Red Line 7000 (1965)

Young stock car drivers vie with each other in trying to establish themselves in the competitive world of racing. Meanwhile, romantic complications entangle three racers. Directed by Howard Hawks (ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS), this attempt by the veteran auteur Hawks to get with the "new" Hollywood is a huge misstep in his career. He must have realized it because he returned to traditional form with his last two movies, EL DORADO and RIO LOBO. The film is essentially a series of racing footage, both stock and specifically shot for the movie, interspersed with scenes focusing the love lives of the racers. Even Hawks enthusiasts have a hard time defending the movie although Robin Wood and Quentin Tarantino are huge admirers of the film. With the exception of James Caan who was on the verge of a major career, the cast is comprised of unknowns and most of them drifted off to obscurity. Some deservedly so like the awful John Robert Crawford whose only film credit this is and Gail Hire who deserved a somewhat better fate. Three performances stand out: Caan of course, Norman Alden and the undervalued Marianna Hill. But the film is a morass of cliches and the Crawford/Laura Devon story line is pathetic. Devon is essentially a doormat with Crawford walking all over her and when he dumps her, she weeps away hoping he'll return. Ugh! Even Hawks disliked the film. If you're into racing movies, stick with GRAND PRIX (1966). With Teri Garr, Charlene Holt, George Takei and Skip Ward.