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The Spaceman · 03-14-2012, 04:10 AM

The only motorcycle in this movie is a two-stroke 350 one of the Formula 1 drivers rides in to a party. But watch it anyway.

Released in 1966, this 3-hour movie has some of the most incredible on-track footage of almost all of the F1 racing venues across Europe. The cars are amazing; 180 mph with NO downforce, skinny treaded tires, and little or no driver protection. This was an era when spectators were literally walking across the tracks while the races were in progress. The opening race in Monaco is worth the rental alone; this was when they truly raced on public streets, and if you slipped up, you went into a house, a tree, or the Mediterranian!

The director mixes in "live' race footage with what I assume were staged segments with the actors actually in the cars on the track. James Garner shares the leading man role with Yves Montand, and both are terrific.

It's not as "pure" a racing movie as McQueen's LeMans, which followed this film about 5 years later. But the backstories are well done and entertaining, and the locations they are shot on are stunning.

Five stars!

The_AirHawk · 03-14-2012, 09:23 AM

Strangely enough, I've seen Grand Prix - TWICE: but have yet to see LeMans - and I'm a McQueen Fanboi....

seruzawa · 03-14-2012, 09:50 AM

I saw it in Cinerama when it came out. An experience hard to beat.

Buzglyd · 03-14-2012, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seruzawa

I saw it in Cinerama when it came out. An experience hard to beat.

Dude you are kickin' it old Skool.

Cinerama is L.A. all the way.

03-14-2012, 04:10 AM	#1
The Spaceman Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 2,392	Grand Prix The only motorcycle in this movie is a two-stroke 350 one of the Formula 1 drivers rides in to a party. But watch it anyway. Released in 1966, this 3-hour movie has some of the most incredible on-track footage of almost all of the F1 racing venues across Europe. The cars are amazing; 180 mph with NO downforce, skinny treaded tires, and little or no driver protection. This was an era when spectators were literally walking across the tracks while the races were in progress. The opening race in Monaco is worth the rental alone; this was when they truly raced on public streets, and if you slipped up, you went into a house, a tree, or the Mediterranian! The director mixes in "live' race footage with what I assume were staged segments with the actors actually in the cars on the track. James Garner shares the leading man role with Yves Montand, and both are terrific. It's not as "pure" a racing movie as McQueen's LeMans, which followed this film about 5 years later. But the backstories are well done and entertaining, and the locations they are shot on are stunning. Five stars! __________________ *"Adidas has officially unveiled the Adidas Bystander, the first shoe designed for running away from a mass public shooting."*

03-14-2012, 09:23 AM	#2
The_AirHawk Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Leanin' Tower O' P-P-P-P-POWAAAAAAAAA!!!! Posts: 11,428	Strangely enough, I've seen Grand Prix - TWICE: but have yet to see LeMans - and I'm a McQueen Fanboi.... __________________ *Parfois, on fait pas semblant* Sometimes, it's not pretend Oderint Dum Metuant Let them hate so long as they fear политики предпочитают безоружных крестьян Politicians Prefer Unarmed Peasants Nothing to see here, Citizen. Move along now...

03-14-2012, 09:50 AM	#3
seruzawa The Toad Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: 8501 ft. Posts: 17,400	I saw it in Cinerama when it came out. An experience hard to beat. __________________ http://www.badmovies.org/movies/deadalive/ I kick @ss for the Lord!

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