Performance & Direction: The Devil Thumbs a Ride Review
Last updated: February 20, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Devil Thumbs a Ride (1947) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Devil Thumbs a Ride features a noteworthy lineup led by Lawrence Tierney . Supported by the likes of Ted North and Nan Leslie , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: The Devil Thumbs a Ride
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1947, The Devil Thumbs a Ride is a Thriller, Crime film directed by Felix E. Feist. The narrative builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Lawrence Tierney.
Ending Explained: The Devil Thumbs a Ride
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Felix E. Feist, The Devil Thumbs a Ride concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Lawrence Tierney, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Devil Thumbs a Ride reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Devil Thumbs a Ride Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Devil Thumbs a Ride incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a thriller, crime film directed by Felix E. Feist, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Lawrence Tierney's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The Devil Thumbs a Ride adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Devil Thumbs a Ride?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Lawrence Tierney or the director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Top Cast: The Devil Thumbs a Ride
All Cast & Crew →
The Devil Thumbs a Ride Parents Guide & Age Rating
1947 AdvisoryWondering about The Devil Thumbs a Ride age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Devil Thumbs a Ride is 62 minutes (1h 2m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, The Devil Thumbs a Ride is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1947 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Devil Thumbs a Ride worth watching?
The Devil Thumbs a Ride is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Devil Thumbs a Ride parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Devil Thumbs a Ride identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Devil Thumbs a Ride?
The total duration of The Devil Thumbs a Ride is 62 minutes, which is approximately 1h 2m long.
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How The Devil Thumbs a Ride Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Devil Thumbs a Ride
The Devil Thumbs a Ride (1947) The Tierney Terror. The Devil Thumbs a Ride is directed and written by Felix E. Feist. It stars Lawrence Tierney, Ted North, Nan Leslie, Betty Lawford, Andrew Tombes, Harry Shannon, Glen Vernon and Marian Carr. Music is by Paul Sawtell and cinematography by J. Roy Hunt. After just robbing a San Diego theater and killing the manager, Steve Morgan (Tierney) hitches a ride to Los Angeles with Jimmy Ferguson (North), a trusting young salesman. After a stop at a gas station, the two men pick up a couple of dames looking for a ride, and soon Morgan is manipulating everyone so as to stay ahead of the cops looking for him. Compact at just over an hour in length, The Devil Thumbs a Ride thrives on account of Tierney’s strong performance. He in turn exudes a charming veneer and a cold hearted darkness that unnerves throughout. The set-up is pretty thin and even the most forgiving of noir fans will attest that the sheer idiocy of the other passengers beggars belief. No matter what Morgan does, however crazy or evil, he will spin a yarn and the dopes fall for it. While a plot strand that sees the head detective take a member of the public with him in pursuit of Morgan, is pushing it a bit too far. Still, once the four of them reach a beach house belonging to a friend of Ferguson, the picture gathers apace and the drama explodes to reveal its bloody denouement. Good noirish characters and Tierney on form ensure it’s never less than entertaining, though the weakness of the writing asks a lot of the audience. 6/10
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
