They Drive By Night (1940) [Warner Archive Blu-ray review]

You ever watch a film you thought you saw, but then realized you haven’t seen it in ages. That was the case for me and They Drive By Night. Hell, I forgot how much of the movie was carried by Ida Lupino. But, that’s what happens when we revisit movies that have fallen through the cracks. New discoveries, revelations and wisdom gained from age start taking over and coloring how we approach certain tales. So, let’s begin.

Some background basics on They Drive By Night

“They Drive By Night” stars George Raft and Humphrey Bogart as Joe and Paul Fabrini, brothers and truck drivers who face the harsh realities of their profession. Alongside them, Ann Sheridan and Ida Lupino deliver powerful performances, with Lupino’s portrayal of Lana Carlsen being particularly noteworthy. The film is based on the novel “Long Haul” by A.I. Bezzerides and adeptly combines elements of a working-class drama with those of a suspenseful pre-noir, making it a multifaceted cinematic experience. Basically, a taste of what we had experienced with social dramas of the 1930s and a taste of the crime fiction appearing after the upcoming WWII.

What’s They Drive By Night about?

The narrative follows the Fabrini brothers as they struggle to make a living and dream of owning their trucking business, battling exploitation, fatigue, and the perilous conditions of their work. The film takes a dramatic turn with the introduction of Lana Carlsen, a pivotal character whose actions drive much of the second half’s suspense and dark themes.

George Raft and Humphrey Bogart together again

Joe Fabrini, portrayed by George Raft, is the determined and ambitious protagonist, whose resilience and loyalty to his brother Paul, played by Humphrey Bogart, anchor the film. Paul’s tragic arc adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of their profession. Ann Sheridan’s portrayal of Cassie Hartley provides a strong, compassionate counterpoint to the brothers’ world, while Ida Lupino’s Lana Carlsen is the film’s standout character, delivering a complex, nuanced performance that steals the show.

They Drive By Night was probably the last angry movie of The Depression

“They Drive By Night” delves into themes of ambition, loyalty, and the pursuit of the American Dream, juxtaposed against the backdrop of the trucking industry’s harsh realities. The film also explores the destructive nature of obsession and jealousy through Lana’s character, whose descent into madness is both a personal tragedy and a commentary on the dark side of desire.

Let’s talk about Raoul Walsh

Raoul Walsh’s direction is adept, navigating the film’s tonal shifts from the gritty realism of the trucking scenes to the noirish elements of the latter half with skill. The cinematography captures the exhaustion and danger of the truck drivers’ lives, using shadows and lighting to enhance the narrative’s mood and tension, particularly in the film’s more suspenseful moments. Given the time of release and what would come after World War II, one might make the case for Walsh’s direction being ahead of its time.

The last angry film about the Great Depression

Released in 1940, “They Drive By Night” reflects the era’s economic anxieties and the American working class’s struggles. It also stands out for its early exploration of female ambition and madness, themes that would become more prevalent in later noir films. The film’s depiction of the trucking industry offers a window into a rarely explored aspect of American life, making it a valuable historical document as well as an entertaining narrative.

The legacy of the later Depression movies

The performances in “They Drive By Night” are uniformly strong, with Raft and Bogart providing a believable portrayal of brotherly bonds tested by adversity. However, it is Ida Lupino’s performance that is often singled out for praise; her portrayal of Lana Carlsen is both sympathetic and chilling, contributing significantly to the film’s impact and enduring appeal.

“They Drive By Night” remains a notable film in the careers of its stars and director Raoul Walsh. It is celebrated not only for its thrilling narrative and complex characters but also for its contribution to the genres of drama and film noir. The film’s exploration of themes related to work, family, and ambition continues to resonate, making it a compelling watch for contemporary audiences.

Final thoughts on They Drive By Night

“They Drive By Night” is a testament to the power of classic Hollywood filmmaking, blending drama, action, and noir elements to create a richly textured cinematic experience. With its strong performances, especially by Ida Lupino, and its exploration of significant themes, the film offers a poignant look at the American Dream’s complexities and the human spirit’s resilience. As a piece of cinematic history, it stands as a multifaceted work that entertains, challenges, and endures.

Now, let’s talk about that Warner Archive Blu-ray

They Drive By Night comes to Blu-ray from Warner Archive in a stellar release. Now, while I’m a lover of classic cinema, I always used to confuse this one with They Live By Night. No idea why, just the crazy stuff your brain does when observing too many titles. I’ve never read the source novel upon which They Drive By Night is based. However, I wonder how it approaches the characters differently. Because my first takeaway after finishing the Blu-ray was that a lot of the dramatic action felt crowded.

The special features included on disc range from the Lux Radio Theater Broadcast to the standard featurettes. You get a classic WB Short entitled Swingtime in the Movies. Plus, you get the trailer thrown in for good measure. But, what does it mean for the typical Warner Archive fan? Not a ton, as this special feature ensemble is pretty standard. The A/V Quality is what will carry the film with a robust DTS-HD 2.0 mono track that lifts up the original elements. However, I found a bit of black level crush in the 1080p transfer.

They Drive By Night has fallen off a bit with the mainstream. However, it’s a stunning drama pairing George Raft and Humphrey Bogart at the peak of their powers. The transfer is strong enough, even if it didn’t thrill me. But, this is the kind of film that feels like it would be better served by watching in historical segments. Sort of a Pre-Noir or look at Hollywood right before World War II sort of cinematic course. Oh well, check it out if you are interested.

They Drive By Night is now available from the Warner Archive Collection. Purchase your own copy at MovieZyng!