The Devil Thumbs a Ride (1947)

The Devil Thumbs a Ride is a vintage film noir made by a director with something of a cult following as a director of atmospheric, extremely low-budget films such as The Man Who Cheated Himself. In The Devil Thumbs a Ride, a drunk salesman, Jimmy (Ted North) gives a ride to a hitchhiker Steve (Lawrence Tierney), an escaping murderer. He also picks up two young girls, and they all hide out in a beach house as the police close in. The ending is a surprise to even seasoned film noir fans. Lawrence Tierney one of the best of the hard-boiled, tough guy actors is great as the confident, menacing Steve. Considered a reliable director of "B" movies during his lifetime, Feist has become respected by film buffs everywhere for his ability to convey a unique, dark sensibility and mood.