Nightmare (1956 film)

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Nightmare
Even though Robinson was not the hypnotist in the film he was promoted as such in the film's movie posters
Directed by	Maxwell Shane
Produced by	William H. Pine William C. Thomas
Written by	Cornell Woolrich (novel) Maxwell Shane
Starring	Edward G. Robinson Kevin McCarthy
Cinematography	Joseph F. Biroc
Distributed by	United Artists
Release date(s)	May 11, 1956 (New York City)
Running time	89 min
Language	English
IMDb profile

Nightmare is a 1956 psychological thriller starring Edward G. Robinson. The story is based on a novel by William Irish (aka Cornell Woolrich). The novel was also made into a film in 1947 titled, Fear in the Night. The film was directed by long-time movie writer Maxwell Shane, later the producer of the classic horror anthology Thriller in the early 1960s. He directed both versions of the film. Also appearing in the film as the movie's big band is Billy May and His Orchestra.

[edit] Plot

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

New Orleans big band clarinetist Stan Grayson has a nightmare where he sees himself in a mirrored room killing a man. He wake ups and find blood on himself, bruises on his neck, and a key from the dream in his hand. He goes to his brother-in-law, police detective Rene Bressard, about the problem but is dismissed. Later, the two men go on a picnic in the country with Grayson's girlfriend and sister. Grayson leads them to an empty house, the house of his dream, when it begins to rain. They are shocked to see that the house has a mirrored room just like in his dream. After it’s found out that a murder did indeed take place, Grayson becomes Bressard's number one suspect. Grayson, stressed out and suicidal, protests his innocence which makes Bressard dig deeper. That leads to them finding out about a hypnotist in Grayson's building that apparently set up the band member for murder.