Un-Redacted Redacted · True Crime Questions Answered

For today’s Noirvember review, Margaret Howie tackles The Hitch-Hiker. As previously discussed, Margaret is serving up a weekly review of a noir classic inspired by real-life events for paid Best Evidence subscribers, as part of the month-long celebration of film noir launched by Marya E. Gates in 2010.

This week’s film is about spree killer Billy Cook, whose Wikipedia entry makes a clear case for why he was worthy of a big-screen take. His story has everything, I say in my best Stefon voice: kids dumped in abandoned mine, a Texas gun acquisition, a shitty motel in a shitty California town, and motherfucking Alcatraz. Reading this thing, I am floored that The Hitch-Hiker is the only onscreen property about this guy. We get two Candys, and only one Billy Cook — and that adaptation is 70 years old! Someone get on this, but first, read Margaret’s review. — EB

Also! Margaret’s Noirvember series is only possible due to the support of Best Evidence readers. Paid subscribers are why we’re able to keep this publication going and to bring in voices like hers. As the holidays approach, please remember that BE makes a great gift — and that if you’re not an ongoing member, upgrading will be the greatest gift you can offer your BE scribes. — EB