The Devil Thumbs a Ride (1947)

Excellent but underrated film

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

THE DEVIL THUMBS A RIDE 1947I was not sure how this one would work for me. It has a reputation as a hard case example of film noir. I had also read that some found it somewhat over-rated. So I took the plunge and what I found, was a surprisingly effective lower budget winner.Laurence Tierney headlines as a killer on the loose. This one starts off in San Diego, where Tierney has just robbed a man making a drop off at a bank night deposit chute. Tierney was not above shooting the man when he was less than forthcoming with the cash.He soon hitches a ride going to L.A. from a salesman heading home after an office party. The man, Ted North has had a few too many and could use the company. They stop at a gas station to fuel up. North wants to call his wife, Marian Carr. Tierney now offers a ride to two dames, Nan Leslie and Betty Crawford.The viewer knows that this arrangement is going nowhere good, and right they are. The man Tierney robbed and shot, has died and an all points is sent out. The gas jockey at the filling station, Glen Vernon, hears a report over the radio and calls the Police. He soon identifies Tierney.Now the chase is on with a wild car chase and a motorcycle cop gets a rather close view of a rear car bumper. Tierney, North and the two girls end up hiding out at a small seaside cottage of a friend of North.The minor plot holes here are nicely covered up by the rapid pacing delivered from writer, director Felix Feist. Tierney is a hoot to watch as he goes from one level of nastiness to the next. Ted North is slightly out of place, but Betty Crawford and Nan Leslie are both excellent.All in all, a 62 minute thrill ride that does not fail to entertain.

Not the best film noir, but the story does have a grip that lasts to the fadeout. Bad boy Lawrence Tierney plays Steve Morgan, a charming criminal who has just robbed and killed a cashier at a movie theater. Jimmy Ferguson(Ted North)is a little tipsy returning home from a convention and picks up a hitch-hiker...Morgan. Along the way he convinces 'Fergie' to pick up a couple of women(Nan Leslie and Betty Lawford)and proceed to a friend's beach house to dodge roadblocks and hide from the law in hot pursuit. This melodrama turns very predictable very fast. Glen Vernon plays a gas station attendant that alerts the law to Morgan's whereabouts. Others in the cast: Marian Carr, Harry Shannon and William Gould. Running time is a mere 63 minutes, but is a worthwhile watch. THE DEVIL THUMBS A RIDE makes rare appearances on TCM.

I really need to see this little gem again. Tierney really is the whole movie.TCM runs "The Devil Thumbs A Ride" early in the mornings on rare occasions. On one of those I taped it several years ago, lent it to a brother and never got it back. GRR.Its plot is one those relentless, improbable stories with so many loose ends you cannot conceive of them all being tied up in 63 minutes.BTW, Tierney was the older brother of actor Scott Brady, who appeared in "He Walked By Night," "Johnny Guitar," "The China Syndrome" and many other films. More visible, but not as good an actor as his older bro. IMHO

An awesome film noir, an awesome film of any color...not to be missed. Expert pacing, classic dialogue, terrific story. Highly recommended for anyone who's looking for something new and different, an escape from the today's tired formulas. Sure, this film is formulaic itself, but you'll love it. And watch for some bizarre bit players.