Wildcat Bus (1940)

In the throes of an impending financial crisis, the once affluent Jerry Waters II finds himself on the brink of losing everything, save for his car and his loyal chauffeur, Pete Donovan. As desperation takes hold, Donovan secures work with Federated Bus Lines, a thriving family-run operation helmed by Charles Dawson and his daughter Theodora, fondly known as "Ted," which commands the bus franchise spanning the entire US west coast. Jerry, however, with his arrogant demeanor, fails to land a role with them and instead, finds himself embroiled in a turbulent journey with Sid Casey, driving his own car for unlicensed passenger transport within the same territory. Unbeknownst to Jerry, a sinister plot is slowly unraveling. The crafty Emma "Ma" Talbot, the true brains behind Casey's operation, seeks to decimate Federated and usurp its franchise. Her ruthless strategy involves undercutting Federated's prices, orchestrating bus malfunctions through her inside man, mechanic Joe Miller, and causing traffic accidents via her accomplice, Burke. Another cog in her complex scheme is Stanley Regan, who infiltrates Federated buses, enticing passengers with the allure of a cheaper alternative. As Jerry and Ted's paths intertwine, an unexpected romance blossoms amidst the chaos of their shared industry. Together, along with Donovan, they find themselves embroiled in a thrilling race against time. They must unravel the threads of Casey and Ma's intricate plot before Federated crumbles under the weight of their subterfuge, and before Jerry or Donovan become the next victims of the staged road accidents. "Wildcat Bus" is a riveting journey of intrigue, love, and survival, where the stakes are as high as the Pacific Coast Highway and trust is as elusive as the California fog. As a small bus company fights to sustain its legacy against a band of ruthless "wildcatters," viewers are taken on a thrilling ride along the profitable Los Angeles-to-San Francisco route, where every turn holds a new surprise.

Wildcat Bus is a crime movie featuring Fay Wray.

Wildcat Bus is currently streaming on DIRECTV.