Directed by Lamont Johnson • 1973 • United States
Starring Jeff Bridges, Valerie Perrine, Geraldine Fitzgerald
Based on an article by Tom Wolfe, this engrossing and authentic drama follows the saga of Junior Jackson (Jeff Bridges), the wild son of a backwoods North Carolina moonshiner (Art Lund). After his father is arrested, Junior turns to stock-car racing in order to raise the money to free his old man. Even as he chafes against the corporate realities of professional driving, Junior battles his way to the top one thrilling race at a time.
Up Next in ’70s Car Movies
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The Seven-Ups
Directed by Philip D’Antoni • 1973 • United States
Starring Roy Scheider, Jerry Leon, Tony Lo BiancoThe sole directorial effort by Philip D’Antoni—who had produced the hits BULLITT and THE FRENCH CONNECTION—features, like those films, one of the most thrilling car chases in all of cinema. This ...
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The Cars That Ate Paris
Directed by Peter Weir • 1974 • Australia
Starring Terry Camilleri, John Meillon, Kevin MilesThe debut feature from Australian New Wave legend Peter Weir is a brilliantly original blend of cracked comedy and macabre horror that Stanley Kubrick selected as one his all-time favorite films. Woe be...
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Dirty Mary Crazy Larry
Directed by John Hough • 1974 • United States
Starring Peter Fonda, Susan George, Adam RoarkeAfter robbing a supermarket to finance his racing career, wannabe NASCAR driver Larry (Peter Fonda) finds himself on the run from the law in a 1969 Dodge Charger, with thrill-seeking one-night stand Mar...
