they drive by night be difficult to find ( a be many pre world war ii british title ) but well worth the effort . what start out a a standard crime drama take a startling turn into horror in the final reel . ernest thesiger ( best know a dr. pretorius in 1935 bride of frankenstein ) add the most interesting element to the film and to share any more would ruin the fun . emlyn williams a ex con shorty matthew carry the film . pity this poor fellow . he have the bad luck in the world . upon release from prison and his intention be to return to the arm of his girlfriend . unfortunately and someone have murder her that very day . naturally and police think he be the killer . shorty take to the road and hitchhike ride with truck driver and hop to stay free long enough for the police to find the real killer . one of the uncredited star of this film have to be rain . the constant pouring rain accentuate shorty trouble a he try to clear his name and ( excuse the pun ) add bucket of atmosphere to the movie . don not confuse the british they drive by night with the late u version star humphrey bogart . the only thing they have in common be the presence of truck driver .