Feature1938·84m·6.0

They Drive by Night

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.

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Cast

Emlyn Williams

Shorty Matthews

Ernest Thesiger

Walter Hoover

Anna Konstam

Molly O'Neill

Allan Jeayes

Wally Mason

Anthony Holles

Murray

Ronald Shiner

Charlie

William Hartnell

Bus Conductor

Joe Cunningham

Detective Pryor

Yolande Terrell

Marge

Jennie Hartley

Landlady

Kitty de Legh

Mrs. Mason

Julie Barrie

Pauline

Hyma Beckley

Newspaper Seller (Uncredited)

William John Davies

Youth (Uncredited)

Edgar Driver

Customer at Charlie's (Uncredited)

Vi Kaley

Flower Seller (Uncredited)

Simon Lack

Roy Allen, Brother of Man to be Executed (Uncredited)

Basil McGrail

Lorry Driver at Crash Scene (Uncredited)

George Merritt

Detective (Uncredited)

Bernard Miles

Detective at Billiard Halls (Uncredited)

Details

Status
Released
Original language
English
Languages
English
Budget
Revenue
Age rating
Quality
4K UHD · HDR10 · Dolby Vision
Production
First National Film Distributors

Crew

Director

Arthur B. Woods

Writers

James Curtis, Paul Gangelin, Derek N. Twist

Basil Emmott

Director of Photography

Leslie Norman

Editor

Bretton Byrd

Original Music Composer

Gallery

Reviews

CinemaSerf

6/20/2022

7.0

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.