Here is the story of four "Grand Prix" race-car drivers. We follow not only their competitions on the track, but also their mating habits off the track. First-billed James Garner (as Pete Aron) is an American who accidentally wipes out Brian Bedford (as Scott Stoddard) from Britain. The opening crash causes Mr. Garner to lose his sponsor and Mr. Bedford to be hospitalized. As both men plan comebacks, Garner takes up with Bedford's wife, a cynical and sexy Jessica Walter (as Pat Stoddard). Garner tells Ms. Walker she's different from the usual $100 hooker...
Meanwhile, retiring Yves Montand (as Jean-Pierre Sarti) from France is turning sour on the sport, while turning sweet on beautiful fashion magazine editor Eva Marie Saint (as Louise Frederickson). He's married to another woman, of course. The fourth racer is handsome young Antonio Sabato (as Nino Barlini), an Italian who attracts delicious Francoise Hardy (as Lisa). Mr. Sabato takes his other women in pairs. Yum, yum
The long romantic parts of "Grand Prix" become very tiresome...
Garner never captures the passion of either a racer, or lover of Ms. Walter. Montand and Ms. Saint play their roles well, but it's not much of a story. Bedford's part is the most engaging. Sabato is around to be sexy, but the end shows he and Montand on contrasting ends of careers. While the plot lines meander, the racing is exciting. Director John Frankenheimer and photographer Lionel Lindon thrillingly put you in the car. "The Cruel Sport" is acknowledged for its danger appeal. Every race in this movie includes some sort of accident, which is one reason people watch these drivers. But, don't tell.
****** Grand Prix (12/21/66) John Frankenheimer ~ James Garner, Eva Marie Saint, Brian Bedford, Yves Montand
Meanwhile, retiring Yves Montand (as Jean-Pierre Sarti) from France is turning sour on the sport, while turning sweet on beautiful fashion magazine editor Eva Marie Saint (as Louise Frederickson). He's married to another woman, of course. The fourth racer is handsome young Antonio Sabato (as Nino Barlini), an Italian who attracts delicious Francoise Hardy (as Lisa). Mr. Sabato takes his other women in pairs. Yum, yum
The long romantic parts of "Grand Prix" become very tiresome...
Garner never captures the passion of either a racer, or lover of Ms. Walter. Montand and Ms. Saint play their roles well, but it's not much of a story. Bedford's part is the most engaging. Sabato is around to be sexy, but the end shows he and Montand on contrasting ends of careers. While the plot lines meander, the racing is exciting. Director John Frankenheimer and photographer Lionel Lindon thrillingly put you in the car. "The Cruel Sport" is acknowledged for its danger appeal. Every race in this movie includes some sort of accident, which is one reason people watch these drivers. But, don't tell.
****** Grand Prix (12/21/66) John Frankenheimer ~ James Garner, Eva Marie Saint, Brian Bedford, Yves Montand