Watch Fireball 500

Set in the world of stock car racing, Fireball 500 (1966) is a fast-paced action movie starring Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, and Fabian. Directed by William Asher, the film follows Dave Owens (Avalon), a young and ambitious driver who dreams of winning the Fireball 500 race, the most coveted prize in the sport. However, his dreams are put at risk when he falls in love with Jane Harris (Funicello), the daughter of a wealthy businessman who wants to see him fail.

The movie opens with an exciting race, in which Dave competes against a number of skilled drivers, including the ruthless and arrogant Leander "Skids" Slide (Fabian). Although Dave ultimately comes in second, he catches the eye of Jane, who invites him to a party at her father's mansion. Despite being warned by his friend and mechanic Tad (Harvey Lembeck) about the dangers of falling for a rich girl, Dave pursues Jane and the two of them quickly fall in love.

However, their romance is complicated by the fact that Jane's father, Edward Harris (Robert P. Lieb), disapproves of Dave and his career as a stock car racer. Harris, who is also the sponsor of Skids, sees Dave as a threat to his son's chances of winning the Fireball 500 race, and he sets out to sabotage him by any means necessary.

As the big race approaches, tensions rise between the different drivers, and Dave finds himself facing a number of challenges both on and off the track. He must navigate dangerous rivalries and betrayals, while also trying to win the heart of the woman he loves. Along the way, he is aided by Tad, as well as another female driver, Gabrielle (Irene Tsu), who proves to be a fierce competitor and ally.

Featuring stunning racing footage, catchy music, and plenty of drama, Fireball 500 is a thrilling ride from start to finish. The film is notable for its impressive cast, which includes several popular teen idols of the time, such as Avalon, Funicello, and Fabian. It also showcases the colorful fashion and style of the era, from brightly-colored racing suits to fashionable cocktail dresses.

At its heart, Fireball 500 is a story about determination, love, and loyalty. Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, Dave never gives up on his dream, and his passion for racing ultimately brings him closer to Jane and his friends. The movie captures the excitement and danger of stock car racing, while also exploring the complex relationships that can arise between competitors and their families.

In conclusion, Fireball 500 is a classic example of the fast-paced and exciting films that were popular during the 1960s. With its stellar cast, thrilling action scenes, and timeless themes, it remains a beloved favorite among fans of both racing and romance movies alike.

Fireball 500 is a 1966 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.1.