Sunday, April 19, 2015

They Drive by Night

Two brothers (George Raft and Humphrey Bogart) undertake the precarious duties of long haul California truck drivers, dealing with aggressive creditors, miserly vendors and bosses, and the constant threat of death due to lack of sleep and an underdeveloped highway system. Raoul Walsh's They Drive by Night switches gears so wildly and isn't exactly cohesive but is very effective and entertaining. Ann Sheridan is amiable as Raft's love interest, Alan Hale is hilarious as a drunken trucking boss, and Ida Lupino has a wild, demanding role as his vile, jealous wife.
*** 1/2 out of ****