Almost there, but not quite.

Rating: 6/10 (20 November 2005)

While certainly not one of Hitchcock's better films, Saboteur is an energetic and interesting ride nonetheless. Barry Kane (Robert Cummings) is an average Joe working at an aviation plant. A fire breaks out and his best friend is killed in the blaze. Incompetent Cops finger him as the main suspect and he sets off across the desert wilderness on a mission to clear his name.
Along the way he meets an assortment of eccentric characters including Patricia (Priscilla Lane) a blonde paperweight who initially slows him down but eventually believes he's innocent and decides to help. The story takes some interesting turns and develops a good deal of mystery. But there are some weird moments and plot holes that create confusion.
What is the deal with the telescope in Soda City that points to a dam? Why the fire in the aviation plant in the first place? Why the plot against the launching of the Navy ship? Why is a cinema audience laughing at a serious film with no funny bits happening? Why does Patricia pay her captors for the milk shake they got her? In regards to the first 3 points, these may be conspiracy plots that are part of a much bigger plan that is never really mentioned. But why not? I do hate exposition in movies but even a couple of suggestions here and there about the full story would have made a more satisfying film.
It is one of Hitchcock's many man on the lam/mistaking identity/wrong guy films and works rather well in that regard. But some parts just seems rushed and as a result the films seems a bit incomplete.