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Hitch-Hike (1978)
If there's one thing I'm a sucker for it's a movie that has David Hess as the lead villain. So when I heard about Hitch-Hike I was really anticipating the film a great deal. There's just something about Hess that's compelling as a villain that can just captivate an audience into believing him, but at the same time there is something there that's sympathetic. Bottom line is David Hess's charisma is rarely matched on screen. But that's something that makes Hitch-Hike different. Hess stars opposite of the very hot Corrine Clery and the outstanding Franco Nero, which gives it a dynamic that makes the film very unique.
Hitch-Hike is about Walter Mancini (Nero) and his wife Eve (Clery) who are on a cross country drive. They are constantly arguing and bickering as Walter is nothing more than an abusive drunk, that is constantly degrading his wife. Well, one thing leads to another and they end up giving the wrong man a ride. Enter David Hess's character Adam Konitz. From the very beginning you realize something is wrong, and that the movie is about change tone very quickly. It's amazing how many of Hess's films you could say that about. But once they pick him up the movie gets incredibly interesting and has one of the most dynamic stories I've ever seen in a film like this. There are twists and turns and some really awesome stuff that deliver like you wouldn't believe. It also helps that Nero plays a great role in this one to counter act Hess, and it works incredibly. Well, that and you get to see a lot of Corrine Clery nude which honestly wouldn't hurt any film.
Hitch-Hike is based on Peter Kane's "The Violence and the Fury" and is such a cool story that I certainly would love to read. If it's anything like this movie was, I know it's gonna be a killer read. Director Pasquale Festa Campanile does an excellent job of building suspense, adding in a bit of sleaze, and making on hell of a film. The locations are incredible as it was filmed in the mountains of Italy and it was to look like Northern California. Believe me, it pulls it off well and really adds to the atmosphere of the movie. It gives you the feel that they are so far removed from the population that the things in the movie could realistically happen. Also, Campanile really knew his cast and how to get what he needed out of them as Hess, Nero, and Clery are all excellent in the film.
Overall, I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Hitch-Hike. I wouldn't just say that it's something that exploitation and horror fans would like, but I think it's a film that would be enjoyed by most people. Great acting, great direction, and an all out underrated film that I would consider a must see for exploitation or David Hess fans.
Rating - ***1/2
-Ed Demko
