They Drive By Night Blu-ray Review
“They Drive By Night” is an underrated film noir.
Based on the novel “Long Haul” by A.I. Bezzerides, 1940’s “They Drive By Night” is a film noir adapted for the screen by writers Jerry Wald and Richard Macaulay. The story revolves around the Fabrini Brothers (Joe and Paul) who work as truckers. The two are broke, they’re behind on payments for their truck and they are working for a shady employer (at the beginning of the film). As if that wasn’t enough, their work is nothing short of exhaustive. Paul also dislikes being away from his wife (and losing out on sleep). Joe wants to start his own business, but things don’t go as planned. Joe’s life takes a different turn as he falls in love with a former waitress named Cassie and winds up working for Ed (who owns a trucking business). Ed’s wife Lana has long had feelings for Joe, but he’s never shown interest in her much to her chagrin. Without delving too heavily into spoilers, the story takes a darker turn when a character winds up dead. Was murder involved and for what reason? All is revealed in the end.
“They Drive By Night” is a highly unusual film noir. The first half of the film plays like a dramatic road movie about truckers and their difficult and often dangerous life. The second half of the film is a straight up film noir complete with murder, snappy dialogue, and a femme fatale. The narrative shift could be jarring under less capable hands, but Raoul Walsh (who helmed many classic crime films like “White Heat” and “High Sierra”) makes the transition feel seamless. It never feels like two stories in one but rather one complex crime story set in the trucking world.
It certainly doesn’t hurt that ‘Night’ boasts a star-studded cast that contains George Raft, Ann Sheridan, Ida Lupino, Humphrey Bogart, and Alan Hale. George Raft (who was cast in many crime films) is perfect as the ambitious Joe. Humphrey Bogart shines as always as Joe’s brother and business partner Paul. Ida Lupino steals the movie as the jealous and crazed Lana who desires Joe. Alan Hale delivers an energetic performance as the business owner Ed. Ann Sheridan gives Cassie numerous layers.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.37:1 1080p. How does it look? In typical Warner Archive fashion, this B&W film gets a crisp hi-def transfer.
Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The audio is a little soft in spots, but is still adequate.
Extras:
* Original theatrical trailer
* Lux Radio Theater Broadcast radio drama adaptation.
* “Swingtime In The Movies” short film
* “Divided Highway: The Story Of They Drive By Night”- An archival featurette on the film.
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