Road Games Plays with Hitchcockian Thrills [The Rabid Dog’s House]

The Rabid Dog’s House is a recurring feature at Wicked Horror where contributor Justin Steele uncovers hidden gems, lost classics, and overlooked indie offerings with a little bite. Flying solo or with his co-host Zena Dixon, he will discuss an array of topics covering film, literature, and television. Check out the latest installment below. In this episode we’re looking back at 1981’s Road Games!

1981’s Road Games is directed by Richard Franklin and stars Stacy Keach, Jamie Lee Curtis, Marion Edward, and Grant Page. Pat Quid (Keach) is an imaginative American truck driver hauling meat across Australia. One night outside a motel, Pat sees a man (Page) with a hitchhiker go into a motel, and the next morning he starts to play an imaginary game that the man is possibly a killer. Unfortunately, this coincides with news reports of a real madman picking up hitchhikers. Pat eventually picks up his own hitchhiking companion (Curtis), and the two soon realize that their playful road games of identifying a killer is leading them straight into the crosshairs of a psychopath.

Director Richard Franklin was a self-proclaimed Hitchcock fan, and the 1981 feature gleefully stirs Hitchcockian ideas. As a concept, Road Games is Rear Window on wheels in the Australian outback. Featuring easy chemistry between charismatic leads Stacy Keach and Jamie Lee Curtis, this one is for the horror fan that would enjoy a 1980s take on Hitchcockian-inspired themes.

Join Justin and Zena below as they discuss 1981’s Road Games!