THE STORY: A ghost thriller, this story has the quality of an anecdote out of American folklore, drawing as it does on the local color and place-names of the United States. It is the tale of Ronald Adams, an average motorist, who sets out to drive from Brooklyn to California, and early on his journey encounters a strange and inexplicable hitch-hiker. His efforts to explain, then avoid, and finally destroy the constantly appearing figure along the highway carry him through several episodes and many states until the adventure finally culminates in an amazing and terrifying climax in New Mexico. The play, like good ghost stories, hovers between reality and unreality. Its mood of deepening horror makes it a fine display piece for a young male actor, and at the same time, its dashes of local color, its episodic bits of human reality give opportunities for strong acting among the supporting players.
Adapted by the author from the original radio play, produced by Orson Welles. Usable either on the stage or as a P.A. “broadcast” behind the scenes for “live” audiences.
Included in the collection
Sorry, Wrong Number and The Hitch-hiker.
