A young man who escapes the clutches of a murderous hitchhiker is subsequently stalked by the hitcher and framed for his crimes.
Director:
Robert HarmonWriter:
Eric Red
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Title: The Hitcher (1986)
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We celebrate the life and legacy of Rutger Hauer, the award-winning actor best known for Blade Runner and The Hitcher.
3 wins.
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Edit
Cast
| Complete credited cast: | |||
| Rutger Hauer | ... | John Ryder | |
| C. Thomas Howell | ... | Jim Halsey | |
| Jennifer Jason Leigh | ... | Nash | |
| Jeffrey DeMunn | ... | Captain Esteridge | |
| John M. Jackson | ... | Sergeant Starr (as John Jackson) | |
| Billy Green Bush | ... | Trooper Donner (as Billy Greenbush) | |
| Jack Thibeau | ... | Trooper Prestone | |
| Armin Shimerman | ... | Interrogation Sergeant | |
| Gene Davis | ... | Trooper Dodge (as Eugene Davis) | |
| Jon Van Ness | ... | Trooper Hapscomb | |
| Henry Darrow | ... | Trooper Hancock | |
 |
Tony Epper | ... | Trooper Conners |
| Tom Spratley | ... | Proprietor | |
|
|
Colin Campbell | ... | Construction Man |
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Plot Synopsis
See All (118) »
Storyline
A young man transporting a car to another state is stalked along the road by a cunning and relentless serial killer who eventually frames the driver for a string of murders. Chased by Police and shadowed by the killer, the driver's only help comes from a truck stop waitress. Written by Keith Loh <loh@sfu.ca>
Plot Keywords:
hitchhiker | sociopath | torn in half | homosexual subtext | homoeroticism |Taglines:
He came from hell. Don't ask him where he wants to go. See more »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See more on IMDbPro »
See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
USARelease Date:
21 February 1986 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
The Hitcher See more »Edit
Box Office
Budget:
$6,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend USA:
$2,134,214, 23 February 1986Gross USA:
$5,844,868Cumulative Worldwide Gross:
$5,844,868Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Dolby Stereo (4 channels)Color:
Color (Metrocolor)Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
Edit
Jim Halsey: I don't know if I can say that.
John Ryder: Sure you can. Repeat after me. I...
Jim Halsey: I...
John Ryder: Want... want...
Jim Halsey: Want...
John Ryder: To...
Jim Halsey: To...
John Ryder: Die... Die.
Jim Halsey: I don't want to die!
See more »
Performed by Mickey Jones
Published by Mickey Jones Music (ASCAP)
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
At one point, Screenwriter Eric Red wanted John Ryder to have an electronic voicebox. See more »Goofs
When Halsey is seen running through gasoline , he is wearing blue Nikes with white stripes. A later glimpse seems to show an all white pair. See more »Quotes
[John wants Jim to say, "I want to die"]Jim Halsey: I don't know if I can say that.
John Ryder: Sure you can. Repeat after me. I...
Jim Halsey: I...
John Ryder: Want... want...
Jim Halsey: Want...
John Ryder: To...
Jim Halsey: To...
John Ryder: Die... Die.
Jim Halsey: I don't want to die!
See more »
Soundtracks
DON'T STOP LOVIN' MEPerformed by Mickey Jones
Published by Mickey Jones Music (ASCAP)
See more »
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The first time I saw this movie it just about terrified me....and few films have ever done that to me as an adult. Rutger Hauer was haunting as the demented killer.
The film moves very fast in this story of a maniac stalking a young motorist (C. Thomas Howell). Two subsequent viewings have quieted the fear but it's still a very chilling film and should keep most people riveted to the screen. It's an hour- and-a-half that will fly by with action and suspense.
On the negative side, not once but twice we have to watch Howell vomit. Neither he nor female lead Jennifer Jason Leigh are likable "good guys." (Of course, when has Leigh ever been a "good person" on screen?) The police, as usual in films, are pictured as sadistic, short-tempered idiots. Finally, credibility gets stretched a bit, particularly in the last 30 minutes.
So....expect a lot of good and a fair share of bad in this film. But, overall, it will be a film that will get your attention, beginning with Mr. Hauer.