This film is one of those little known films that I saw late-night on television in the 1980's and I never forgot it. Now I finally own the DVD copy for myself. This isn't your normal beach movie and it's in black & white (most good films are). This film is interesting to watch and really has that weird 1960's feel to it. Set during the month of August, Dennis Hopper plays a sailor, John, on shore leave. He roams around Santa Monica pier and Venice and comes across the Blue Grotto, a nice jazz place. There he meets a woman with long black hair. She must leave quickly. But John is drawn to her so he follows her. She lives in an apartment above the Merry-Go-Round. Her name is "Mora" (Linda Lawson). He asks her to see her again tomorrow for breakfast. A friendship begins. Mora's job is a pier attraction. She is the mermaid. But there is another side of Mora so mysterious that Johnny doesn't know.This film offers the most relaxed performance I've ever seen Dennis Hopper play in any film and he was the age of 24 at the time. Memorable scenes of Hopper following the mysterious old women and who can forget Marjorie Eaton as the lady who reads tea leaves. Cast also includes Luana Anders, Tom Dillon and Gavin Muir. DVD includes a bonus: the original theatrical trailer.
Review of Night Tide
Night Tide
(1961)
Dennis Hopper, a sailor, goes to Santa Monica Pier and meets an unusual woman.
10 December 2003