Directed By: Lee H Katzin

A 1971 car flick, which centres on the big race, the 24 Hour Le Mans sports car classic. In the opening scenes Michael Delaney, McQueen, drives through countryside and villages to the Le Mans race track which is set out on public roads. It is between events and Delaney reaches the deserted track and parks near a section of recently repaired crash barrier. No dialogue, just pensive characteristically McQueen expressions and a flashback to the major prang in which it seems he was injured and the driver of the other car killed. No clue as to blame whatsoever.

The action then jumps to the next race in which Delaney is entered as the lead driver in the Porsche Gulf team. There is a chance meeting with the widow of the dead driver, more pensive expressions, implied emotions and then the race. It seems that Delaney is on the comeback trail after the big bingle and we have the usual Ferrari/Porsche rivalry and a bit of factory backed outfit vs privateer rivalry thrown in for good measure. Somebody warns Delaney to be careful, there are intriguing glances and asides between male and female characters and it is into the car action.

There is at least an hour of cars going round the track, drivers looking anxiously into rear vision mirrors and a couple of spectacular mishaps. I kept being reminded of the earlier film Grand Prix that differed in that it actually had some plot, predictable though it might have been. As you would expect, the films action via the race reaches a predictable climax, with Delaney in the thick of the action, which is followed by the titles.

This would have to be one of the most nothingness films I have ever viewed. As an avowed petrol head who has done a few seasons on the track himself I surprised myself by finding this effort so totally boring. To I say that the dialogue is minimal would not be true, better to say it is virtually non-existent! There is just lots and lots of cars going around, some big looses, the usual will it  wont it  woops here comes the rain scenes, some nasty prangs and gorgeous girls looking like they are less than happy with their beaus choice of weekend activity. If you want the positives; the photography is good as is Michel Legrands music.

The film certainly captures the immensity of this famous event, it is just a shame that more of a story could not have been woven into the action. There are two major race accidents which are very well staged, and shot, and definitely worth a rewind. I noticed some pit crew refuelling cars whilst wearing shorts which shows that this film is definitely from another era! The credits note that there was a death during shooting and I was left wondering whether it was a movie action death? McQueen fans will probably enjoy this DVD even though it does nothing to display any of his acting skills. As a car junkie himself he probably accepted the role for the add-on benefits, after all, he is listed as one of the drivers.

THE EXTRAS

A comprehensive range of languages is provided  Greek, French, German, English, Dutch, Spanish, Italian and Portugese; with sub-titles in English, German, French, Dutch and Portugese. Add scene selection and that is the extent of the extras.

CONCLUSION

A 1971 car flick, which centres on the big race, the 24 Hour Le Mans sports car classic. Delaney is on the comeback trail after the big bingle and we have the usual Ferrari/Porsche rivalry and a bit of factory backed outfit vs privateer rivalry thrown in for good measure.