Watch The Betsy

The Betsy is a 1978 drama film that tells the story of a fictional American automotive dynasty. Directed by Daniel Petrie, the movie is based on the novel of the same name by Harold Robbins. The film stars Laurence Olivier, Robert Duvall and Katharine Ross. The story revolves around the ambitious Loren Hardeman Sr. (Laurence Olivier), patriarch of the Hardeman family, who controls a large automobile empire. His grandson, Loren Hardeman Jr. (Robert Duvall), is tasked with continuing the family legacy by building a car that would challenge the dominance of Detroit's top automakers. But Loren Jr. has his own vision of the future of the automobile, which clashes with his grandfather's ideas.

The film takes place over several decades, starting in the 1920s and spanning up to the late 1970s. We see how the Hardeman family rises to prominence during the early days of the automobile industry, and how they adapt to changing times and challenges over the years. Along the way, we are introduced to a range of characters, each with their own motivations and goals.

Central to the story is the relationship between Loren Jr. and his wife, Lady Bobby Ayres (Katharine Ross), a former model who is struggling to find her own identity in a male-dominated world. Bobby is torn between her loyalty to her husband and her desire to pursue her own passions.

Throughout the film, we witness the inner workings of the Hardeman family as they navigate their own personal struggles and the challenges of the automobile industry. We see the power struggles between Loren Sr. and Loren Jr., as well as the various alliances and betrayals that arise within the family. The family's secrets and scandals are revealed as the story unfolds, adding depth and intrigue to the plot.

The Betsy is a film that explores themes of ambition, family, and loyalty. At its core, it is a story about the pursuit of the American dream and the sacrifices that must be made along the way.

The film boasts an impressive cast of veteran actors, led by Laurence Olivier's commanding performance as Loren Hardeman Sr. Robert Duvall delivers a nuanced portrayal of a man torn between his family's legacy and his own vision for the future. Katharine Ross brings depth to her character, conveying Bobby's struggle to find her own place in the world. Other standout performances include Tommy Lee Jones as Angelo Perino, a former race car driver who becomes involved with the Hardeman family, and Lesley-Anne Down as Lady Arabella, Loren Sr.'s mistress.

Visually, the film is stunning, with beautiful location shots of Miami, Paris and Italy. The production design and costumes help to transport the viewer to a bygone era, while the score by John Barry adds an extra layer of emotion to the story.

Overall, The Betsy is a well-crafted drama that offers a captivating look at the rise and fall of an American automotive dynasty. With its strong performances, lush visuals, and engaging story, it is a film that will appeal to fans of epic family sagas and classic Hollywood cinema.

The Betsy is a 1978 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.