They Drive by Night
“Shorty” Matthews having recently been released from prison visits his girlfriend in London only to discover her murdered. Fearing he will be wrongly accused of being the culprit he disappears amongst the long-distance lorry driving community. Meanwhile, the real killer, unassuming ex-schoolteacher Walter Hoover, continues to prey on London women. As Shorty had feared he has become the main suspect. He returns to London with old flame Molly to prove his innocence.
Two hard-working truck-driving brothers struggle to keep their business afloat, facing financial ruin and mob interference. Their lives become more complicated when one brother's wife becomes entangled with a manipulative socialite, leading to a tragic chain of events.
A gritty and atmospheric film noir, 'They Drive by Night' is often praised for its strong performances, particularly from Ida Lupino and Humphrey Bogart, and its authentic depiction of the trucking industry. While sometimes seen as a lesser entry in the genre, it's recognized for its compelling melodrama and solid direction by Raoul Walsh.
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The film was originally titled 'The Long Haul' and was based on the novel 'The Long Haul' by James M. Cain, but the title was changed to 'They Drive by Night' to capitalize on the popularity of George Raft and the growing trend of noir films.
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