We watched "The Great Race" last night and it is one of my favorite "classics" because I am a huge fan of Laurel and Hardy, and this film was dedicated to them.
Directed by Blake Edwards of Pink Panther fame, it is huge in scope and genius in characters.
The film is led by Tony Curtis as the dashing hero Leslie, or as he is well known, The Great Leslie. The femme fatale is wonderfully played by Natalie Wood as the steadfast suffragette, leading the way for womens rights.
The favorite of all the characters are the pairing of Jack Lemmon (who also has a dual role) as Professor Fate and Peter Falk as Max, his sidekick. Trying to foil Leslie's attempts at breaking world records in the early 20th century, they enter an automobile race across 3 continents from New York to Paris. Hijinks ensue!
This is one of those films from the mid 60's that has an overture at the beginning, an intermission, and a closing song. At 160 minutes, it seems like 3 movies in
one but all enjoyable. And of course it wouldn't be complete without a pie fight at the end!
Keep an eye out for some of your favorite character actors throughout, including Vivian Vance.
Trivia: As slapstick as the film is, the story is based on a true race.
Check out how close the cars look.
