The Great Race (1965) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
The Great Race (1965) is a classic comedy film directed by Blake Edwards, starring a stellar cast including Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, Natalie Wood, and Peter Falk. Known for its slapstick humor, elaborate stunts, and vibrant Technicolor visuals, the film is a delightful homage to the silent film era’s comedic spectacles.
Plot Summary
The Great Race is a grand adventure set in the early 20th century, centering around a high-stakes automobile race from New York to Paris. The story follows three central characters:
- The Great Leslie (Tony Curtis): The dashing, white-suited hero, Leslie is the quintessential good guy, confident and resourceful. He’s determined to win the race and prove his superiority.
- Professor Fate (Jack Lemmon): Leslie’s nemesis, the mustache-twirling villain, Professor Fate is a comic caricature of evil, complete with a sinister laugh and over-the-top schemes to sabotage Leslie at every turn.
- Maggie DuBois (Natalie Wood): A fiercely independent and ambitious journalist, Maggie joins the race to cover the event and become the first woman to complete the journey. Her interactions with Leslie and Fate add a romantic and feminist dimension to the story.
- Max (Peter Falk): Professor Fate’s bumbling assistant, Max provides much of the film’s comic relief through his ineptitude and loyalty to Fate’s ridiculous plans.
The race itself is a series of increasingly absurd and hilarious escapades, taking the characters across various exotic locales and through a range of physical and verbal gags. From pie fights to elaborate stunts, the film is a showcase of classic slapstick humor, with the rivalry between Leslie and Fate driving much of the comedic tension.
Critical Reception
The Great Race received mixed to positive reviews upon its release, with particular praise for its humor, performances, and technical achievements:
Strengths:
- Slapstick Humor: The film is a masterclass in slapstick comedy, featuring some of the most memorable and elaborate gags in cinema history. The pie fight scene, in particular, is a highlight, showcasing Blake Edwards’ flair for orchestrating large-scale comedic sequences.
- Performances: The cast delivers standout performances, with Jack Lemmon’s dual roles as Professor Fate and the drunkard Prince Hapnik being particularly memorable. His over-the-top portrayal of the villain is perfectly counterbalanced by Tony Curtis’s suave and charming Leslie.
- Production Design: The film’s production design is lavish and colorful, capturing the spirit of early 20th-century adventure films. The costumes, set pieces, and vehicles are all meticulously crafted, contributing to the film’s nostalgic and playful tone.
- Score: Henry Mancini’s musical score, including the catchy theme song “The Great Race March,” adds to the film’s lively and whimsical atmosphere.
Weaknesses:
- Length: At over 160 minutes, the film’s length can be a challenge for some viewers. The pacing slows in certain parts, particularly in the middle, where the humor and action become somewhat repetitive.
- Plot Simplicity: The film’s plot is intentionally simple, serving as a vehicle for the gags and set pieces. While this works for the film’s comedic goals, it may not satisfy viewers looking for a more substantial narrative.
Despite these minor critiques, The Great Race remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its joyous embrace of old-school Hollywood comedy and its impressive scale.
Themes and Analysis
While The Great Race is primarily a comedy, it also touches on a few underlying themes:
- Good vs. Evil: The film plays with the classic trope of good versus evil, with Leslie and Fate representing the exaggerated extremes of heroism and villainy. Their rivalry is portrayed with a lighthearted touch, emphasizing the absurdity of their archetypal roles.
- Nostalgia for Silent Film Comedy: The film pays homage to the silent film era, particularly the works of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. The physical comedy, exaggerated characters, and visual gags are all reminiscent of early cinematic traditions.
- Gender Roles and Feminism: Maggie DuBois’s character challenges traditional gender roles, insisting on participating in the race and proving herself as capable as any man. Her determination and independence add a modern twist to the film’s otherwise nostalgic tone.
Where to Watch The Great Race Online
If you’re interested in watching The Great Race (1965), here are some options:
1. Streaming Services
- HBO Max: The Great Race is available on HBO Max, which often includes a selection of classic films. A subscription is required.
- TCM (Turner Classic Movies) App: The film might also be available on the TCM app, which features a rotating selection of classic movies.
2. Rental/Purchase Services
- Amazon Video: You can rent or purchase The Great Race on Amazon Video. Rentals typically start at around $3.99, with purchase options available for about $14.99.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Google Play offers rental and purchase options for The Great Race. Rentals usually cost around $3.99, with the film available for purchase at approximately $14.99.
- Apple iTunes: The film is available for rental or purchase on Apple iTunes, with similar pricing to other platforms.
- Vudu: Vudu provides rental and purchase options, with rentals starting at $3.99 and purchase options around $14.99.
Conclusion
The Great Race (1965) is a delightful and grandiose comedy that pays tribute to the slapstick traditions of early cinema while delivering a fun and visually spectacular experience. With its charismatic performances, particularly from Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis, and its memorable set pieces, the film is a joy for fans of classic Hollywood comedies.
Though it may be a bit lengthy for some, the film’s charm and humor make it a timeless piece of entertainment. Available on various streaming and rental platforms, The Great Race offers a nostalgic journey into the world of early 20th-century adventure and comedy, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
