The Great Race

The Great Race

Year: 1965

Runtime: 160 min

Language: english

Director: Blake Edwards

ActionAdventureSportComedyRomanceWesternFamily

A group of celebrated drivers compete in a perilous race across the globe, traveling from New York to Paris. The contest pits the charismatic and daring Leslie, portrayed by Tony Curtis, against the calculating and determined Professor Fate, played by Jack Lemmon. Their rivalry extends beyond speed, encompassing clever tactics and a clash of personalities as they vie for victory in this high-stakes adventure.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Great Race (1965)

Trace every key event in The Great Race (1965) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

The Setup of the Race

The grand global motor car race is announced, prompting excitement among automobile enthusiasts. Competitors from across the globe prepare their vehicles, driven by the spirit of adventure and competition.

2

Tony Curtis' Appearance

Tony Curtis is introduced as the gentleman adventurer, always dressed in striking white. His character embodies chivalry and good manners, striking a stark contrast to the race's ruthless competitiveness.

3

Introduction of Jack Lemmon's Character

Jack Lemmon is unveiled as the cunning antagonist of the story, cloaked in black with a comical sidekick. His outrageous vehicle, brimming with quirky gadgets, is designed for eliminating rivals in outlandish ways.

4

Keenan Wynn Joins the Race

Keenan Wynn joins Curtis as his aide and navigator, adding an engaging dynamic to the story. His character provides humor and occasional conflict due to his misogynistic tendencies, which clash with his loyalty to Curtis.

5

The Entry of Natalie Wood's Character

Natalie Wood appears as a dazzling suffragette and ambitious reporter. Dressed in beautiful Victorian attire, she challenges the male-dominated media landscape, determined to cover the race and prove her mettle.

6

Women's Empowerment Theme

The film highlights themes of women's empowerment as Wood’s character bravely confronts the obstacles posed by her male colleagues. Her determination to enter the race underlines her desire to challenge societal norms.

7

Curtis Assists a Lady

In the midst of the race, Curtis' character showcases his gentlemanly nature by helping a lady in distress. This act of kindness further solidifies his virtuous persona amid the competitive chaos of the event.

8

Lemmon's Scheming

Jack Lemmon's character employs various zany gadgets in his vehicle to sabotage the competition. His hilarious attempts to eliminate Curtis and other racers provide much of the film’s slapstick humor.

9

Wynn's Loyal Support

Wynn continually assists Curtis, providing comic relief and unpredictability. His commitment to assisting his master creates amusing situations that highlight his character's oddities and charm.

10

Natalie Enters the Race

Determined to prove her worth, Wood enters the race incognito, driving a car financed by her newspaper. This bold move encapsulates her groundbreaking stance as a woman in a male-centered environment.

11

The Race Begins

The race officially begins, with competitors showcasing their unique vehicles and strategies. Excitement builds as each racer embarks on their adventure, eager to prove themselves.

12

Unexpected Challenges

As the race unfolds, racers face a series of unexpected challenges and outrageous obstacles. Each competitor must navigate humorous predicaments while striving to maintain their lead.

13

Climactic Confrontations

Curtis and Lemmon's characters engage in various comedic confrontations throughout the race. These moments add layers of tension and humor, reflecting the intense competition.

14

The Race Concludes

After a series of wild escapades, the race comes to a climactic conclusion. The results reflect not only speed but also cleverness and the comedic antics of the participants.

15

Reflection on Adventure

The film ends with a celebration of the whimsical adventures faced by the characters. It emphasizes the bonds formed through competition and the joy of storytelling, leaving viewers entertained and reflective.

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 00:12

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Whimsical Rivalry Adventures like The Great Race

High-stakes competitions where charming opponents clash in a playful, globe-trotting spirit.If you enjoyed the charming clash between hero and villain in The Great Race, you'll love these movies. This list features playful, high-stakes adventures where charismatic rivals engage in globe-trotting competitions, filled with humor and exhilarating action in a lighthearted spirit.

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Narrative Summary

Stories typically follow a clear good-versus-evil structure, with a noble hero and a comically determined antagonist engaging in a series of escalating challenges. The narrative is linear and driven by the central competition, ensuring a fast pace and a satisfying, happy conclusion where good triumphs.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared tone of whimsical fun, a straightforward good-versus-evil plot, fast pacing driven by competition, and a light emotional weight that prioritizes adventure and humor over tension or drama.

Classic-Style Slapstick Spectacles like The Great Race

Large-scale comedies that blend ambitious plots with timeless, physical humor and grandiose gags.Fans of the epic pie fight and grandiose gags in The Great Race will appreciate these movies. This collection features comedies with large-scale plots that are vehicles for spectacular, classic-inspired slapstick humor, creating a nostalgic and wildly entertaining vibe.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative often involves a simple, ambitious premise—like a globe-trotting race or a massive heist—that provides a framework for a series of escalating comedic sequences. Character arcs are secondary to the delivery of grandiose physical gags, paying homage to the structure of silent-era comedies on a modern scale.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a very high humor score, a whimsical or light tone, and a focus on visual, physical comedy over witty dialogue. They are united by their grandiose approach to slapstick, often featuring large casts and elaborate stunts within a straightforward adventure plot.

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The Great Race Summary

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The Great Race Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Great Race

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Great Race

The Great Race Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Great Race Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Great Race

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