Page 20 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 106

20 Issue #106 November 2021 www.sportsenergynews.com

In Reel Time

Hitching a Ride

By Nikolai Adams

alk about an opening hook:
T“This is the true story of a
man and a gun and a car. The gun
belonged to the man. The car might
have been yours – or that young
couple across the aisle. What you
will see in the next seventy minutes
could have happened to you. For
the facts are actual.” A perfect
film noir introduction, the 1953
crime thriller The Hitch-Hiker, co-
written and directed by Ida Lupino,
is a seventy-one minute ride down
a road you most definitely would
not want to travel.
In a simpler time (when people
still picked up hitch-hikers),
Emmett Myers (William Talman Photo Submitted
– best known as District Attorney of the hitch-hiker killer? – a panicked guy looking for the built into the tightest of triangles
Hamilton Burger on Perry Mason) quickest way out. Despite their – three men in a car, oppressed
utilizes this mode of transportation Centred around three intriguing
to evade the police. . . murdering personas, William Talman builds a very different thought processes, by the hot desert. Along with
those kind enough to pick him villain that you would not want to they are utterly loyal to each other cinematographer great Nicholas
– with Collins especially going Musuraca (Out of the Past; Cat
up. Dumping the body (or bodies) cross. With his bulbous eyes (one
and abandoning the car, his thumb is wonky), five o’clock shadow above and beyond for his friend. People), they douse certain scenes
with perfect shadow and light (two
then goes up as he plays the and menacing black attire, Myers Ahead of her time, Ida Lupido
stranded traveller – his two newest is a vile sociopath with a mission holds the title of being the first of the most memorable find the evil
would-be-victims are Roy Collins – a match for almost any situation. woman to direct a mainstream film hitch-hiker’s shadow etched on the
brightly sunlit road – it being bent
(Edmond O’Brien – D.O.A.; White Quotations like: “I had a watch like noir. Though most probably know
Heat) and Gilbert Bowen (Frank this once when I was 17. Nobody her as an actress, she was also an by the stopping car, the second finds
Myers’ visage in shadow when he
Lovejoy – In a Lonely Place; gave it to me. I just took it”, or accomplished writer, director and first enters the duo’s vehicle – it is
House of Wax). “you guys are soft. You know producer in a time where no other
what makes you that way? You’re women was – actually, the only lady only revealed a little later), while at
Using their car to evade the cops other moments, we almost feel the
up to your neck in IOU’s. You’re within the 1950’s studio system to
and cross the rocky, desert terrain suckers! You’re scared to get out do so. A strong willed woman who unbearable heat of the baking sun.
of Mexico, he holds the pair at
on your own. You’ve always had it found herself suspended (often) by Inspired by a real story (Billy
gunpoint while directing them good, so you’re soft. Well, not me! Warner Bros. (for refusing roles Cook killed six people in 1950-
across the country towards a ferry Nobody ever gave me anything, so and revising scripts), she made 51 whilst on a 22 day rampage
in Guaymas. Attempting every
I don’t owe anybody!”, as well as sure to observe the work behind the between Missouri and California),
which way to escape the maniacal the Rodney Dangerfield sounding scenes. Starting her own production The Hitch-Hiker is a taut little film
man, it is no use, as Myers is a wily
line, “My folks were tough. When company with husband Collier noir thriller. Another tidbit worth
psychopath, knowing each and I was born, they took one look at Young (the other co-writer of the noting – the story is based upon a
every trick in the proverbial play- this puss of mine and told me to motion picture), she cleverly fused piece by Daniel Mainwaring (who
book. Extremely careful and with
get lost.”, each puts us in the man’s her work with being a smart, low was blacklisted at the time). With
an amazing ability to sleep with warped mind set – emphasizing budget filmmaker (acting funded real locations, sharp direction
one eye open, the cloak he places
his rage against the world outlook. her passion for directing), coming and cinematography, as well as
over the vehicle is stifling – Collins Edmond O’Brien’s Collins is a up with clever ways to save money superlative performances, this is
and Bowen have no choice but to smart, stoic individual. . . biding on set (she preplanned, reused a relatively unknown noir that is
go along with the roundabout plan.
his time until an opportunity arises. sets, utilized product placements well worth seeing. So, hitch a ride
Will the bosom buddies be able to Frank Lovejoy’s Bowen, on the and shot in public places to reduce to see this hidden gem of a classic,
escape their dire predicament. . . or
other hand, is a more twitchy man, costs). And, her skills are on full and make sure that it finds its way
will they become the latest victims
nervous and antsy when at gunpoint display here, suspense and thrills in the docket of your playlist.