The Hitch-hiker story
Flashy American Paul Duveen stops to give elderly Irish vagrant Michael Fish a lift in his new BMW. Michael is a pickpocket, which comes in very handy after his encouragement to Paul to break the speed limit has attracted the attention of a traffic cop on a motor-bike, who waves them over. After the cop has gone, Michael shows a happy Paul that he stole the cop's notebook and evidence, but before long, Paul will be anything but happy. Directed by: Alastair Reid. Story by: Roald Dahl.
7 total · 2 major · 5 minor
| Theme | Level | Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| male bonding | major | Paul and Michael bonded briefly but then there was a betrayal. |
| theft | major | Michael Fish was a professional pickpocket and thief. |
| abuse of authority | minor | The policeman may have been nastier than duty called for, it was suggested. |
| con artistry | minor | Michael instilled Paul's trust in him and then drove off in Paul's BMW. |
| dangerous driving | minor | Reckless driving: 112 MPH when limit was 70. |
| helping a stranger in need | minor | Paul Duveen picked up aged Irish hitchhiker Michael Fish on the motorway. |
| pridefulness | minor | The Irishman took offense when Paul hazarded a guess that he made a living as a busker. The flippant remark he made in response to Paul's speculation might have lessened the Irishman's chances of swindling Paul. |