Le Mans

Le Mans

Year: 1971

Runtime: 106 min

Director: Lee H. Katzin

ActionAdventureDramaSport

During the grueling 24-hour endurance race at Le Mans, legendary racer Steve McQueen portrays Michael Delaney, an American driver battling a troubled past. He competes against the skilled German racer, Siffert, piloting a Ferrari. Delaney is haunted by a past accident involving his former racing partner, leading to a personal struggle intertwined with the intense competition on the iconic French track. The film showcases the speed, skill, and danger of auto racing at its highest level.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Le Mans (1971)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Le Mans (1971). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1970

The movie takes place during the significant 38th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970. This was a pivotal time for endurance racing, featuring intense competition among leading manufacturers and showcasing advances in automotive technology and racing strategies.

Location

Le Mans, French countryside

Le Mans is a city in France known for its iconic racetrack, the Circuit de la Sarthe, which hosts the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans race. The surrounding French countryside offers picturesque landscapes that create a serene backdrop for the high-speed action of motorsport events.

🇫🇷 France 🏎️ Motorsports

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:57

Main Characters – Le Mans (1971)

Meet the key characters of Le Mans (1971), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mike Delaney (Steve McQueen)

Mike Delaney is a determined and skilled racing driver who carries the weight of a past tragedy. His ambition drives him to compete in the prestigious Le Mans race, and his complex emotions are evident as he navigates rivalry and past relationships. Throughout the race, he embodies perseverance and courage amidst the chaos of competition.

🏎️ Racer 😔 Grief

Lisa Belghetti (Elga Andersen)

Lisa Belghetti is the widow of Piero Belghetti, whose tragic death during a race casts a shadow over the events. Her character encapsulates the emotional turmoil of loss, while also serving as a connection to Mike Delaney, illustrating the intersections of love and grief within the racing world.

💔 Loss 💖 Love

Erich Stahler (Siegfried Rauch)

Erich Stahler is a competitive and skilled driver, representing both a rival and an ally to Mike Delaney. Their shared history of rivalry adds tension to the race, while his character showcases the dedication and passion required to succeed in the demanding world of motorsport.

🏁 Rival 🏎️ Competitor

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:57

Major Themes – Le Mans (1971)

Explore the central themes of Le Mans (1971), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏁 Racing

The theme of racing permeates the film as it chronicles the high-stakes world of endurance racing. It encapsulates the rivalry and camaraderie among drivers, showcasing the thrill of competition and the emotional weight of the racers' experiences. The film dives into the challenges of racing, highlighting both the glory and peril that comes with the sport.

❤️ Love and Loss

Underlying the adrenaline-fueled narrative is a poignant exploration of love and loss. The characters' connections are tested by the dangers of racing, especially highlighted by Mike Delaney's relationship with Lisa Belghetti, whose husband tragically perished in a race. The emotional depth of their interactions foregrounds the personal stakes involved in the high-octane world of motorsport.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:57

Unlock the Full Story of Le Mans

Don't stop at just watching — explore Le Mans in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Le Mans is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Le Mans Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Le Mans, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Le Mans Summary

Le Mans Timeline

Track the full timeline of Le Mans with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Le Mans Timeline

More About Le Mans

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Le Mans: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Le Mans

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