Watch The Hitch-Hiker

The Hitch-Hiker is a classic film-noir movie from 1953, directed by Ida Lupino. The film tells the story of two friends, Gilbert Bowen (played by Frank Lovejoy) and Roy Collins (played by Edmond O'Brien), who decide to take a much-needed fishing trip to Mexico. However, their trip takes a dark turn when they pick up a hitchhiker named Emmett Myers (played by William Talman).

Myers is a notorious criminal who has just escaped from prison and is on the run from the police. He holds the two friends hostage, forcing them to drive him across the country and avoid the authorities. The film is a tense and suspenseful thriller that plays out over the course of several days as the three men become increasingly desperate.

The dynamics between the three men are interesting to watch, as Myers exerts his power over the two hostages. Myers is a cunning and manipulative criminal who takes pleasure in the power he holds over the two innocent men. Bowen and Collins, on the other hand, are forced to rely on their wits to survive, as they try to escape from their captor.

The film explores themes of trust, loyalty, and the power of human connection in the face of adversity. As the three men travel deeper into the wilderness, they begin to bond over their shared experiences, and the boundaries between captor and captives start to blur. It's an interesting commentary on the human psyche and what people are capable of when put under extreme pressure.

The Hitch-Hiker is notable for its strong performances, particularly from Talman, who portrays the menacing criminal with an intensity that has made him one of the most memorable characters in film noir history. O'Brien and Lovejoy also give strong performances as the two friends caught up in a dangerous situation.

The film's direction is also worth noting, as it was one of the few films of the era to be directed by a woman. Lupino's approach to the material is restrained and nuanced, allowing the tension to build slowly over the course of the film. The cinematography is also notable, with the stark desert landscapes adding to the film's eerie atmosphere.

Overall, The Hitch-Hiker is a thrilling and suspenseful film noir that is worth watching for its strong performances, nuanced direction, and interesting exploration of human nature under pressure. It's a true classic of the genre and a must-see for fans of film noir.

The Hitch-Hiker is a 1953 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.