The Hitch-Hiker (1953)

The Hitch-Hiker (1953)

Directed by Ida Lupino

The Hitch-Hiker is a chilling 1953 noir classic by Lupino, a master of suspense and atmosphere. Inspired by the real-life crime spree of Billy Cook, the film follows two friends on a fishing trip who pick up a stranded hitchhiker—unaware he's a psychotic killer on the run from the law.

Trapped in the desert, the men endure psychological torment as their captor forces them to drive him toward the Mexican border. With tight direction, stark cinematography, and groundbreaking style, this film stands as the first American noir directed by a woman.

Credits

• Director: Ida Lupino
• Writers: Collier Young & Ida Lupino
• Cinematography: Nicholas Musuraca
• Editing: Stanford Tischler
• Music: Leith Stevens
• Production: RKO Radio Pictures

Cast

• Edmond O’Brien as Roy Collins
• Frank Lovejoy as Gilbert Bowen
• William Talman as Emmett Myers