Watch The Fast Lady
- NR
- 1962
- 1 hr 35 min
-
6.1 (844)
The Fast Lady is a 1962 British comedy film directed by Ken Annakin and starring Leslie Phillips, Julie Christie, and James Robertson Justice. The film revolves around a young graduate named Murdoch Troon (Leslie Phillips), who is in love with cars and dreams of owning a vintage Bentley. When he moves to London for work, he buys a dilapidated Bentley and spends all his time tinkering with it.
Through a series of mishaps, Murdoch meets a beautiful and wealthy young woman named Claire Sparrow (Julie Christie), who is an equally passionate car enthusiast. Claire shares Murdoch's love of the Bentley and the two of them embark on a car rally, competing against one another in a frantic and hilarious race.
As the story unfolds, Murdoch is blackmailed by his employer, Mr. Hunter (James Robertson Justice), into posing as the chauffeur for Hunter's daughter, Clare (Kathleen Harrison). Needless to say, this leads to all sorts of comic misadventures, including a wild chase through the London streets, where Murdoch and his passengers hold on for dear life as the Bentley races down the road.
Despite the wild and frenetic antics of the film, The Fast Lady is ultimately a charming and delightful comedy, full of warmth and genuine humor. The film is populated with a host of quirky and lovable characters, from the bumbling Murdoch to the urbane and sophisticated Clare Sparrow. Lesley Phillips is perfect in the central role of Murdoch, imbuing his character with an endearingly goofy charm that is impossible not to love.
Julie Christie, in one of her earliest screen appearances, is positively radiant as Claire Sparrow. Christie exudes an effortless grace and charm that makes her character's passion for cars all the more endearing. James Robertson Justice is reliably funny as the blustery and bombastic Mr. Hunter, and Kathleen Harrison is a scene-stealer as Hunter's daughter.
The film is beautifully shot, with some truly spectacular racing sequences that capture the thrill and excitement of the sport. The climactic rally is a masterfully-executed piece of filmmaking, an intense and visceral showcase of both the skill of the drivers and the power of the Bentley.
Overall, The Fast Lady is a delightful comedy, full of charm and wit. It is both a love letter to the golden age of cars and a celebration of the joy of racing. The film's wonderful performances and infectious energy make it an enduring classic, beloved by generations of filmgoers.