The Hitch-Hiker
The Hitch-Hiker

Movie spotlight

The Hitch-Hiker

1953
Movie
71 min
English

Roy and Gilbert's fishing trip takes a terrifying turn when the hitchhiker they pick up turns out to be a sociopath on the run from the law. He's killed before, and he lets the two know that as soon as they're no longer useful, he'll kill again. The two friends plot an escape, but the hitchhiker's peculiar physical affliction, an eye that never closes even when he sleeps, makes it impossible for them to tell when they can make a break for it.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Director: Ida LupinoGenres: Film Noir, Thriller, Crime

Plot Summary

A vacationing salesman impulsively picks up a deranged killer and finds himself on a terrifying cross-country chase. The killer frames the salesman for his crimes, forcing the man to flee from the police and evade the killer's increasingly erratic and violent behavior. The story explores themes of desperation, paranoia, and the thin line between ordinary life and utter chaos.

Critical Reception

The Hitch-Hiker is a critically acclaimed film noir, often lauded for its taut direction, suspenseful atmosphere, and strong performances. It is frequently cited as one of the best films directed by Ida Lupino and a standout example of the genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intense, suspenseful narrative and claustrophobic atmosphere.

  • Edmond O'Brien's performance as the increasingly desperate protagonist is a major highlight.

  • Ida Lupino's confident and skillful direction elevates the film beyond typical B-movie fare.

Google audience: Audience reception on Google is not widely available, but general critical consensus points to a highly regarded film noir that masterfully builds suspense.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The Hitch-Hiker is one of the few films of its era to be directed by a woman, Ida Lupino, who also co-wrote the screenplay.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

Community Critic Reviews

No critic reviews have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

William Talman ("Myers") is great in this thriller that follows the tortuous journey of two fishermen who stopped to pick up a traveller and discover they are now in the hands of a gun-toting psychopath. Determined to escape the pursuing au...

Video Reviews

No video reviews found for this title yet.