Reviews (2)

Chicago After Midnight
Film noir fans will positively delight in this sophisticated police drama with its gritty cityscapes and glaring depictions of graveyard-shift patrolling and lurid nightlife. Location photography and adept chiarscuro provide a palpable realism as fully fleshed-out characters cross paths through the nocturnal gloom, in a busy precinct station, cacophonous cabaret, swank evildoers' digs, and cavernous office building. Several less-developed, but colorful portrayals add to the texture of authenticity as they weave in and out of the action. The most intriguing of these is a model cum mechanical man who lures the curious to a nightclub. Whether he is real or not is a knottily noirish question....

Limited Drama-Great Noir Photography
Young,a cynical,burned-out cop, wants to dump his small-time life and become a big shot like crooked lawyer Arnold. The hard-bitten desperation of the little guys, and the callous swankness of the well-healed feel alot like Asphalt Jungle. But the characterization isn't nearly as dimensional or powerful, and the actual dialogue is 'B' all the way.

But... don't go away... This is,camera-wise, a dynamite noir. Chicago lurks darkly, massively in the cold night with human faces illuminated from below with knife-edged clarity. The essential backdrops are there in spades; threatening stairwells and fire escapes, fancy nightclubs with sweaty backstage dressing rooms, fat cat penthouses with tastlessly bulbous furniture, and above all the empty, trash-strewn city streets and alleys.

If you go for Film Noir visually, this is a must-see ( the last chase is genuine 'A' quality.) Just remember- I warned ya about the script. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

"Criminal Masterpiece"
They just dont make them like this anymore! I would love to see Alpha Video put this masterpiece out on DVD. Very tough crime flick from the 50's, one of the greatest!

Reworking the Familiar
A curiously compelling little movie, Crashout is a throwback to the tough prison-escape movies of the 30's. Fortunately, the producers had the good sense to hire an expert cast of B-movie veterans to enliven an otherwise shopworn plot. Writer-producer Hal Chester and director-writer Lewis Foster provide each convict with a distinct personality that holds viewer interest as tensions mount, while the audience anticipates how each character will be brought to justice. Standouts in the cast are the always subtle Arthur Kennedy, an engagingly ambivalent Marshall Thompson, and William Tallman doing his scary psycho bit, this time as a knife-throwing religious fanatic. And in a poignant bit part, cult favorite Gloria Talbott as the prospect of a normal life for the ill-fated Thompson. Though you've seen it all before, there are many nice touches that lift this otherwise generous slice of thick-ear beyond the merely routine.

Crashout: top notch prison breakout film!
Sure, we've seen the escaped convicts formula before, but this one hits home. Here is a real diversity of the six characters; each one as convincing as the next. William Bendix is his usual great gruff self, playing the heartless, cold-blooded mastermind. My personal favorite, film veteran Arthur Kennedy, excels as the counterpoint to Bendix: he excels as the white collar criminal with a brain, and ultimately, a heart. Fine dialogue, plenty of action, and even a little romance thrown in. A winner! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Ida Lupino, Hollywood's sole female filmmaker of the 1950s, directs an all-male cast in a taut, 70-minute thriller. Frank Lovejoy and Edmund O'Brien are two war buddies taking a break from the wives for a Mexican fishing trip; a hitchhiker they pick up turns out to be a crazed killer wanted in nine states (William Talman, later the perennially defeated district attorney on Perry Mason) who forces them at gunpoint to drive him through the desert. Talman's Everett Myers is a fascinatingly abstract creation, filmed by Lupino first as a discorporate flurry of hands and feet, then as a satanic figure whose grinning, key-lighted face seems to float by itself in space. With his paralyzed right eye (he sleeps with it wide open), Myers may represent the return of the fascist evil the two men confronted during the war; he may also represent something inherently violent in the American male that, having been liberated by the war, has to be faced down and defeated by the two vets before they can return to a normal life. Lupino's use of the desert setting, rich with associations of nuclear devastation, seems to look forward to the science fiction films that would flourish later in the decade. --Dave Kehr ... Read more

Reviews (10)

LUPINO'S FILM NOIR.
William Talman (he reminds one here of a poor man's Joseph Cotten) who portrayed Hamilton Berger on television's PERRY MASON plays Emmet Myers, a psychotic killer who hitch-hikes, rides, then robs and murders his benefactors. Fleeing from the police, he meets two men on a fishing boat en route to Mexico and keeps them hostage until he can find safety south of the border...Parental hatred seemed to be much of the cause of Myer's curious personality, that coupled by a deformed right eye - which doesn't close even during sleep - makes for a creepy character indeed. Based upon an unpublished story by Daniel Mainwaring which was reportedly based upon fact, the story wasn't so much a warning to beware of hitch-hikers, but rather a study in fear which prevailed in audience pleasers of the 1950's; "thinking" people were entranced by science fiction, aliens, nuclear attacts, etc. - this made for more intellectual conversation among fifties folk. Generally regarded as being the only film noir directed by a woman, Ida Lupino's THE HITCH-HIKER is also a good example of the genre.

Don't Pick Up Hitch-hikers!!
Frank Lovejoy and Edmond O'Brien go on a fishing trip, but end up the hostages of William Talman, a hitch-hiker who has already killed other drivers, on a trip to Mexico where Talman wants to escape the authorities. The film is short, at seventy minutes, but that keeps the action moving right along. It's tightly edited, and the viewer gets a very real sense of the confinement of the two men. A lot of credit goes to director Ida Lupino, who establishes a mood of tension and desperation, as well as to the fine trio of actors who are all memorable in their roles. It's a smart thriller that will grab your attention and keep it to the very end.

Which one to buy??
The film itself is worth at least 4 stars and belongs on your shelf next to "D.O.A." and "Detour" but the Alpha dvd version of "The Hitch-hiker" leaves a lot to be desired. Very grainy, poor definition and the picture seems cropped at the sides varying from left to right. You can see it on the opening titles when half of the "The" is missing and later on in the car shots when the right half of Edmond O'Brien's head isn't there when he's speaking. The modestly-priced Roan disc would be the one to get if your player can handle it. Otherwise, Kino is the rather more pricey choice. The movie is well worth owning.

When was the last time you invited death into your car?
In The Hitch-Hiker, Ida Lupino presents a tense noir thriller that kept me engaged throughout. Released in 1953 as the second of a double bill, and not promoted as it should have been, this movie languished in movie land limbo for quite awhile.

Edmond O'Brien and Frank Lovejoy star as Roy Collins and Gilbert Bowen, respectively, two men embarking on a hunting/fishing trip. The trouble begins when they pick up a hitchhiker named Emmet Myers, played by William Talman. Turns out Myers is a sadistic killer who's being sought by numerous law enforcement agencies for a string of murders.

The tension and suspense start to build almost immediately, and are sustained throughout the movie as the men travel the southwestern deserts of California into Mexico. The men try to look for a means to escape, but Myers keeps a tight lease on the men, and due to his unpredictable nature and complete lack of remorse, they know he would kill without regard. Also, Myers has a paralyzed right eyelid which causes it never to close properly. This means he actually sleeps with one eye open, giving the appearance that he's always watching, even when he's sleeping. Very creepy!

As the manhunt for Myers increases, the pressure increases, and the men know that once Myers decides they are more of a liability than they're worth, he will dispose of them, as he tells them this every chance he gets. There was just enough character development provided for Myers in the tight script to give viewers a glimpse into what drives the man and his contempt for life in general. The three leading actors all play their parts very professionally, but Talman really sells his performance. He provided a brutal yet subtle picture of a remorseless, psychotic killer and reminded me of a coiled rattlesnake that could strike at any moment.

The oppressive desert locations, a well-written script, and taut directing work together nicely, creating a sense of anxiety and forboding right up to the end of the movie. I was surprised, but pleased with the outcome, as it didn't seem in line with other crime dramas of the time.

There were some minor flaws in the print, and I noticed the audio dropped out very briefly on two different occasions, but that took away none of my enjoyment of this film. And given the condition of the original prints, this restored version looks really great. Included is an interesting introduction by Robert Clarke, in which he details some of his experiences working with Ida Lupino.

WARNING
The DVD version of the film "The Hitch-Hiker" offered for sale by the Roan Group does not play on various DVD players. Roan is aware of this problem, but does not advertise it. I have (unfortunately) purchased two copies of this DVD and in each case, the DVD freezes after the first few seconds of the standard introductory warning.

The film itself is an important noir by an important actress and director, Ida Lupino. It is well worth seeing, but buying it from the Roan Group will not necessarily give you the opportunity to view it. Buy it from KINO if you want to see it. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Ida Lupino, Hollywood's sole female filmmaker of the 1950s, directs an all-male cast in a taut, 70-minute thriller. Frank Lovejoy and Edmund O'Brien are two war buddies taking a break from the wives for a Mexican fishing trip; a hitchhiker they pick up turns out to be a crazed killer wanted in nine states (William Talman, later the perennially defeated district attorney on Perry Mason) who forces them at gunpoint to drive him through the desert. Talman's Everett Myers is a fascinatingly abstract creation, filmed by Lupino first as a discorporate flurry of hands and feet, then as a satanic figure whose grinning, key-lighted face seems to float by itself in space. With his paralyzed right eye (he sleeps with it wide open), Myers may represent the return of the fascist evil the two men confronted during the war; he may also represent something inherently violent in the American male that, having been liberated by the war, has to be faced down and defeated by the two vets before they can return to a normal life. Lupino's use of the desert setting, rich with associations of nuclear devastation, seems to look forward to the science fiction films that would flourish later in the decade. --Dave Kehr ... Read more

Reviews (10)

LUPINO'S FILM NOIR.
William Talman (he reminds one here of a poor man's Joseph Cotten) who portrayed Hamilton Berger on television's PERRY MASON plays Emmet Myers, a psychotic killer who hitch-hikes, rides, then robs and murders his benefactors. Fleeing from the police, he meets two men on a fishing boat en route to Mexico and keeps them hostage until he can find safety south of the border...Parental hatred seemed to be much of the cause of Myer's curious personality, that coupled by a deformed right eye - which doesn't close even during sleep - makes for a creepy character indeed. Based upon an unpublished story by Daniel Mainwaring which was reportedly based upon fact, the story wasn't so much a warning to beware of hitch-hikers, but rather a study in fear which prevailed in audience pleasers of the 1950's; "thinking" people were entranced by science fiction, aliens, nuclear attacts, etc. - this made for more intellectual conversation among fifties folk. Generally regarded as being the only film noir directed by a woman, Ida Lupino's THE HITCH-HIKER is also a good example of the genre.

Don't Pick Up Hitch-hikers!!
Frank Lovejoy and Edmond O'Brien go on a fishing trip, but end up the hostages of William Talman, a hitch-hiker who has already killed other drivers, on a trip to Mexico where Talman wants to escape the authorities. The film is short, at seventy minutes, but that keeps the action moving right along. It's tightly edited, and the viewer gets a very real sense of the confinement of the two men. A lot of credit goes to director Ida Lupino, who establishes a mood of tension and desperation, as well as to the fine trio of actors who are all memorable in their roles. It's a smart thriller that will grab your attention and keep it to the very end.

Which one to buy??
The film itself is worth at least 4 stars and belongs on your shelf next to "D.O.A." and "Detour" but the Alpha dvd version of "The Hitch-hiker" leaves a lot to be desired. Very grainy, poor definition and the picture seems cropped at the sides varying from left to right. You can see it on the opening titles when half of the "The" is missing and later on in the car shots when the right half of Edmond O'Brien's head isn't there when he's speaking. The modestly-priced Roan disc would be the one to get if your player can handle it. Otherwise, Kino is the rather more pricey choice. The movie is well worth owning.

When was the last time you invited death into your car?
In The Hitch-Hiker, Ida Lupino presents a tense noir thriller that kept me engaged throughout. Released in 1953 as the second of a double bill, and not promoted as it should have been, this movie languished in movie land limbo for quite awhile.

Edmond O'Brien and Frank Lovejoy star as Roy Collins and Gilbert Bowen, respectively, two men embarking on a hunting/fishing trip. The trouble begins when they pick up a hitchhiker named Emmet Myers, played by William Talman. Turns out Myers is a sadistic killer who's being sought by numerous law enforcement agencies for a string of murders.

The tension and suspense start to build almost immediately, and are sustained throughout the movie as the men travel the southwestern deserts of California into Mexico. The men try to look for a means to escape, but Myers keeps a tight lease on the men, and due to his unpredictable nature and complete lack of remorse, they know he would kill without regard. Also, Myers has a paralyzed right eyelid which causes it never to close properly. This means he actually sleeps with one eye open, giving the appearance that he's always watching, even when he's sleeping. Very creepy!

As the manhunt for Myers increases, the pressure increases, and the men know that once Myers decides they are more of a liability than they're worth, he will dispose of them, as he tells them this every chance he gets. There was just enough character development provided for Myers in the tight script to give viewers a glimpse into what drives the man and his contempt for life in general. The three leading actors all play their parts very professionally, but Talman really sells his performance. He provided a brutal yet subtle picture of a remorseless, psychotic killer and reminded me of a coiled rattlesnake that could strike at any moment.

The oppressive desert locations, a well-written script, and taut directing work together nicely, creating a sense of anxiety and forboding right up to the end of the movie. I was surprised, but pleased with the outcome, as it didn't seem in line with other crime dramas of the time.

There were some minor flaws in the print, and I noticed the audio dropped out very briefly on two different occasions, but that took away none of my enjoyment of this film. And given the condition of the original prints, this restored version looks really great. Included is an interesting introduction by Robert Clarke, in which he details some of his experiences working with Ida Lupino.

WARNING
The DVD version of the film "The Hitch-Hiker" offered for sale by the Roan Group does not play on various DVD players. Roan is aware of this problem, but does not advertise it. I have (unfortunately) purchased two copies of this DVD and in each case, the DVD freezes after the first few seconds of the standard introductory warning.

The film itself is an important noir by an important actress and director, Ida Lupino. It is well worth seeing, but buying it from the Roan Group will not necessarily give you the opportunity to view it. Buy it from KINO if you want to see it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Chicago After Midnight
Film noir fans will positively delight in this sophisticated police drama with its gritty cityscapes and glaring depictions of graveyard-shift patrolling and lurid nightlife. Location photography and adept chiarscuro provide a palpable realism as fully fleshed-out characters cross paths through the nocturnal gloom, in a busy precinct station, cacophonous cabaret, swank evildoers' digs, and cavernous office building. Several less-developed, but colorful portrayals add to the texture of authenticity as they weave in and out of the action. The most intriguing of these is a model cum mechanical man who lures the curious to a nightclub. Whether he is real or not is a knottily noirish question....

Limited Drama-Great Noir Photography
Young,a cynical,burned-out cop, wants to dump his small-time life and become a big shot like crooked lawyer Arnold. The hard-bitten desperation of the little guys, and the callous swankness of the well-healed feel alot like Asphalt Jungle. But the characterization isn't nearly as dimensional or powerful, and the actual dialogue is 'B' all the way.

But... don't go away... This is,camera-wise, a dynamite noir. Chicago lurks darkly, massively in the cold night with human faces illuminated from below with knife-edged clarity. The essential backdrops are there in spades; threatening stairwells and fire escapes, fancy nightclubs with sweaty backstage dressing rooms, fat cat penthouses with tastlessly bulbous furniture, and above all the empty, trash-strewn city streets and alleys.

If you go for Film Noir visually, this is a must-see ( the last chase is genuine 'A' quality.) Just remember- I warned ya about the script. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Ida Lupino, Hollywood's sole female filmmaker of the 1950s, directs an all-male cast in a taut, 70-minute thriller. Frank Lovejoy and Edmund O'Brien are two war buddies taking a break from the wives for a Mexican fishing trip; a hitchhiker they pick up turns out to be a crazed killer wanted in nine states (William Talman, later the perennially defeated district attorney on Perry Mason) who forces them at gunpoint to drive him through the desert. Talman's Everett Myers is a fascinatingly abstract creation, filmed by Lupino first as a discorporate flurry of hands and feet, then as a satanic figure whose grinning, key-lighted face seems to float by itself in space. With his paralyzed right eye (he sleeps with it wide open), Myers may represent the return of the fascist evil the two men confronted during the war; he may also represent something inherently violent in the American male that, having been liberated by the war, has to be faced down and defeated by the two vets before they can return to a normal life. Lupino's use of the desert setting, rich with associations of nuclear devastation, seems to look forward to the science fiction films that would flourish later in the decade. --Dave Kehr ... Read more

Reviews (10)

LUPINO'S FILM NOIR.
William Talman (he reminds one here of a poor man's Joseph Cotten) who portrayed Hamilton Berger on television's PERRY MASON plays Emmet Myers, a psychotic killer who hitch-hikes, rides, then robs and murders his benefactors. Fleeing from the police, he meets two men on a fishing boat en route to Mexico and keeps them hostage until he can find safety south of the border...Parental hatred seemed to be much of the cause of Myer's curious personality, that coupled by a deformed right eye - which doesn't close even during sleep - makes for a creepy character indeed. Based upon an unpublished story by Daniel Mainwaring which was reportedly based upon fact, the story wasn't so much a warning to beware of hitch-hikers, but rather a study in fear which prevailed in audience pleasers of the 1950's; "thinking" people were entranced by science fiction, aliens, nuclear attacts, etc. - this made for more intellectual conversation among fifties folk. Generally regarded as being the only film noir directed by a woman, Ida Lupino's THE HITCH-HIKER is also a good example of the genre.

Don't Pick Up Hitch-hikers!!
Frank Lovejoy and Edmond O'Brien go on a fishing trip, but end up the hostages of William Talman, a hitch-hiker who has already killed other drivers, on a trip to Mexico where Talman wants to escape the authorities. The film is short, at seventy minutes, but that keeps the action moving right along. It's tightly edited, and the viewer gets a very real sense of the confinement of the two men. A lot of credit goes to director Ida Lupino, who establishes a mood of tension and desperation, as well as to the fine trio of actors who are all memorable in their roles. It's a smart thriller that will grab your attention and keep it to the very end.

Which one to buy??
The film itself is worth at least 4 stars and belongs on your shelf next to "D.O.A." and "Detour" but the Alpha dvd version of "The Hitch-hiker" leaves a lot to be desired. Very grainy, poor definition and the picture seems cropped at the sides varying from left to right. You can see it on the opening titles when half of the "The" is missing and later on in the car shots when the right half of Edmond O'Brien's head isn't there when he's speaking. The modestly-priced Roan disc would be the one to get if your player can handle it. Otherwise, Kino is the rather more pricey choice. The movie is well worth owning.

When was the last time you invited death into your car?
In The Hitch-Hiker, Ida Lupino presents a tense noir thriller that kept me engaged throughout. Released in 1953 as the second of a double bill, and not promoted as it should have been, this movie languished in movie land limbo for quite awhile.

Edmond O'Brien and Frank Lovejoy star as Roy Collins and Gilbert Bowen, respectively, two men embarking on a hunting/fishing trip. The trouble begins when they pick up a hitchhiker named Emmet Myers, played by William Talman. Turns out Myers is a sadistic killer who's being sought by numerous law enforcement agencies for a string of murders.

The tension and suspense start to build almost immediately, and are sustained throughout the movie as the men travel the southwestern deserts of California into Mexico. The men try to look for a means to escape, but Myers keeps a tight lease on the men, and due to his unpredictable nature and complete lack of remorse, they know he would kill without regard. Also, Myers has a paralyzed right eyelid which causes it never to close properly. This means he actually sleeps with one eye open, giving the appearance that he's always watching, even when he's sleeping. Very creepy!

As the manhunt for Myers increases, the pressure increases, and the men know that once Myers decides they are more of a liability than they're worth, he will dispose of them, as he tells them this every chance he gets. There was just enough character development provided for Myers in the tight script to give viewers a glimpse into what drives the man and his contempt for life in general. The three leading actors all play their parts very professionally, but Talman really sells his performance. He provided a brutal yet subtle picture of a remorseless, psychotic killer and reminded me of a coiled rattlesnake that could strike at any moment.

The oppressive desert locations, a well-written script, and taut directing work together nicely, creating a sense of anxiety and forboding right up to the end of the movie. I was surprised, but pleased with the outcome, as it didn't seem in line with other crime dramas of the time.

There were some minor flaws in the print, and I noticed the audio dropped out very briefly on two different occasions, but that took away none of my enjoyment of this film. And given the condition of the original prints, this restored version looks really great. Included is an interesting introduction by Robert Clarke, in which he details some of his experiences working with Ida Lupino.

WARNING
The DVD version of the film "The Hitch-Hiker" offered for sale by the Roan Group does not play on various DVD players. Roan is aware of this problem, but does not advertise it. I have (unfortunately) purchased two copies of this DVD and in each case, the DVD freezes after the first few seconds of the standard introductory warning.

The film itself is an important noir by an important actress and director, Ida Lupino. It is well worth seeing, but buying it from the Roan Group will not necessarily give you the opportunity to view it. Buy it from KINO if you want to see it. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Ida Lupino, Hollywood's sole female filmmaker of the 1950s, directs an all-male cast in a taut, 70-minute thriller. Frank Lovejoy and Edmund O'Brien are two war buddies taking a break from the wives for a Mexican fishing trip; a hitchhiker they pick up turns out to be a crazed killer wanted in nine states (William Talman, later the perennially defeated district attorney on Perry Mason) who forces them at gunpoint to drive him through the desert. Talman's Everett Myers is a fascinatingly abstract creation, filmed by Lupino first as a discorporate flurry of hands and feet, then as a satanic figure whose grinning, key-lighted face seems to float by itself in space. With his paralyzed right eye (he sleeps with it wide open), Myers may represent the return of the fascist evil the two men confronted during the war; he may also represent something inherently violent in the American male that, having been liberated by the war, has to be faced down and defeated by the two vets before they can return to a normal life. Lupino's use of the desert setting, rich with associations of nuclear devastation, seems to look forward to the science fiction films that would flourish later in the decade. --Dave Kehr ... Read more

Reviews (10)

LUPINO'S FILM NOIR.
William Talman (he reminds one here of a poor man's Joseph Cotten) who portrayed Hamilton Berger on television's PERRY MASON plays Emmet Myers, a psychotic killer who hitch-hikes, rides, then robs and murders his benefactors. Fleeing from the police, he meets two men on a fishing boat en route to Mexico and keeps them hostage until he can find safety south of the border...Parental hatred seemed to be much of the cause of Myer's curious personality, that coupled by a deformed right eye - which doesn't close even during sleep - makes for a creepy character indeed. Based upon an unpublished story by Daniel Mainwaring which was reportedly based upon fact, the story wasn't so much a warning to beware of hitch-hikers, but rather a study in fear which prevailed in audience pleasers of the 1950's; "thinking" people were entranced by science fiction, aliens, nuclear attacts, etc. - this made for more intellectual conversation among fifties folk. Generally regarded as being the only film noir directed by a woman, Ida Lupino's THE HITCH-HIKER is also a good example of the genre.

Don't Pick Up Hitch-hikers!!
Frank Lovejoy and Edmond O'Brien go on a fishing trip, but end up the hostages of William Talman, a hitch-hiker who has already killed other drivers, on a trip to Mexico where Talman wants to escape the authorities. The film is short, at seventy minutes, but that keeps the action moving right along. It's tightly edited, and the viewer gets a very real sense of the confinement of the two men. A lot of credit goes to director Ida Lupino, who establishes a mood of tension and desperation, as well as to the fine trio of actors who are all memorable in their roles. It's a smart thriller that will grab your attention and keep it to the very end.

Which one to buy??
The film itself is worth at least 4 stars and belongs on your shelf next to "D.O.A." and "Detour" but the Alpha dvd version of "The Hitch-hiker" leaves a lot to be desired. Very grainy, poor definition and the picture seems cropped at the sides varying from left to right. You can see it on the opening titles when half of the "The" is missing and later on in the car shots when the right half of Edmond O'Brien's head isn't there when he's speaking. The modestly-priced Roan disc would be the one to get if your player can handle it. Otherwise, Kino is the rather more pricey choice. The movie is well worth owning.

When was the last time you invited death into your car?
In The Hitch-Hiker, Ida Lupino presents a tense noir thriller that kept me engaged throughout. Released in 1953 as the second of a double bill, and not promoted as it should have been, this movie languished in movie land limbo for quite awhile.

Edmond O'Brien and Frank Lovejoy star as Roy Collins and Gilbert Bowen, respectively, two men embarking on a hunting/fishing trip. The trouble begins when they pick up a hitchhiker named Emmet Myers, played by William Talman. Turns out Myers is a sadistic killer who's being sought by numerous law enforcement agencies for a string of murders.

The tension and suspense start to build almost immediately, and are sustained throughout the movie as the men travel the southwestern deserts of California into Mexico. The men try to look for a means to escape, but Myers keeps a tight lease on the men, and due to his unpredictable nature and complete lack of remorse, they know he would kill without regard. Also, Myers has a paralyzed right eyelid which causes it never to close properly. This means he actually sleeps with one eye open, giving the appearance that he's always watching, even when he's sleeping. Very creepy!

As the manhunt for Myers increases, the pressure increases, and the men know that once Myers decides they are more of a liability than they're worth, he will dispose of them, as he tells them this every chance he gets. There was just enough character development provided for Myers in the tight script to give viewers a glimpse into what drives the man and his contempt for life in general. The three leading actors all play their parts very professionally, but Talman really sells his performance. He provided a brutal yet subtle picture of a remorseless, psychotic killer and reminded me of a coiled rattlesnake that could strike at any moment.

The oppressive desert locations, a well-written script, and taut directing work together nicely, creating a sense of anxiety and forboding right up to the end of the movie. I was surprised, but pleased with the outcome, as it didn't seem in line with other crime dramas of the time.

There were some minor flaws in the print, and I noticed the audio dropped out very briefly on two different occasions, but that took away none of my enjoyment of this film. And given the condition of the original prints, this restored version looks really great. Included is an interesting introduction by Robert Clarke, in which he details some of his experiences working with Ida Lupino.

WARNING
The DVD version of the film "The Hitch-Hiker" offered for sale by the Roan Group does not play on various DVD players. Roan is aware of this problem, but does not advertise it. I have (unfortunately) purchased two copies of this DVD and in each case, the DVD freezes after the first few seconds of the standard introductory warning.

The film itself is an important noir by an important actress and director, Ida Lupino. It is well worth seeing, but buying it from the Roan Group will not necessarily give you the opportunity to view it. Buy it from KINO if you want to see it. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Ida Lupino, Hollywood's sole female filmmaker of the 1950s, directs an all-male cast in a taut, 70-minute thriller. Frank Lovejoy and Edmund O'Brien are two war buddies taking a break from the wives for a Mexican fishing trip; a hitchhiker they pick up turns out to be a crazed killer wanted in nine states (William Talman, later the perennially defeated district attorney on Perry Mason) who forces them at gunpoint to drive him through the desert. Talman's Everett Myers is a fascinatingly abstract creation, filmed by Lupino first as a discorporate flurry of hands and feet, then as a satanic figure whose grinning, key-lighted face seems to float by itself in space. With his paralyzed right eye (he sleeps with it wide open), Myers may represent the return of the fascist evil the two men confronted during the war; he may also represent something inherently violent in the American male that, having been liberated by the war, has to be faced down and defeated by the two vets before they can return to a normal life. Lupino's use of the desert setting, rich with associations of nuclear devastation, seems to look forward to the science fiction films that would flourish later in the decade. --Dave Kehr ... Read more

Reviews (10)

LUPINO'S FILM NOIR.
William Talman (he reminds one here of a poor man's Joseph Cotten) who portrayed Hamilton Berger on television's PERRY MASON plays Emmet Myers, a psychotic killer who hitch-hikes, rides, then robs and murders his benefactors. Fleeing from the police, he meets two men on a fishing boat en route to Mexico and keeps them hostage until he can find safety south of the border...Parental hatred seemed to be much of the cause of Myer's curious personality, that coupled by a deformed right eye - which doesn't close even during sleep - makes for a creepy character indeed. Based upon an unpublished story by Daniel Mainwaring which was reportedly based upon fact, the story wasn't so much a warning to beware of hitch-hikers, but rather a study in fear which prevailed in audience pleasers of the 1950's; "thinking" people were entranced by science fiction, aliens, nuclear attacts, etc. - this made for more intellectual conversation among fifties folk. Generally regarded as being the only film noir directed by a woman, Ida Lupino's THE HITCH-HIKER is also a good example of the genre.

Don't Pick Up Hitch-hikers!!
Frank Lovejoy and Edmond O'Brien go on a fishing trip, but end up the hostages of William Talman, a hitch-hiker who has already killed other drivers, on a trip to Mexico where Talman wants to escape the authorities. The film is short, at seventy minutes, but that keeps the action moving right along. It's tightly edited, and the viewer gets a very real sense of the confinement of the two men. A lot of credit goes to director Ida Lupino, who establishes a mood of tension and desperation, as well as to the fine trio of actors who are all memorable in their roles. It's a smart thriller that will grab your attention and keep it to the very end.

Which one to buy??
The film itself is worth at least 4 stars and belongs on your shelf next to "D.O.A." and "Detour" but the Alpha dvd version of "The Hitch-hiker" leaves a lot to be desired. Very grainy, poor definition and the picture seems cropped at the sides varying from left to right. You can see it on the opening titles when half of the "The" is missing and later on in the car shots when the right half of Edmond O'Brien's head isn't there when he's speaking. The modestly-priced Roan disc would be the one to get if your player can handle it. Otherwise, Kino is the rather more pricey choice. The movie is well worth owning.

When was the last time you invited death into your car?
In The Hitch-Hiker, Ida Lupino presents a tense noir thriller that kept me engaged throughout. Released in 1953 as the second of a double bill, and not promoted as it should have been, this movie languished in movie land limbo for quite awhile.

Edmond O'Brien and Frank Lovejoy star as Roy Collins and Gilbert Bowen, respectively, two men embarking on a hunting/fishing trip. The trouble begins when they pick up a hitchhiker named Emmet Myers, played by William Talman. Turns out Myers is a sadistic killer who's being sought by numerous law enforcement agencies for a string of murders.

The tension and suspense start to build almost immediately, and are sustained throughout the movie as the men travel the southwestern deserts of California into Mexico. The men try to look for a means to escape, but Myers keeps a tight lease on the men, and due to his unpredictable nature and complete lack of remorse, they know he would kill without regard. Also, Myers has a paralyzed right eyelid which causes it never to close properly. This means he actually sleeps with one eye open, giving the appearance that he's always watching, even when he's sleeping. Very creepy!

As the manhunt for Myers increases, the pressure increases, and the men know that once Myers decides they are more of a liability than they're worth, he will dispose of them, as he tells them this every chance he gets. There was just enough character development provided for Myers in the tight script to give viewers a glimpse into what drives the man and his contempt for life in general. The three leading actors all play their parts very professionally, but Talman really sells his performance. He provided a brutal yet subtle picture of a remorseless, psychotic killer and reminded me of a coiled rattlesnake that could strike at any moment.

The oppressive desert locations, a well-written script, and taut directing work together nicely, creating a sense of anxiety and forboding right up to the end of the movie. I was surprised, but pleased with the outcome, as it didn't seem in line with other crime dramas of the time.

There were some minor flaws in the print, and I noticed the audio dropped out very briefly on two different occasions, but that took away none of my enjoyment of this film. And given the condition of the original prints, this restored version looks really great. Included is an interesting introduction by Robert Clarke, in which he details some of his experiences working with Ida Lupino.

WARNING
The DVD version of the film "The Hitch-Hiker" offered for sale by the Roan Group does not play on various DVD players. Roan is aware of this problem, but does not advertise it. I have (unfortunately) purchased two copies of this DVD and in each case, the DVD freezes after the first few seconds of the standard introductory warning.

The film itself is an important noir by an important actress and director, Ida Lupino. It is well worth seeing, but buying it from the Roan Group will not necessarily give you the opportunity to view it. Buy it from KINO if you want to see it. ... Read more