Mitchum Earns Two Spots on AFI’s Thriller List
Robert Mitchum achieved a rare feat by being featured twice on the American Film Institute’s 100 Years…100 Thrills list, which recognizes the 100 most thrilling American movies. The Night of the Hunter comes in at number 34, while his 1962 film Cape Fear earned a spot at number 61. These rankings highlight Mitchum’s lasting influence on classic thrillers.
The Max Cady Role Almost Went Elsewhere
According to film historian Brian Hannan, Mitchum was not the first choice to play Max Cady in Cape Fear. Ernest Borgnine was reportedly the initial pick, and actors like Rod Steiger, Jack Palance, and Telly Savalas were also considered. The casting process could have taken a very different direction before Mitchum finally landed the role.
A Case of Bourbon—and a Deal Sweetener
How did the producers convince Mitchum? Sources say they sent him a case of bourbon, which he drank before agreeing to play Cady. The deal became even more tempting when Mitchum was made a co-producer, with a share of future profits. Sometimes, Hollywood offers take an old-fashioned twist—and in this case, it created a screen villain for the ages.
