By Daniel Munslow

Last week saw the premier of South African movie, Hitchhiker. It is the first feature film from SA Wild Productions and Witch & Wizard Productions. Writer, director and producer, Chris du Toit, is well known for his film, theatre and literary works, but this is his most ambitious effort in film making.

Paul Gardyne, in his first film role, plays the role of a love-sick young bushveld boy, Regardt, who hitch hikes across the breath of the country in pursuit of his true love. This Durban-born actor displayed considerable talent in playing his tole, and I am sure we will be seeing more of him on the big screen in the years to come.

Lee Savage (who plays Charles Pilkington) adds an international flavour to the cast, in his role as the young English gentleman who drives his Rolls Royce across South Africa as part of a bet. He picks up the love-struck Regardt, and a comfortable friendship ensues, despite their completely opposiing economic and social standings.

The storyline was confusing at times, with scenes that did not add a great degree of value to the core story. Cast-members provided additional sideline stories that were never fully developed. Having said that, the complex relationship that develops between Regardt and Savage, against the backdrop of international art theft and love triangles, was heartfelt and real.

The movie also tackles social strata issues, homosexuality in modern day South Africa, the innocence of true love and the complexities of the lives of the rich and famous. Hitchhiker contains stunning footage from around the country, portraying South Africa as a land of beauty and splendor.

Additional cast

Following in the celebrity footsteps of their father, theatre impresario Richard Loring, are Natasha and Samantha Loring. Cape Town-based Natasha plays the lead role of Julie (Regardt's love interest), the affluent young lady whose parents send her to university in Cape Town, so as to get her away from the attentions of their neighbour's son who they consider low born and déclassé (Regardt). London-based Samantha plays the role of a fun, if slutty friend who seems to get with all Julie's boyfriends.

Other actors included New York-based swimsuit sensation, Justine Gundelfinger (who plays Patricia Pilkington). The late Roger Dwyer plays the role of Uncle Simon, who is at first portrayed as an art thief, only to later be positioned as the compassionate Uncle who wants to mend the damaged relationship between Charles and his wife Patricia.