The Longest Night (1972): cast, story & where to watch
1972 · Film · ★ 6.2
Released in 1972, The Longest Night is a drama and tv movie film directed by Jack Smight, running about 74 minutes. “The true and terrifying story of The Longest Night. She was kidnapped and buried alive for four agonizing days. The headlines reported it. Now you'll be chilled by it.” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. The daughter of a wealthy family is kidnapped and imprisoned underground in a custom-built, ventilated coffin while her family and the police search for her. But the battery that powers the ventilation is running out of juice and the ransom drop has been botched. This movie was originally shown as an ABC Movie of the Week on September 12, 1972. The story is based on the 1968 kidnapping of Barbara Mackle by Gary Krist.
Who’s in it. The Longest Night stars David Janssen as Alan Chambers, James Farentino as John Danbury, Phyllis Thaxter as Norma Chambers and Skye Aubrey as Ellen Gunther, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.2/10, The Longest Night has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Longest Night page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Longest Night tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Longest Night (1972)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Longest Night change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Longest Night worth watching?
- The Longest Night holds an audience score of 6.2 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and tv movie. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Longest Night?
- The Longest Night stars David Janssen, James Farentino, Phyllis Thaxter, Skye Aubrey and Mike Farrell.
- When was The Longest Night released?
- The Longest Night was released in 1972, with a runtime of about 74 minutes.