The Hitch-Hiker (1953)

Plot:

Two old friends, Roy Collins and Gilbert Bowen, are driving south into Mexico for a one week fishing trip. They’d been there once before as young men and there’s some nostalgia attached to the trip though family man Bowen admits early on that he already misses his wife and kids. When they see a car broken down by the side of the road, they offer its occupant a lift. It doesn’t take long before they realize they’ve picked up the notorious Emmett Myers, who is desperately trying to evade authorities and get to Mexico. He’s left a trail of good Samaritans who have given him a lift and are now dead. While the police chase them down, Collins and Bowen will be driven to the breaking point by the madman.

The Hitch-Hiker (1953) Review:

Talman gives a terrific performance as Myers, a real nasty piece of work with a bum eye so you never know if he’s asleep or awake. He holds the men hostage, bullies and provokes them, even uses them as target practice. We’ve seen many similar plots over the years but I thought this was a fresh and unpredictable. Lupino’s direction really suits the material, the tension builds throughout, and Talman is unforgettable. If you like thrillers track this one down! – Infofreak