

The Hitch-hiker (1953)
6/19/2022 | 1h 10m 49sVideo has Closed Captions
Two friends on a trip pick up a stranded motorist who turns out to be an escaped convict.
Based on a real-life event, two friends on a fishing trip (Edmond O'Brien and Frank Lovejoy) pick up a stranded motorist who turns out to be an escaped convict. The madman sadistically threatens the two friends and perversely delights in telling them that he has them both marked for death sometime before the end of the trip. Directed by Ida Lupino.
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The Hitch-hiker (1953)
6/19/2022 | 1h 10m 49sVideo has Closed Captions
Based on a real-life event, two friends on a fishing trip (Edmond O'Brien and Frank Lovejoy) pick up a stranded motorist who turns out to be an escaped convict. The madman sadistically threatens the two friends and perversely delights in telling them that he has them both marked for death sometime before the end of the trip. Directed by Ida Lupino.
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship(dramatic orchestral music) (film clicking) (engine roaring) (horn blowing) (engine roaring) (dramatic orchestral music) (woman screams) (gun firing) (dramatic orchestral music) >> When you get to the next intersection, why don't you turn south?
>> Chocolate Mountains are east, or they were the last time we headed that way.
>> Who needs the mountains?
Why don't we go to San Felipe?
>> Nothing to do in San Felipe but fish.
>> Well, that was the idea, wasn't it?
>> Yeah, I guess so.
We might just pick up a drink in Mexicali.
Remember Floribel at the Alhambra Club?
>> Yeah, she's probably dead by now.
That was a long time ago.
>> Yeah, poor, old Floribel.
Well, there's no harm in drinking a toast to her.
>> Okay.
You know, except for the war, this is the first time I've been away from Maudie and the kids.
>> You wanna turn back?
>> No, no, no, we've come this far.
(sighs) Mexicali's beginning to sound good.
(lively music) >> Oh, there's Mamie's.
(lively music) I remember that joint.
(lively music) Where's the Alhambra?
(lively music) It's right down the block.
(lively music) (speaking in foreign language) >> This is the place, senor.
Come right in.
Juanita's just starting her famous fan dance.
You are just in time.
>> Well, might as well take a look.
Hey, Gil, Gil?
(Gil groans) Hmm, sorry, friend, no sale.
(lively music) Oh, well, San Felipe, here we come.
(lively music) (dramatic music) >> Outta gas?
>> Emmett: Yeah.
>> Hop in.
(dramatic music) >> We're going to San Felipe.
You can pick up some gas there and hitch a ride back.
Waiting out there long?
>> Yeah.
>> Gil, light me a cigarette.
(dramatic music) >> Smoke?
(dramatic music) >> Emmett: No.
>> What're you doing, rolling them?
>> Face front, and keep driving.
Sure, I'm Emmett Myers.
Do what I tell ya and don't make no fast moves.
There are a lot of dead heroes back there get nervous.
From now on while you're driving, keep both hands high on that wheel.
And you, keep one hand along the top of this seat.
The other hand high on that window.
All right, now turn off the next side road we come to.
(car engine humming) Pull up.
(car engine humming) Open the glove compartment What's the box?
>> Gil: Cartridges, .22's.
>> Give them to me.
Close it.
Now this is how we get out after this.
First give me the keys.
Now, we all got out of the same side, this one.
I get out first, then you.
Stand away from the car and then you, let's go Drop your jackets around your elbows.
Turn around.
We're gonna open the trunk, move.
Pull your jackets up!
You, open the trunk.
Both of you keep your hands on the lid.
Throw me the keys.
Now get the blankets.
(dramatic music) You'll never make it.
(dramatic music) Get the groceries, you.
(dramatic music) Whose gun is that?
>> Mine.
>> You like to shoot?
>> Gil: Yeah.
>> So do I, so I'm warning you, don't try anything smart with me, move.
(dramatic music) (gun barrel clicking) I told you my name, what's yours?
>> Mine's Gilbert Bowen.
He's Roy Collins.
>> What do you do for a living?
>> I'm a draftsman.
He runs a garage.
>> That makes you smarter, or does it?
(car thuds) (dramatic music) You oughta be all over that windshield.
You got lucky.
It hit an empty chamber.
I had to use it a while back.
Now don't make any more fast moves!
I told you the last guy made that mistake!
(dramatic music) When are you due back?
>> No particular time.
>> Yeah, we told our wives to expect us home when we got there.
>> You got wives, huh, any kids?
>> I have.
>> Just keep thinking how nice it'll be to them again.
(dramatic music) There's the checkpoint, slow down.
No talking, if I give you the word step on it.
(dramatic music) This car rides pretty good.
When I get where I'm going, I think I'll sell it.
>> Where are we going?
>> Pull in the next pump.
We'll fill up with gas and get a road map.
I got an idea, pretty good one.
(dramatic music) (speaking in foreign language) Speak English, you!
>> I told you he doesn't understand English.
>> And I don't understand Mexican.
Nevermind the change.
Let's get outta here!
(car engine roaring) (speaking in foreign language) (car engine humming) Give me the map!
(car engine humming) (map crinkling) Take the first side road we come to.
(car engine humming) Pull up!
Keys!
All right, now get out like I told you!
Here, you're the smart guy.
Spread the map out on the hood.
Get your hands up on the car.
Look for a town called Santa Rosalia.
How far is it?
>> About 500 miles.
>> Is it on the Gulf of California?
>> Yeah.
>> Say anything in there about a ferry across the Gulf?
>> Friday.
>> Not bad.
We're loaded with time.
We can make that easy.
After that I won't be needing you guys anymore.
(gun firing) >> Well, I guess we won't be having a rabbit for dinner.
>> I wasn't trying.
Collins, put the can out on that rock there.
Give me the map.
Not that one!
The other one!
That's it!
(gun firing) (laughing) All right, Collins, put the can back on the rock!
Don't forget this is loaded too.
Let's see you try it.
See how good you are.
Go ahead.
(gun firing) Not bad.
Collins, pick up the can!
Take it out on that point there!
If you don't, I'll let Bowen have it!
Out on the point, that's right!
(dramatic music) Further!
(dramatic music) Now hold it up!
You won't get hurt!
Your buddy's good with guns!
(dramatic music) >> You're crazy, I won't do it.
>> It's just a game, go ahead.
Collins, hold it closer to you!
What's the matter, you scared?
Hold it closer!
You want me to try it again?
I might miss this time!
(dramatic music) Shoot.
(dramatic music) >> Come on, Gil, get going!
(dramatic music) (gun firing) (dramatic music) >> Nervous, relax.
All right, Collins, come on in, fun's over!
(dramatic music) You guys worked up quite a sweat.
(dramatic music) Collins.
Collins!
>> What do you want?
>> Turn on the radio.
>> Why bother, all you'll get is Mexican commercials.
>> Nevermind, turn it on.
(speaking in foreign language) Get something else.
>> Gil: Like what?
>> One of those news guys from the States.
(speaking in foreign language) >> Newsman: That's scheduled for 10 o'clock tomorrow morning at the White House.
On the crime front, the police have nine Western States from Washington in the North to Colorado and Utah in the East, have been alerted to keep a continuous search for the Kansas Desperado, Emmett Myers.
Reports have placed the killer in Florida, Detroit, and Seattle within the last 24 hours.
Although most of these tips have been discounted by police authorities.
His latest victim, William Johnson, a salesman from Portland, Oregon, was found late yesterday in Imperial County, California.
The victim's car, possibly with Myers in it, has not yet been found.
The United nations passed a partial.
>> Emmett: Shut it off.
>> Newsman: Resolutions by a near unanimous.
>> (laughing) They're not even close.
You guys don't have to worry, not yet.
You can start sweating when they put me in this car.
If they ever do (laughing).
>> And a good, good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
This is Sam Hayes reporting your news final.
At the top of the news tonight is the report of the hitchhike murderer, Emmett Meyers, is still at large.
Yesterday, the devil thumbed another ride, and William Johnson of Portland asked him to hop in.
Now William Johnson is dead.
In an all out effort to apprehend Myers, the police have set up roadblocks at all major highways in the Western States.
And all border stations are being closely watched.
Myers is slight, 28 years of age.
He's wearing a dark shirt, dark gray trousers, and a black leather jacket.
His right eyelid is partially paralyzed.
If you are in position of any information regarding the whereabouts of this individual, please communicate with your nearest office of police, or office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
(dramatic music) >> Pull up.
(dramatic music) Keys.
(dramatic music) Out.
(water whooshing) Move!
(water whooshing) Each of you take one.
(water whooshing) Get around the car.
(water whooshing) We'll camp here tonight.
(water whooshing) I know what you're thinking, Collins.
You haven't got a chance.
You guys are gonna die, that's all.
It's just a question of when.
Santa Rosalia, that's the end of the line.
If the cops find out we're together, or if you try to cross me up.
(water whooshing) (laughing) You know, you make pretty good targets from where I sit.
Anyway, you couldn't tell if I was awake or asleep.
That one bum eye won't stay closed.
Pretty good, huh?
(dramatic music) We're getting out here and buy some grub.
We get out of the car like usual.
You guys go in the store ahead of me.
No Mexican, I'm talking to you.
When he tells you how much, you pay.
Is that clear?
Now, one other thing.
I'm gonna have my hand in my pocket.
So far my record in Mexican is clean.
I wanna keep it that way, let's go.
(speaking in foreign language) What did he say about Tijuana?
>> He says their prices are about the same as in Tijuana.
>> Nevermind the kid.
>> What do you want?
>> Some beans and stuff and tomato soup.
I like that.
Get four cans.
>> He wants four can of beans, four cans of tomato soup, three cans of chili.
It's not use.
He doesn't understand English.
>> Well, you're not talking Mex.
Take the cans off the shelves.
Give them to Collins.
>> Why don't you take some more?
Go on, load it up.
(dramatic music) >> That'll hold us.
Pay him.
(speaking in foreign language) (dramatic music) (speaking in foreign language) (dramatic music) Get her away from me.
(dramatic music) Put the kid down!
Let's get outta here!
Come on, Collins!
(speaking in foreign language) (dramatic music) (speaking in foreign language) >> Emmett: What'd you say to her?
>> You wouldn't understand.
>> What did you say to her?
>> I said, "Go, you're with God, little on."
(dramatic music) >> Get in.
>> Hey, mister, you live in El Centro.
I live there sometime.
Nice place, huh?
(dramatic music) >> Where'd you get the watch, Bowen?
>> My wife gave it to me.
>> Throw it over here.
Didn't you hear me?
I told you to throw it over here.
I had a watch like this once when I was 17.
Nobody gave it to me.
I took it.
Knocked off a broken down jewelry store in a little jerk town outside of Tulsa.
It was a cinch.
You guys are soft.
You know what makes you that way?
You're up to your necks in I owe you's, you're suckers.
You're scared to get out on your own.
You always had it good, so you're soft.
Well, not me.
Nobody ever gave me anything, so I don't owe nobody.
My folks were tough.
When I was born, they took one look at this puss of mine, and told me to get lost.
Well, I didn't need them.
I didn't need any of them.
I got what I wanted my own way.
When you get the know-how and a few bucks in your pocket, you can buy anything or anybody.
Especially if you've got them at the point of a gun.
That really scares them.
>> Have you ever been at the other end of a gun?
>> No, and I never will be.
I'm gonna listen to the news.
>> Turn it up!
We'd like to hear what's going on!
>> You just get the grub ready!
Anything interesting, I'll let you know.
>> We gotta find an excuse to raise the hood of the car, and put that radio out of commission.
First time he finds out they're looking for us together, we're through.
>> Nevermind the radio.
I'm not gonna take it anymore.
We gotta get him.
>> You can't beat him that way.
You give him one good reason and he'll kill us.
>> We gotta take the chance.
>> As long as he needs us, we'll stay alive.
When he gets ready to jump us, we'll jump him, not before.
Maybe today, maybe tomorrow.
(car door thuds) >> All right now.
>> They found Johnson's car.
They know I'm in Mexico, and they're looking for you too in the Chocolate Mountains.
Where are the Chocolate Mountains?
>> In Arizona near home.
>> Emmett: Not in Mexico?
>> No.
>> (chuckles) Well, what do you know?
That's where you told your wives you were going, huh?
Then you came to Mexico.
What for, dames?
You boys oughta be ashamed of yourselves causing all that trouble, telling lies.
They got everybody and his brother looking for you in them mountains.
(car engine humming) I told you to turn the radio on.
>> I did, takes time to warm up.
>> Try another station.
(car thuds) (horn blowing) Stop it, stop it!
>> I can't, I gotta pull up and disconnect it!
>> Then pull up!
(horn blowing) Go on, raise the hood!
And keep your hands on it!
(horn blowing) All right, Collins, get to work!
Get the right one the first time!
(horn blowing) Don't pull the radio wire!
(horn blowing) Faster, faster, I thought you were a mechanic!
>> I'm going as fast as I can.
The threads are frozen!
(horn blowing) (hood thuds) Watch it.
(birds chirping) Come on.
Throw the tools in the back.
(car engine humming) >> The radio, remember?
Make it work.
>> I can't.
>> Pull up.
So you did bust it, Collins.
(gun thuds) >> Cut it out!
He didn't do it!
It's the static in the hills!
Stations aren't strong enough in the daytime.
Tonight it'll work.
>> Tonight it better.
Take the wheel.
>> Now, in Punta Prieta, on August the 7th, three Americans stopped for provision at a store owned by Jose Andrade.
Andrade gave an accurate description of Myer as being one of them.
Another witness stated that three men came out of the store and drove away in a green sedan bearing the same plate.
>> This confirms our theory that Collins and Bowen are with him.
He seems to be heading South all right.
Staying clear of all main highways.
>> Exactly, now to the West, this is more or less barren, and would afford no means of escape.
His most logical move would be Santa Rosalia, then Guaymas.
(dramatic music) >> Make sure that fires out.
Pour the coffee on it.
(dramatic music) (car engine humming) Get down!
(dramatic music) I gotta get a closer look at that car!
On your feet!
Through there, at the other end lie flat, get going!
(dramatic music) Get a move on.
>> What are you trying to do, wreck it?
>> Drive like I tell ya.
(car engine humming) (tire pops) (tire thudding) Out!
>> What did I tell you?
>> Shut up, get that spare tire out and go to work, move!
(wind whooshing) (car engine rumbling) You keep working!
Keep your trap shut no matter what!
I'll be watching.
(car engine rumbling) (speaking in foreign language) >> Man: Do you need any help?
(speaking in foreign language) >> The search for Gilbert Bowen and Roy Collins now believed to have been last seen with Emmett Myers, mass killer, is being stepped up by the hour.
Helicopters are working in shifts scouring the entire area from El Centro South to the Gulf of California.
The planes are maintaining close liaison with the ground reporting isolated cars and campers.
The Mexican police have now joined this strange race against death.
(dramatic music) (speaking in foreign language) (dramatic music) (car engine humming) (wind whooshing) >> Hold it right there.
Around.
(crickets chirping) Break the lock.
(hammer thudding) (dog barking) Okay, one of you on the pump.
(dog barking) (gun firing) (pump clicking) (speaking in foreign language) >> Maudie and Gilbert Bowen.
(speaking in foreign language) >> Now, as you will notice, when interrogated at the roadblock, the man and his wife were very definite in their statement that they only saw two men.
This was below El Arco.
There is a part, however, which we feel is of importance.
The couple stated that the behavior of the men seemed strange.
That they refused to talk to them.
>> Of course, there's a possibility that Myers was nearby covering the two men, which would account for that behavior.
>> We are following through on that possibility.
>> Now, on the assumption that Myers is listening to the car radio, we're issuing these broadcasts in the States containing false information as to his whereabouts, and not connecting the two men with him.
We'd appreciate your cooperation in following the same procedure.
(dramatic music) >> This oughta be the main highway.
>> It isn't.
>> What do you mean?
>> Looks like an abandoned airstrip.
>> Well, it's okay for tonight.
Head over there.
(dramatic music) >> Gil: No, Roy, you're wrong, you're wrong.
>> It's no use you trying to talk me out of it.
Tonight I'm gonna chance it.
>> You're out of your mind.
>> I played it your way long enough.
From now on we're each on our own.
>> It's no good, we gotta stay together.
I told you that.
>> I get a break, I'm gonna take it.
You do whatever you want.
>> But I told... (coyotes howling) Across the runway there's trees.
>> Let's go.
(car engine humming) (dramatic music) Keep going!
(dramatic music) (tires screeching) (dramatic music) >> You guys are really dumb.
>> Why, you dirty... (fist thuds) (Roy grunts) (dramatic music) >> Thought I was asleep, huh?
You know, you're beginning to get ideas.
I don't like that.
Load him in the car.
Your buddy's all washed up for the night.
(dramatic music) Over there!
(dramatic music) Move!
(dramatic music) You, Collins, throw a rock down that shaft!
(dramatic music) (rock thuds) Nice and deep.
This is fine.
>> Cut it out!
If you're gonna kill us, do it and get it over with!
>> Thought you never killed without a reason?
>> Go get the rest of the can goods out of the car.
We'll have a real good meal.
(mellow music) (birds cawing) (mellow music) Psst!
(mellow music) >> Save them for the next guy that picks you up.
>> Anything you say.
>> Newsman: We interrupt this hour of music to bring you a flash bulletin.
California and Mexican police officials have abandoned their previously held theory that Emmett Myers is connected with the disappearance of Gilbert Bowen and Roy Collins of El Centro, California.
They have been missing since last Sunday night, supposedly on a fishing trip.
The police on both sides of the border now feel that Myers is traveling alone, and has apparently abandoned his intention of seeking escape by way of Santa Rosalia.
(mellow music) >> (chuckles) What do ya know?
This kind of changes my plans.
Looks like you and me are going fishing after all.
On your feet.
Head for the car, let's go.
>> We're not going any place.
>> Stand up!
(mellow music) What'd you do to it?
>> There's a great big hole in that crank case.
(mellow music) >> All right, we'll walk.
Just what sore ankle of yours needs, Collins, a nice long hike.
Get up!
Now get the fishing gear out of the back, move!
>> Stay with it.
He'll never leave you out here alive.
>> Yeah.
>> Cut the gab.
(helicopter engine humming) Get down!
(helicopter engine humming) Let's get going.
Maybe we'll have to leave you here, too bad.
(wind whooshing) >> Come on, Roy, try.
(wind whooshing) (plane engine humming) >> Here we are!
Here we are!
Can't you see us?
Look, here we are!
Down here!
Oh, please, God, hear me, hear me!
Come back, come back (crying)!
(dramatic music) >> Leave him alone.
Can't you see he's praying?
(dramatic music) (car engine humming) Get under the bridge, quick!
(car engine humming) (tires thudding) Relax.
Go ahead if you can stand the filthy stuff.
You know, Collins, you're just about my size.
Put you in a black shirt and dark pants with a leather jacket, you'd look just like Emmett Myers to anyone who never saw him.
Ain't nobody in Santa Rosalia ever saw him.
Let's change.
(gun clicking) Get up on the bank and take your clothes off!
(dramatic music) Come on, get up!
(dramatic music) (shouting in foreign language) (dramatic music) >> Looks great, doesn't it?
>> You won't be there long.
Collins, there are cops down there!
In those clothes they might shoot you!
>> That would solve all your problems, wouldn't it?
>> Not if they found they made a mistake, it wouldn't.
We'll hit some little joint on the outskirts.
I might even buy you boys a beer, get moving.
(dramatic music) (speaking in foreign language) Give us three beers.
(speaking in foreign language) >> He doesn't speak English.
(speaking in foreign language) >> When I want you to talk Mex, I'll tell you.
Sit down, Collins, rest your sore foot.
You can talk it now.
Ask him about the ferry to Guaymas.
I'll be watching his face.
If he starts looking frightened, I start shooting.
(speaking in foreign language) >> Friday, that's today, and Tuesday at nine o'clock.
>> Ask him where we catch it.
(speaking in foreign language) >> You're outta luck.
Ferry burned up.
It's being repaired in Guaymas.
>> You're lying, ask him if he knows anyone speaks English.
(speaking in foreign language) >> He says he has a cousin who speaks English, follow him.
>> Up.
(speaking in foreign language) (Cousin groans) (speaking in foreign language) >> Yes, sir.
>> What can I do for you?
>> We wanna find out about the ferry to Guaymas.
>> You wanna go fishing?
Too bad, no ferry anymore for the next two months maybe.
She burned up.
>> Thank you.
>> Cousin: Fishing is pretty good here.
Eh, not as good as Guaymas or La Paz, but okay.
You have motor boat?
>> Emmett: You know someone who has a boat?
>> Sure, sure, my friend, Jime, he had one.
Motor runs good.
>> How do we get to this Jime?
>> Cousin: In the mine where he works.
>> Let's go.
>> He's not finished until six.
I fix it for you tomorrow morning.
>> I wanna go now.
>> Cousin: No.
>> At six then.
>> By the time my friend gets the boat ready, there is no sun.
My friend does not like using too much boat at night.
He, he sees his wife and kids only at night.
>> Emmett: Give him some more.
>> For me?
>> Yeah.
>> Cousin: You pay my friend too?
>> Yeah.
>> You be at pier at 8:30.
The name of the boat is Estrella.
A thousand times, senor.
>> Good.
We'll go around to town, and wait by the water till it gets dark, let's go.
(waves crashing) (seagulls cawing) >> Hold it a minute, will you?
>> Hang on.
(waves crashing) (seagulls cawing) >> Better go fishing while you got a chance.
That's what you came down here for, wasn't it?
You guys are really fools.
If you weren't, one of you would've got away, but you kept thinking about each other, so you missed some chances.
You got tired.
You slowed down.
Now it's pretty late.
Yeah, tomorrow I'll be in Guaymas.
Too bad you're not making the whole trip with me (chuckles).
That'd be kind of silly, wouldn't it?
(waves crashing) >> You stink, Myers!
You smell just like your clothes!
Sure, you'll make it a Guaymas, but they'll catch up with you, and put you out of your misery!
You haven't got a chance!
You haven't got a thing except that gun!
You better hang onto it, because without it, you're nothing!
You're finished!
>> Shut up!
(speaking in foreign language) (dramatic music) (speaking in foreign language) >> No, Carlos (shouting in foreign language)!
>> No, no, no, no (shouting in foreign language)!
(dramatic music) (light guitar music) >> Hold it.
(cat meowing) (light guitar music) All right, Collins.
Now you get to take a nice little walk all by yourself down the alley and out on the dock.
Me and Bowen will follow.
If you try to tip anyone off, I'll let Bowen have it.
You wouldn't want that to happen, would you, get going.
(light guitar music) (boats creaking) (light guitar music) Go ahead, Collins, all the way out.
Keep under the lights.
(boats creaking) (shouting in foreign language) (guns firing) (shouting in foreign language) (guns firing) >> Roy: I'm not Myers, I'm not Myers!
(guns firing) Do you hear me?
I'm not Myers!
(dramatic music) (shouting in foreign language) (dramatic music) (shouting in foreign language) (dramatic music) (shouting in foreign language) >> Put your hands up.
Walk this way.
>> Do as he tells you, Myers.
You're all through.
(dramatic music) (Emmett gasping) (dramatic music) (fist thudding) (Emmett grunting) >> That's enough, that's enough!
(dramatic music) (shouting in foreign language) I'm sorry, we'll have to have full report, you understand?
>> Yeah.
(speaking in foreign language) It's all right now, Roy.
It's all right.
(dramatic music)
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