If The Academy ever decides to create a lifetime achievement award for 'Sleaziest On-Screen Bastard', David Hess would surely be a safe bet. In Hitch-Hike, Mr.H thumbs a ride with a two-bob newspaper hack (Nero) and his stunning wife (Clery), carrying baggage that includes murder, a suitcase containing $2 million and two partners-in-crime who are hot on his trail. Before long, Hess takes control of the situation, getting the upper hand over Nero after a particularly vicious fight. True to form, Hess decides it's way past time he gave Clery a five-star servicing, only to be interrupted by his former pals.
Touted as a "lost classic", Hitch-Hike fair sizzles during its 104 minute running time, with enough sex and savagery to satisfy all but the most jaded exploitation buff. Those same people will also have a ball with a trio of splendid performances; Clery winning and maintaining our sympathies, while using her feminine guile to keep Hess (and the audience) guessing, while Hess really does have his work cut out besting a supposedly 'good guy' adversary who eventually turns out to be at least his equal in the Mr. Nasty stakes: just check out the unbelievably callous finale and you may well come up with a pitch-black alternative ending to a certain David Cronenberg film. There's a haunting Twilight Zone-ish final shot, too. Here's one suitcase full of money that will never be spent.
