Watch They Drive by Night

They Drive by Night is a classic film noir from 1940 that tells the story of two brothers, Joe and Paul Fabrini, who are truck drivers struggling to make ends meet during the Great Depression. The film stars George Raft as Joe, the older and more responsible Fabrini brother, and Humphrey Bogart as Paul, the younger and more impulsive sibling. Ann Sheridan plays Cassie Hartley, a truck stop waitress who becomes involved with both men.

The movie begins with the Fabrini brothers quitting their job at a trucking company to start their own business, hoping to make more money and have more control over their lives. They buy an old truck and begin hauling loads across the country.

However, their new venture is not easy. They struggle to get enough work, and when they do, they face tough competition from bigger and more established companies. They also have to deal with dangerous drivers and unsavory characters who are looking to cause trouble.

Things become even more complicated when Paul falls for Cassie, who is also being pursued by a wealthy customer at the truck stop where she works. The love triangle adds an extra layer of tension to the already difficult situation, and the brothers' relationship is put to the test.

As the story unfolds, we see the Fabrini brothers face numerous challenges, including a serious accident, a legal battle, and a violent confrontation with a rival driver. The stakes get higher and higher as the movie progresses, and the audience is left wondering whether Joe and Paul will be able to make it through alive.

One of the most striking aspects of They Drive by Night is its portrayal of the tough and dangerous world of trucking during the Depression era. The movie is filled with scenes of long drives on treacherous roads, sleepless nights, and constant danger. We see the toll that this lifestyle takes on the brothers, both physically and mentally.

The performances in the film are also noteworthy. George Raft gives a strong and grounded performance as Joe, the more stable of the two brothers. Humphrey Bogart, in one of his earlier roles, is charismatic and intense as Paul, infusing the character with a rebellious spirit and a sense of danger. Ann Sheridan is charming and likable as Cassie, bringing some much-needed warmth and lightness to the film.

Overall, They Drive by Night is a thrilling and suspenseful movie that captures the grit and determination of people trying to make it through tough times. The film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and it remains a classic of the film noir genre.

They Drive by Night is a 1940 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.