The Great Race

The Great Race is a 1965 American epic comedy-adventure film written by Arthur Ross and William Bowers, and directed by Blake Edwards. The film stars Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Natalie Wood, among others. The story begins in America's heartland in the late 19th century, where our protagonist, The Great Leslie, played by Tony Curtis, is a charismatic and renowned daredevil motorist. Leslie, with his distinctive white suit, is not only a thrill-seeker but also an automobile enthusiast who sees the potential for mass production of cars. Leslie's passion for the automobile is so contagious that he convinces a group of auto manufacturers, led by the enthusiastic and somewhat gullible Rufus T. Firefly, to sponsor a grand adventure – a race from New York to Paris. The idea is to create a spectacle that will promote automobile sales and inspire the masses to take their first steps towards motorization. Leslie, being the champion he is, sees this as a perfect opportunity to showcase his skills and secure his place in history. As Leslie prepares for the grueling journey, his arch-nemesis, Professor Fate, played by Jack Lemmon, emerges as his main rival. Fate is a diabolical inventor and a ruthless competitor who is hell-bent on beating Leslie to the finish line. Fate, dressed in a striking black outfit and sporting a distinctive mustache, is equally driven to show off his own invention – a car that he believes will surpass Leslie's in speed and performance. Leslie's team, consisting of his loyal sidekick and mechanic, Peter Boyle, and the beautiful actress, Maggie Du Bois, sets out on their perilous journey from New York, accompanied by several other competitors. Meanwhile, Fate, with his trusted accomplices and mechanics, sets out to sabotage Leslie's chances of winning. As they navigate through the diverse landscapes of the United States, including the Midwest, the Rocky Mountains, and the deserts of the West, the two main competitors, Leslie and Fate, engage in a series of clever pranks, witty one-liners, and cunning schemes aimed at outwitting each other. Leslie, being the crowd-pleaser that he is, consistently gets the better of Fate, but the Professor is never far behind, often coming up with clever escape routes or disguises to evade detection. The journey westward across America takes Leslie and his team through treacherous terrain, ferocious weather conditions, and precarious events, but they always manage to stay one step ahead of their rivals. After crossing the Bering Strait, they enter Russia, where they are received as heroes by the locals and are lavished with praise and adoration. In the final act, the stakes are high as Leslie and Fate arrive at the outskirts of Paris, both determined to be the first to cross the finish line. In a thrilling conclusion, Fate unleashes his latest invention, a steam-powered car, which initially gives him an edge over Leslie. However, the Professor's vehicle eventually breaks down, allowing Leslie to cross the finish line first and secure his place in the history books. Despite the lighthearted and comedic tone of the film, The Great Race contains numerous references to the early days of automobile racing, with clever nods to the pioneers of the automobile industry, such as Karl Benz and Henry Ford. The film also showcases a range of impressive stunts, clever gags, and memorable performances from the ensemble cast. While The Great Race may not have been a commercial success in its time, it has since been recognized as a classic road movie and an early prototype of the buddy-comedy genre. The film's blend of adventure, humor, and action has captivated audiences for generations, and its iconic performances from Curtis, Lemmon, and Wood continue to entertain viewers to this day.