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They Drive by Night main poster

They Drive by Night

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5.8/10 • 16

1938-12-011h 24m

CrimeThriller

“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.

Directors
Arthur B. Woods
Editors
Leslie Norman

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Emlyn Williams

    Emlyn Williams

    Shorty Matthews

  2. Ernest Thesiger

    Ernest Thesiger

    Walter Hoover

  3. Anna Konstam

    Anna Konstam

    Molly O'Neill

  4. Allan Jeayes

    Allan Jeayes

    Wally Mason

  5. Anthony Holles

    Anthony Holles

    Murray

  6. Ronald Shiner

    Ronald Shiner

    Charlie

  7. William Hartnell

    William Hartnell

    Bus Conductor

  8. Joe Cunningham

    Joe Cunningham

    Detective Pryor

  9. Yolande Terrell

    Yolande Terrell

    Marge

Reviews1

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CinemaSerf Avatar

CinemaSerf

Jun 20, 2022

7/10

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.

Media

  • They Drive by Night poster
  • They Drive by Night poster
  • They Drive by Night poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
--
Keywords
british noir