Night Tide (1961)

A sailor (Dennis Hopper) on shore leave spends the day at an amusement park on the beach in Southern California. He becomes infatuated with a strange girl (Linda Lawson) who believes she is a Siren, mythic mermaids who lured men to their doom in Greek mythology. Despite warnings from others (her last two lovers died under mysterious circumstances), he insists on developing the relationship. This dark dream of a movie, its mood intentionally echoes Edgar Allan Poe, never got the release it deserved back in 1961, although Time magazine named it as one of the ten best films of the year. It's developed a cult reputation in the ensuing years however. Its low budget (it cost $50,000 to make) on location shooting (not a single studio shot) actually gives the film a distinct and credible feel to it which enhances the reality versus fantasy aspects of the narrative. It's not unlike another low budget B&W cult horror in that respect, Herk Harvey's CARNIVAL OF SOULS. Filmed in the grimy and atmospheric city of Venice, California (where Welles shot TOUCH OF EVIL) before it became the trendy conclave it is today, Curtis Harrington's film is heavily influenced by Jacques Tourneur's CAT PEOPLE. Indeed, he boldly lifts a scene from the Val Lewton movie at the beginning of the film. It's crude indie film making at its most basic level but effective, very very effective. The score is by David Raksin (LAURA). With the wonderful Luana Anders, Gavin Muir and Marjorie Cameron (whose own life would make for a terrific movie).