What Is the First Road Trip Movie?

By Robert Palmer

Road trips have been a popular form of travel for decades. It’s a great way to see the world and experience new things.

But did you know that road trips have also been the subject of many films? In fact, there’s one film that is widely considered to be the first road trip movie ever made.

The film in question is called “It Happened One Night,” and it was released in 1934. Directed by Frank Capra and starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, “It Happened One Night” tells the story of a wealthy heiress who runs away from her family and elopes with a charming reporter.

What makes this film so important is that it set the standard for all road trip movies to come. It’s filled with iconic scenes that have since become staples of the genre, including hitchhiking, sleeping in motels, and even crossing a river on foot.

But perhaps the most memorable scene in the film is when Gable’s character teaches Colbert’s character how to hitchhike. He demonstrates how to use her legs as bait to attract passing cars and even shows her how to use her thumb to signal for a ride. This scene has since become one of the most famous moments in cinema history.

Overall, “It Happened One Night” is not only an entertaining film but also an important piece of cinematic history. It paved the way for countless other road trip movies that would come after it, including classics like “Easy Rider” and “Thelma & Louise.”

So if you’re a fan of road trips or just looking for some classic cinema to watch, be sure to check out “It Happened One Night.” You won’t be disappointed!