Directed by:
Edgar G. UlmerCinematography:
Benjamin H. KlineComposer:
Leo ErdodyCast:
Tom Neal, Ann Savage, Claudia Drake, Edmund MacDonald, Tim Ryan, Esther Howard, Pat Gleason, Don Brodie, Harry Strang, Eddie HallVOD (1)
Plots(1)
Low budget director Edgar G. Ulmer cemented his reputation with this downbeat film noir masterpiece. It has since inspired countless filmmakers. The use of minimal sets and rear-screen projection gives a feeling of a claustrophobic nightmare as Al (Tom Neal) a down-and-out piano player, hitchhikes from New York to Los Angeles in order to be with his singer girlfriend (Claudia Drake). Fate has other plans for Al when he steps into the car of a character named Haskel (Edmund MacDonald), who promptly dies in his sleep one night while Al is driving. Afraid the cops will never believe the truth, Al takes Haskell's money, car, and identity, and tries to make it to Los Angeles, only to have fate intervene again when he picks up a mean-spirited female hitchhiker (Ann Savage). (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Reviews (2)
If you feel that better times are just around the corner, Murphy's Law will quickly correct you. The cynical narration by the protagonist well underlines the irony of fate, when a person, despite their best efforts, finds themselves going off in the wrong direction, and from which there is no return. [KVIFF 2019]
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When something goes wrong, it goes completely wrong. An unsuccessful person becomes even more unsuccessful, because that's how chance wants it. That it's a cheap film is noticeable especially when you think about it a little. Otherwise, it's an excellent example of a film noir with great classic elements of this genre. Especially the shadows and the voice-over are excellent.
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