They Drive by Night Poster

They Drive by Night 1938

★ 5.816 votes84 min📅 1938-12-01

Dive into the shadowy underbelly of 1930s London with *They Drive by Night (1938)*, a gripping crime thriller directed by Arthur B. Woods.

Director: Arthur B. Woods

Cast

Emlyn Williams
Emlyn Williams
Shorty Matthews
Ernest Thesiger
Ernest Thesiger
Walter Hoover
Anna Konstam
Anna Konstam
Molly O'Neill
Allan Jeayes
Allan Jeayes
Wally Mason
Anthony Holles
Murray
Ronald Shiner
Ronald Shiner
Charlie
William Hartnell
William Hartnell
Bus Conductor
Joe Cunningham
Detective Pryor
Yolande Terrell
Marge
Jennie Hartley
Landlady

Frequently Asked Questions

What is They Drive by Night (1938) about?

The film follows ex-con 'Shorty' Matthews, who discovers his girlfriend has been murdered just after his release from prison. Fearing he'll be framed, he flees into the world of long-distance truckers, only to become the top suspect. With an unlikely ally, he races to clear his name before the real killer strikes again.

Who directed They Drive by Night?

Arthur B. Woods directed *They Drive by Night (1938)*, bringing a sharp eye for suspense and atmospheric tension to this classic crime noir.

Who stars in They Drive by Night?

The film features Emlyn Williams as the lead, alongside Ernest Thesiger, Anna Konstam, Allan Jeayes, and Ronald Shiner in key roles.

Is They Drive by Night (1938) worth watching?

As a vintage crime thriller, *They Drive by Night* holds up well with its tight plot and moody atmosphere. While it lacks modern polish, its suspense-driven narrative and classic noir elements make it a solid pick for fans of early crime dramas or anyone curious about 1930s British cinema.

How long is They Drive by Night?

They Drive by Night (1938) has a runtime of 84 minutes.

About They Drive by Night (1938) — A 1930s Crime Noir Chasing Truth and Paranoia

Dive into the shadowy underbelly of 1930s London with *They Drive by Night (1938)*, a gripping crime thriller directed by Arthur B. Woods. This atmospheric noir follows 'Shorty' Matthews, a reformed ex-con who stumbles upon his girlfriend's brutal murder mere hours after his prison release. Terrified of being framed for a crime he didn't commit, he vanishes into the gritty world of long-haul truckers, only to realize he's become the prime suspect. Meanwhile, the real killer—a seemingly harmless ex-schoolteacher—continues his chilling spree, preying on unsuspecting women across the city. Packed with suspense and moral ambiguity, the film explores themes of injustice, fear, and the facades people wear to blend into society.

Starring Emlyn Williams as the desperate Shorty and Ernest Thesiger as the eerie Walter Hoover, *They Drive by Night* delivers a tense, atmospheric ride through London's darker corners. With its moody cinematography and tight pacing, Woods' direction crafts a suspenseful narrative that keeps viewers guessing until the final frame. Whether you're a fan of classic crime dramas or just love a good whodunit, this 1938 gem offers a compelling blend of intrigue and old-school noir charm.