They Drive by Night

They Drive by Night

  • 84 Mins
  • 1938
  • en
  • star5.8/ 10

“Shorty” Matthews having recently been released from prison visits his girlfriend in London only to discover her murdered. Fearing he will be wrongly accused of being the culprit he disappears amongst the long-distance lorry driving community. Meanwhile, the real killer, unassuming ex-schoolteacher Walter Hoover, continues to prey on London women. As Shorty had feared he has become the main suspect. He returns to London with old flame Molly to prove his innocence.

Cast & Crew

Review

CinemaSerf

Emyln Williams ("Shorty") puts in a strong performance in this solidly produced British crime noir. Released from jail, he sets off to reunite with his girlfriend - only what he finds causes him to flee. Trying to stay one step ahead of the pursuing law, he travels the length of the country by hitching lifts from various truck drivers and in itself, that provides us with some interesting escapades and a few enjoyable cameos, before he he hooks up with his friend '"Molly" (Anna Konstam) and they try to establish his innocence. One thing neither of them bargained on, was their encounter with the enigmatic "Hoover" (Ernest Thesiger) who I have to say, always was one of the better character actors I've seen, and here he is positively enthralling as the ambiguous former teacher who just exudes a wonderful degree of menace - without really trying.... Visually, the film has a certain observational anthropology to it - the truck travelling illustrates well the lives of the mobile elements of the working class and offers us an interesting insight into how our country functions in a way seldom seem on screen. The first twenty minutes or so are a little slow, but the last are great to watch and if you get a chance to watch this, then give it a go.

Image 0
Image 1
Image 2

Movies You May Like

Brighton Rock
The Man Between
Home at Seven
The Marker
Chase a Crooked Shadow
Yield to the Night
Confession
Odd Man Out
Escape
The Criminal
No Orchids for Miss Blandish
Stolen Face
Cosh Boy
Murder by Proxy
Never Let Go
The Man Who Watched Trains Go By
Blind Date
Kiss the Blood Off My Hands
The Lodger

Recommended Movies

Inspector Hornleigh
Top Gun: Maverick
Dune: Part Two
Apocalypse Now
Green Book
Mickey 17
GoodFellas
The Godfather Part II
The Dark Knight
Barbie
Titanic
올드보이
Us
The Northman
花樣年華
Killers of the Flower Moon
Return of the Jedi
The Fabelmans
Interstellar
Deadpool & Wolverine