"Grand Prix" will be on the Speed Ch. at 12 noon Pacific time

[450knotOffice]

Just in case any of you have not seen this classic 1966 movie with James Garner. It has loads of great race footage all over Europe, including in-car (and in the foot well area too for some good shots of heel-toe). If you ever wanted to see what F1 racing was like in the mid sixties, here you go.

I'm going to TIVO it and then burn it to a disk.

[Gunter]

Thanks Scott.
The problem with these racing movies (Yes, even Le Mans) is the boring plots involving women.
But, if one leaves out the thin, stupid plots, the racing itself is pretty good.
What I am trying to say is that, if one wants to see a movie about relationships, fine, but, when it comes to racing, just show the racing.
Would be nice if one could just get the racing footage from Le Mans and Grand Prix etc.

[450knotOffice]

Well yea, but this one at least had a slightly more involved than Le Mans.

[Grady Clay]

I watched most of this yesterday for the first time in decades. The first 45 min is a MUST SEE interview with James Garner, John Frakenheimer and footage from the making of Grand Prix.

I went and bought the 2-disc DVD. Not only is the movie produced from a restored 65 mm spherical Panovision print but it also includes four+ more programs. Most significant is the Pushing the Limit: The Making of Grand Prix. The other four areFlat Out: Formula One in the Sixties, The Style and Sound of Speed and Brands Hatch: Chasing of the Checkered Flags, Grand Prix: Challenge of Champions and a Speed Channel little “Drive to Live” promo (something there should be more of). All for $15 from Best Buy. The picture is unbleeeavable on a 1080p and the disc is recorded using 5.1 - wow.

I can’t wait until HD-DVD price comes down as the movie is currently available in that format also. I understand that some of the original footage was filmed in 3D in that giant format. Can you imagine when that technology is available at a reasonable price?

Can we list other videos and sources for F1 of that era? How about the endurance races with Porsche?

Does anyone in the entertainment industry know if it is possible to have a screening of the original restored film? I’ll bet we could get enough subscribers in LA for a “private” showing in Cinerama if the screen still exists. Same with that other significant movie from Solar Productions.

What trailers are available there? Given that only a few percent of the film footage was used in the original production, you would think there is a possibility of an extended production. Sorta like what Dances With Wolves did only more so.

I also think we need a 911 movie with an equally talented director. Say a World Porsche Cup series with some IMSA involvement? How about some talented script writers stepping up (Gunter )? I’m talking about another real racing movie in the tradition of the above. Forget the computer generated faux movie tricks. With today’s miniature cameras and technology, it can all be “real” as Hollywood goes.

I think Porsche AG is missing the bet by not sponsoring (with no strings) script writing and other support. In whatever form, it sould be someone's great creative effort, not a finance committee.

I think it is possible to appeal to a general commercial audience (what pays for this) and also have the extreme of driving and technical. Not only are the technical aspects worthwhile in their own right but it is something unique for the general audience that most can appreciate.

I think this decade may offer the last real oppertunity for this.


I really want to take my hat off to Lee Katzin and particularly John Frakenheimer for directing the two most significant (yet) movies about motor racing. Whenever you have the chance, thank these guys.

Best,
Grady

[jester911]

Grady,
I totally agree about the interview. It really had a ton of insight in making the movie. I knew Garner was always credited with doing a great job driving but it turns out he could have done it for a living had he wanted to.

The stuff about Frankenheimer convincing Ferrari to come on board was really amazing. The movie would not have been close to what it is if that had not happened.

Many very cool things including using a Ford GT 40 to help with the filming.

I really need to get a hard copy of the movie and the interviews.

[HarryD]

Truly one of the great race films.

I had the fortune to see it at the theatre in Cimascope. My dad thought I was nuts to go. It was fantastic and even holds up now.

Anyone remember the article in Popular Mechanics (or is it Popular Science?) that detailed how the effects were done? It was pretty cool.

[450knotOffice]

Thank you for all of that info, Grady.

[JeremyD]

Grady rocks