Watch Hell Drivers
- Approved
- 1957
- 1 hr 48 min
-
7.2 (4,150)
Hell Drivers is a British thriller from 1957 that was directed by Cy Endfield. The film follows an ex-convict named Tom Yately (Stanley Baker) who takes a job as a lorry driver for a company that transports gravel on dangerous roads. The trucks are driven by men who are known as "hell drivers" because of the reckless way they operate their vehicles.
Yately is hired by cartage company boss Hawlett (Herbert Lom), to work his way up to becoming the top driver on the team. He soon realizes that the competition to be the top driver is fierce, and it's not just about delivering the most goods the fastest. The other drivers will do whatever it takes to keep Yately from reaching the top of the heap.
The film features a star-studded cast consisting of some of the most respected actors of their time. In addition to Baker and Lom, Peggy Cummins plays the role of Lucy, a woman who works at the local café and becomes involved with Yately. There's also a brief appearance by a young Sean Connery in one of his earliest roles.
The story of Hell Drivers is engaging and keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The film is an exciting and fast-paced adventure that takes place on the treacherous roads of rural England. The drivers are all skilled at controlling their lorries in difficult situations, but they're also competitive and willing to take risks to win.
The film's impressive cinematography captures the beauty of the English countryside, as well as the danger of the roads. The driving sequences are tense and thrilling, with the drivers pushing their lorries to the limit as they race down narrow country lanes and navigate hairpin turns.
One of the things that makes Hell Drivers so compelling is the characters. Yately is a sympathetic protagonist, struggling to make a new life for himself after serving time in prison. He's tempted by the allure of being the top driver, but he also struggles with his conscience and his growing affection for Lucy.
Hawlett is a more complex character. At first, he seems like a tough but fair boss, but as the film progresses, it becomes clear that he's willing to do whatever it takes to maintain his position of power. Lom's performance is outstanding, and he adds depth and nuance to the role.
Lucy, played by Cummins, is also an interesting character. She's tough and independent, working at the café and taking care of her younger brother. She's immediately drawn to Yately but is wary of getting too involved with someone who is wrapped up in the dangerous world of the hell drivers.
Overall, Hell Drivers is an exciting and well-crafted film that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. It's a near-perfect example of a classic British thriller, with a gripping story, excellent performances, and stunning cinematography. It's no wonder that it's gone on to become a cult classic over the years, and it remains an entertaining and engrossing film more than six decades after its release.
Hell Drivers is a 1957 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.