They Drive by Night poster
FilmThrillerCrime

They Drive by Night (1938)

1938-12-01 · 1h 24m · EN
58%
User score
13 votes
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“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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Arthur B. WoodsDirector

Media

Top billed cast

Full cast & crew →
Emlyn WilliamsEmlyn WilliamsShorty MatthewsErnest ThesigerErnest ThesigerWalter HooverAnna KonstamAnna KonstamMolly O'NeillAllan JeayesAllan JeayesWally MasonAnthony HollesAnthony HollesMurrayRonald ShinerRonald ShinerCharlieWilliam HartnellWilliam HartnellBus ConductorJoe CunninghamJoe CunninghamDetective PryorYolande TerrellYolande TerrellMargeJennie HartleyJennie HartleyLandladyKitty de LeghKitty de LeghMrs. MasonJulie BarrieJulie BarriePauline

Keywords

British noir

Movie DNA

Genre affinityThriller · CrimeTheme affinityBritish NoirVisual styleBritish NoirPacingShortDirector preference332064Actor preference342319 · 233582 · 300383

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Frequently asked questions about They Drive by Night

What is They Drive by Night about?

“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.

How long is They Drive by Night?

They Drive by Night has a runtime of 84 minutes.