Main Cast: Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Robert Wagner, Richard Thomas, David Sheiner
Release Year: 1969
Country: US
Run Time: 120 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Plot
Successful racecar driver Capua (Paul Newman) falls in love with Elora (Joanne Woodward). The two marry and settle down with Elora's 13-year-old son Charley (Richard Thomas). The honeymoon is short-lived as Capua must spend his time away from home on the racing circuit. Soon the racer's luck begins to change as his main rival Luther Erding (Robert Wagner) begins to best him at every race. Capua has a one-track mind and realizes too late that his wife is being lapped by the rival racer not only on the track but in the bedroom as well. He comes home to find his wife in bed with Luther, and he promptly leaves. Young Charley hitchhikes across country in an attempt to bring the couple towards a reconciliation. Richard Thomas, who would later star in the television series "The Waltons," makes his film debut. Spectacular footage from Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin and Indianapolis is used, including a 17-car pile-up. Cameo appearances are made by racers Bobby Unsur and Tony Human. After doing all his own driving during filming, Paul Newman would develop a lifelong passion for auto racing beginning with this film. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
Clu Gulager - Larry; Barry Ford - Bottineau; Toni Clayton - The Girl; Maxine Stuart - Miss Redburne's Mother; Robert Quarry - Jagin; Paulene Myers - Cleaning Woman; Ray Ballard - Trombone Player; Charles Seel - Eshovo; Alma Platt - Mrs. Eshovo; Harry Basch - The Stranger; Allen Emerson - Desk Clerk; Marianna Case - Motorcycle Girl; Carolyn McNichol - Party Girl; George Mason - Indianapolis Policeman; Mimi Littlejohn - Indianapolis Queen; Pat Vidan - Starter; Bruce Walkup - Driver No. 1; Timothy Galbraith - Drivers; Lou Palmer - Indianabpolis Interviewer; Jay Reynolds - Indianapolis Interviewer; Tony Hulman - Himself; Bobby Unser - Himself; Eileen Wesson - Miss Redbum 200; Karen Arthur - Miss Dairy Queen
Credit
Joe Alves - Art Director, Alexander Golitzen - Art Director, John J. Lloyd - Art Director, Edith Head - Costume Designer, James Goldstone - Director, Richard Meyer - Editor, Edward A. Biery - Editor, Dave Grusin - Composer (Music Score), Bud Westmore - Makeup, Richard Moore - Cinematographer, John C. Foreman - Producer, George Milo - Set Designer, John McCarthy - Set Designer, Frank Brendel - Special Effects, Waldon O. Watson - Sound/Sound Designer, Howard Rodman - Screenwriter
