Review of The Hitch-Hiker (1953) by Shane L — 15 Dec 2008

Unlike the other films of this era which I've been watching, The Hitch-Hiker stands apart as something which feels cheap, dirty, and sensational in all the right ways. Although not privy to typical grindhouse fare, this film seems to fit the themes and ideas that I have associated with that genre: two helpless victims, burning with hatred and fear; a sadistic and unrelenting villain.

Wasting almost no time whatsoever on exposition, Lupino's film vaults deftly into the action within two minutes of the opening credits, and doesn't let up until thirty seconds before "The End" graces the screen.

The standout performance for this film has got to be William Talman: creepy, truly evil, yet flawed in such an obvious way as to make him seem almost sympathetic at times. Ultimately, The Hitch-Hiker is a fantastic and sure-footed ride that left me guessing to the end.