For those of you who love classic movies like I do, especially on a rainy day, The Hitch-Hiker is playing on TCM tonight at 6:45 Eastern time. If you haven’t signed up for TCM’s newsletter, you must at tcm.com.
The Hitch-Hiker stars Edmond O’Brien, Frank Lovejoy, William Talman, and Jose Torvay. Here is some information on the film to review before you watch. Have a great weekend friends!
Based upon an incident that happened in California in the early 1950s. A man named Billy Cook murdered a family of five, including three children, and then killed a traveling salesman. He then kidnapped two hunters and took them across the border into Mexico, intending to kill them, too, but before he could he was captured by Mexican police and subsequently extradited to the US, where he was tried for the murders, convicted, and died in the gas chamber at San Quentin on Dec. 12, 1952.
The movie’s poster was as #23 of “The 25 Best Movie Posters Ever” by Premiere.
In an interview Talman recalled an incident that happened shortly after the release of The Hitch-Hiker (1953), in which he gave a chilling portrayal of escaped murderer and serial killer Emmett Meyers. He was driving his convertible in Los Angeles with the top down, and he stopped at a red light. Another driver in a convertible who was stopped next to him stared at him for a few seconds, then said, “You’re the hitchhiker, right?” Talman nodded, indicating that he was. The other driver got out of his car, went over to Talman’s car and slapped him across the face, then got back in his car and drove off. In recalling the story, Talman said, “You know, I never won an Academy Award but I guess that was about as close as I ever will come to one.”
Frank Black says
Great little movie.
Blondie says
Did anyone watch yesterday? What’s on today’s schedule? Kori xoxo
Matty says
If he got a slap for being so realistic, then he deserved the award.
Maggi says
Creepy creepy creepy! In the best possible way of course! lol I am totally addicted to TCM too!
Bobbi says
I’d never heard of this movie, but it sounds interesting. I just might have to check it out.
Richard @ The Bewildered Brit says
I think I need to see this movie! It sounds pretty gruesome for the 1950s! And it was made only a year after Cook was executed! Creepy!
Stefanie Valentine says
Ooh i’ve heard about this film but i have never seen it before, it sounds very interesting, i’ll have to check it out! xx
Blondie says
You have to check it out ladies! It’s really good! Kori xoxo
Kathie @ my net finds says
I wasn’t even aware of this movie! very intersting!
Karyn Bernard (French Charming) says
Hi Sweet Friend,
Gosh, I feel like I’ve been living in a cave! I haven’t seen this movie either!! I will add this to my growing list of Blondie recommended movies.
Poor Mr. Tallman…He obviously was very convincing in his role!!
Thanks for another delightful, entertaining and informative post!!
Love and hugs,
Karyn