The Hitch-Hiker
Seen it?1953 | 71 min | Thriller, Crime, Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans and anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved The Naked City, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Tense, dark and gritty.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 11 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1953: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
94% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.8 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 48K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Detour Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Killer's Kiss Sunday Safe BetAnother crime drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Brute Force Sunday Safe BetAnother crime drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
The Naked City
Saturday SpecialAnother crime thriller that's easy to miss.
Remember
Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Ida Lupino
- Edmond O'BrienRoy Collins
- Frank LovejoyGilbert Bowen
- William TalmanEmmett Myers
- José TorvayCaptain Alvarado
- Sam HayesRadio Broadcaster
- Wendell NilesWendell Niles
- Jean Del ValInspector General
- Clark HowatGovernment Agent
- Natividad VacíoJose
- Larry HudsonFBI Agent