"The Hitch-Hiker," directed by Ida Lupino, marks a significant milestone as the first American mainstream film noir helmed by a woman. Released in 1953, it is based on the true story of Billy Cook, a psychopathic murderer. Lupino co-wrote the screenplay with Robert L. Joseph and Collier Young, incorporating elements of suspense and psychological tension. The plot revolves around two fishing buddies who unwittingly pick up a hitchhiker, Emmett Myers, portrayed by William Talman, who turns out to be a violent psychopath. The film masterfully builds tension as the trio journeys towards Mexico, with Myers holding the men hostage while evading the authorities. Lupino's direction, coupled with Nicholas Musuraca's cinematography, creates a claustrophobic atmosphere, amplifying the sense of dread. "The Hitch-Hiker" was rightfully preserved in the U.S. National Film Registry in 1998 for its cultural and historical significance.