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Cinema History: The Hitch-Hiker

  • Writer: rebekah
    rebekah
  • Jan 9, 2022
  • 3 min read

Updated: Feb 16, 2022

*I do not own any images in this post, all credits are linked below*

Hitch-hikers are unassuming, right? Sure, some people pass them by, make up excuses, they’re too busy, they’ve got to hurry to get where they’re going, they don’t have any room in their car. But there are those who are kind-hearted and have good intentions. These people will stop, ask how they can help, whether it’s a matter of transporting the hitch-hiker somewhere, or getting him gas if his car’s broken down. Hitch-hikers typically don’t carry much with them, they can’t afford to, so they pose no threat, right? Not this hitch-hiker. He carries one thing with him wherever he goes, it’s small enough to fit in a pocket, unseen.

Now, this is no disrespect towards people who are genuinely in need. This is the situation the audience is faced with in Ida Lupino’s The Hitch-Hiker.


The 1953 film stars Frank Lovejoy as Gilbert Bowen, Edmond O’Brien as Ray Collins, and William Talman as Emmett Myers. The beginning warns the audience, this could happen to anyone. In the very first second, Lupino puts fear into the audience’s minds. She wants to grab your attention immediately. She bases her thrilling movie on the real murder spree in 1950 by serial killer Billy Cook.

The film begins with a display of three murders performed by serial killer Emmett Myers after he has been picked up from hitch-hiking. Newspaper headlines flash on the screen with warnings of the nationwide murderer and telling the stories of his latest victims.

In the next scene, the audience is introduced to two pals planning a fishing trip to Mexico. Collins and Bowen’s story collides with Myers’ the moment they offer him a ride. The two men are unaware that they have just picked up the most wanted man in the country. It was dark, they couldn’t see his face. He was dressed in dark clothing. They weren’t to know it was Myers. As they begin lighting their cigarettes, they offer their hitch-hiker a smoke, and then they see their mistake. Collins and Bowen instantly know who the man is.

The Hitch-Hiker displays the works of a great director with a brilliant mind. Lupino keeps her audience hooked from the moment the film starts and keeps them interested with her slow-paced story that makes your heart race. Lupino takes you through a couple of days that Collins and Bowen are taken captive by Myers, escorting him through the off-roads of Mexico, where he hopes to remain an unknown. The men are faced with a horrible reality. Myers offers no chances of escape. As they are constantly in the car, they know there would be no hope in jumping out. When they stop to sleep, they are unable to make a wise decision in running while Myers sleeps: his right eyelid is paralysed, and will not close. Collins and Bowen can’t risk escape with Myers’ ever watching eye on them. They can’t tell if he’s sleeping or awake.

The on-screen performance of Frank Lovejoy is incredible. His quiet and subdued character sets everyone on edge as he perpetually obeys the commands of the hitch-hiker. The audience is aware of his care in what he does. He wishes most of all to escape his fate and return home. Lovejoy portrays Bowen’s desperation impeccably.

Edmond O’Brien poses as Ray Collins, the less obedient of the two men captured by Emmett Myers. O’Brien’s performance gives the audience a feeling of lost hope. Many times, Collins speaks out against Myers, nearly warranting his murder multiple times.

The terrifying homicidal maniac Myers is played by William Talman. His performance is thoroughly convincing. His character strikes fear in the hearts of the audience and successfully keeps it there until the end of the film.

This suspenseful movie based loosely on the murder spree of Billy Cook does a public service. It warns everyone who watches it of the dangers of picking up a hitch-hiker. Everyone should examine the person before welcoming them freely, and remain in the know about criminal news. Think before you act, and stay informed.

As a film, The Hitch-Hiker is a valuable piece of cinematic history. Though it displays no special effects, it displays a strong storyline and convincing warning. The acting, the story, and the morals are amazing. Watch the film to find out what happens at the end.

If you watch this film after reading this post or have watched it previously, leave a comment below on how you liked it! If you would like to recommend a film for me to watch and do a post on, let me know! I have quite a lengthy list to go through for this year, so chances are, your film just might be on there already, but I am always open to new suggestions!

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