Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

Blistering performances.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

We actually saw this on original release in 1971 in the old downtown Tucson theater. We walked a few blocks home to the delightfully serene ex-mortuary we rented during our college years and were compelled to discuss it for hours. Such was the emotional pull. After seeing Max in a few more intriguing films as this, he became my favorite actor for many years. He really knew how to pick clever roles. Like Jack Nicholson! Or, Michael Caine for a British actor. Along with the compelling interplay between him and old pro Trevor Howard, it makes this movie a must see for fans of the off-beat. His character, as the dark plot evolved, begged the question: "Is he crazy-or genius?" Definitely, an underrated and under-viewed film for many years.

I really enjoy this film... I own a tape of it. I don't know if Max von Sydow ever had a bad role.Being a bird lover, I definitely liked the role of the parrot in this movie.I did a little research, and I'm pretty sure it's a mitred conure. These are known to be little clowns and also can talk pretty well.So, that part of the plot is also believable!

i was looking for "the night visitor" for long time cuz im a big max von sydow fan,and i finally i found it undera strange title"Lunatic"which SURPRISINGLY not mentioned herein a.k.a section . the story are the same here: a mental patient (MVS as salem)justescaped from his asylum in his underwear and... sorry i won't spoil anything more here, , but this a real thriller and i recommend MVS fans to watch this movie its one of his better performance(after the exorcist 1 and 2 of course)hani (king of horror movies)

It has been thirty years since I first saw this title, at a drive-in movie theater, with my girlfriend. She and I both had eyes glued to the screen. The "feeling" of the setting still lingers and we could almost experience the cold. But what I remember the most is that The Night Visitor gave new meaning to the old line,"a little birdy told me...".Superb direction and wonderfully twisting ending!