They Drive by Night 1938
They Drive by Night
“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.
“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.
Videos & Photos
All 0 Videos & 6 Photoscast
Full Cast & Crew... Shorty Matthews
... Walter Hoover
... Molly O'Neill
... Wally Mason
... Murray
... Charlie
User reviews
See All 1 Reviews20 Jun 2022 by CinemaSerf
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.
Directors:
Producers:
Release Date:
Dec 01, 1938 (United Kingdom)
Run Time:
1hr 24`
MMPA Rating:
Original Language:
English
Production Countries:
United Kingdom
Status:
Released
Plot Keywords:

Related Movies To
They Drive by Night
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.
Cast & Crew of
They Drive by Night
Directors & Credit Writers
... Director
Cast
... Shorty Matthews
... Walter Hoover
... Molly O'Neill
... Wally Mason
... Murray
... Charlie
... Bus Conductor
... Detective Pryor
... Marge
... Landlady
KDL
Kitty de Legh... Mrs. Mason
JB
Julie Barrie... Pauline
HB
Hyma Beckley... Newspaper Seller (Uncredited)
... Youth (Uncredited)
ED
Edgar Driver... Customer at Charlie's (Uncredited)
VK
Vi Kaley... Flower Seller (Uncredited)
SL
Simon Lack... Roy Allen, Brother of Man to be Executed (Uncredited)
... Lorry Driver at Crash Scene (Uncredited)
... Detective (Uncredited)
... Detective at Billiard Halls (Uncredited)
Produced By
... Producer