Detour (1945)

"Detour" is a classic film noir that tells the story of Al Roberts (Tom Neal), a down-on-his-luck pianist who dreams of reuniting with his girlfriend, Sue (Claudia Drake), in Hollywood. He decides to hitchhike across the country, and along the way, he encounters a series of unfortunate events that lead to a downward spiral.

When Al accepts a ride from a mysterious gambler named Charles Haskell (Edmund MacDonald), their journey takes a tragic turn. During a rainstorm, Haskell dies of a heart attack, leaving Al in a precarious situation. Fearing the consequences of being found with a dead body, Al decides to assume Haskell's identity and continue his journey.

Things take a darker turn when Al picks up a hitchhiker named Vera (Ann Savage), a manipulative and dangerous woman who knows about his deception. She blackmails him into helping her claim Haskell's inheritance, further entangling him in a web of lies and deceit.

As Al becomes increasingly desperate, he makes a series of poor choices that lead to tragic consequences. The film explores themes of fate, chance, and the destructive power of greed and obsession.

"Detour" is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling, with its dark and gritty atmosphere, memorable characters, and a gripping plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.