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MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 1962 โ€บ Cape Fear

Cape Fear poster

Cape Fear (1962)

โ€œNow he had only one weapon leftโ€”murder!โ€

7.5/10 ยท 655 votes 1h 46m pg ThrillerDramaCrime

#18 of 23 films from 1962 #250 of 2475 in thriller

Directed by J. Lee Thompson ยท Written by James R. Webb, John D. MacDonald

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Sam Bowden witnesses a rape committed by Max Cady and testifies against him. When released after 8 years in prison, Cady begins stalking Bowden and his family but is always clever enough not to violate the law.

Cast

Gregory Peckas Sam Bowden
Robert Mitchumas Max Cady
Polly Bergenas Peggy Bowden
Lori Martinas Nancy Bowden
Martin Balsamas Police Chief Mark Dutton
Jack Kruschenas Attorney Dave Grafton
Telly Savalasas Private Detective Charles Sievers
Barrie Chaseas Diane Taylor
Paul Comias Garner
John McKeeas Officer Marconi
Page Slatteryas Deputy Kersek
Ward Ramseyas Officer Brown
Edward Plattas Judge
Will Wrightas Dr. Pearsall

Facts

Release dateApril 12, 1962
Runtime106 min (1h 46m) โ€” shorter as the 1962 average of 117 min
GenresThriller, Drama, Crime
LanguageEN
Budget$35,000,000
Box office$103,000,000 (2.9ร— budget)
IMDbtt0055824

More from J. Lee Thompson

The Guns of NavaroneThe Guns of Navarone1961 ยท โ˜… 7.3 ยท 2h 40m Conquest of the Planet of the ApesConquest of the Planet of the Apes1972 ยท โ˜… 6.2 ยท 1h 28m Battle for the Planet of the ApesBattle for the Planet of the Apes1973 ยท โ˜… 5.7 ยท 1h 33m

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High and LowHigh and Low1963 ยท โ˜… 8.4 ยท 2h 22m Le TrouLe Trou1960 ยท โ˜… 8.2 ยท 2h 12m Dial M for MurderDial M for Murder1954 ยท โ˜… 8.0 ยท 1h 45m The Night of the HunterThe Night of the Hunter1955 ยท โ˜… 7.9 ยท 1h 33m RififiRififi1955 ยท โ˜… 7.8 ยท 1h 58m Le SamouraรฏLe Samouraรฏ1967 ยท โ˜… 7.8 ยท 1h 45m ZZ1969 ยท โ˜… 7.8 ยท 2h 2m In the Heat of the NightIn the Heat of the Night1967 ยท โ˜… 7.7 ยท 1h 49m

Questions

How long is Cape Fear?
Cape Fear runs 106 minutes (1h 46m).
Is Cape Fear worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.5/10 across 655 votes, which places it #18 of 23 films released in 1962 in this index (top 26%) and #250 among 2475 thriller titles.
Who directed Cape Fear?
Cape Fear was directed by J. Lee Thompson. Other well-rated titles by the same director: The Guns of Navarone (1961), Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972), Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973).
Who stars in Cape Fear?
Gregory Peck as Sam Bowden; Robert Mitchum as Max Cady; Polly Bergen as Peggy Bowden; Lori Martin as Nancy Bowden; Martin Balsam as Police Chief Mark Dutton; Jack Kruschen as Attorney Dave Grafton.
What is Cape Fear rated?
It carries a pg certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Cape Fear?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/76826.

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Best of 1962Best thrillerThriller of the 1960sBest dramaDrama of the 1960sBest crimeCrime of the 1960sAll lists
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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.