writers
- Richard Matheson
- Charles Beaumont
- George Baxt
Producers
- Albert Fennell
- Samuel Z. Arkoff
Night of the Eagle - FAQs
Is Night of the Eagle based on a true story?
Night of the Eagle is not based on a true story. It is adapted from Fritz Leiber Jr.'s 1943 novel Conjure Wife, with the screenplay written by Richard Matheson, Charles Beaumont, and George Baxt. The story transplants the original setting to a British university, giving it a distinctly atmospheric, academic backdrop.
What is the ending of Night of the Eagle explained?
In the climax, Norman Taylor confronts a supernatural stone eagle that comes to life and attacks him. His wife Tansy sacrifices her protective charms to destroy the threat, saving Norman. The ending underscores the film's central irony: the rationalist husband is ultimately saved by the very witchcraft he spent the entire film dismissing and condemning.
Who are the main actors in Night of the Eagle?
Night of the Eagle stars Peter Wyngarde as Norman Taylor, a skeptical professor, and Janet Blair as his wife Tansy. The supporting cast includes Margaret Johnston, Anthony Nicholls, Colin Gordon, Kathleen Byron, Reginald Beckwith, Jessica Dunning, Norman Bird, and Judith Stott.
Where can you stream Night of the Eagle?
Night of the Eagle is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and via the ScreenPix channel on both Apple TV and Amazon. It can also be rented or purchased through Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region, so check JustWatch for the most current options in your area.
Who directed Night of the Eagle?
Night of the Eagle was directed by Sidney Hayers, a British filmmaker known for his work in genre cinema during the 1960s. Hayers brings a taut, atmospheric tension to the film, skillfully balancing psychological dread with supernatural spectacle throughout the story's escalating conflict.
Is Night of the Eagle the same as Burn, Witch, Burn?
Yes. Night of the Eagle is the original British title, while Burn, Witch, Burn is the title used for its US release. Both refer to the same 1962 film directed by Sidney Hayers. The French release used the title La Nuit de L'aigle. The film is an adaptation of Fritz Leiber Jr.'s novel Conjure Wife.
How long is Night of the Eagle?
Night of the Eagle has a runtime of 90 minutes. The film moves efficiently through its story, building psychological tension before escalating into overt supernatural horror in its final act. Its compact length contributes to the sustained sense of dread that has made it a beloved entry in British horror cinema.
How was Night of the Eagle received by critics?
Night of the Eagle has earned strong retrospective praise from critics and horror enthusiasts, who regard it as one of the finest British horror films of the 1960s. It is frequently praised for its intelligent screenplay by Richard Matheson and Charles Beaumont, its atmospheric direction, and the compelling performances of Peter Wyngarde and Janet Blair.
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