Thirty-One Days O’Horror: The Hitch-Hiker (1953)

Let’s Ride #14!

Trailblazing female director Ida Lupino guides viewers on a thrilling road trip through the deserts of California and Mexico in 1953’s The Hitch-Hiker. The movie, which Lupino co-wrote with Collier Young, is considered to be the first film noir directed by a female. It’s based upon the real-life mass murderer known as Billy “Cockeyed” Cook, who went on a murder spree starting in Missouri and ending in Mexico. Cook murdered a family of five and their dog, as well as a traveling salesman. He also attempted to murder a mechanic, but failed.

The film stars Frank Lovejoy and Edmond O’Brien as Gilbert Bowen and Roy Collins. They are taking a road trip to Mexico to get in a little fishing whenever they pick up the hitchhiking Emmett Myers (William Talman) and he immediately pulls a gun on them and begins giving them orders. Collins begins to become more and more unhinged as the time passes, but Bowen manages to keep a cool head. Bowen can also speak Spanish, which proves to be a great advantage for him. Myers’ plan is to have the duo drive him to Santa Rosalia, Baja California where he will kill both of them and then leave a life of freedom in Mexico. As the trio make their way south, Bown and Collins make plans to overtake and outsmart Myers. You’ll have to watch The Hitch-Hiker to see who succeeds.

The film is extremely well-paced and acted. Lovejoy, O’Brien, and Talman command the screen with their performances. The action isn’t over the top and it’s nice to have brief moments in small towns break up the dialogue-heavy scenes on the road. Don’t write this film off because of its age, it’s still a great thriller that holds your attention and is loaded with thrills.

Talman’s resemblance to Billy Cook is mind-boggling. He even has a paralyzed eye in the film like Cook had in real life. Talman does a great job as Myers. Of the trio in the film, however, Frank Lovejoy steals the show. All three of them gave great performances, but Lovejoy stands out in my opinion.

I definitely recommend The Hitch-Hiker. Give it a look and let me know what you think about it!