Watch The Great Race

The Great Race is a classic American comedy film from 1965. Directed by Blake Edwards, the movie features an all-star cast including Tony Curtis, Natalie Wood, and Jack Lemmon. Set in the early 20th century, The Great Race follows the adventures of two rival daredevils who compete in a around-the-world race. Tony Curtis plays the charismatic and dashing hero, The Great Leslie, who is known for his incredible driving skills and impressive stunts. His nemesis is the conniving and unscrupulous Professor Fate, played by Jack Lemmon, who is determined to beat Leslie at any cost. As the two teams set off on their journey, they encounter a series of obstacles, including treacherous weather conditions, dangerous terrain, and eccentric characters, all of which test their skills and endurance.

Natalie Wood plays the beautiful and independent Maggie DuBois, a newspaper journalist who is covering the race. Maggie is initially skeptical of Leslie's motives and views him as a show-off, but as the race progresses, she begins to see him in a different light. Meanwhile, Professor Fate is accompanied by his loyal sidekick, Max, played by Peter Falk, who provides much of the comic relief in the film.

Throughout the movie, the audience is treated to a series of thrilling and hilarious set-pieces. The race begins in New York City, where the contestants are cheered on by a crowd of thousands, and includes stops in a frozen wasteland, a remote desert kingdom, and a perilous mountain pass. Along the way, Leslie and Maggie fall in love, while Professor Fate comes up with increasingly absurd schemes to hinder his rival's progress.

One of the standout scenes in the movie is the infamous pie fight, which is still considered one of the greatest film slapstick moments of all time. The pie fight takes place at a banquet in a small European village, where Leslie and Fate engage in a chaotic battle that involves dozens of cream pies and ends in a spectacular explosion.

Despite its length – the movie clocks in at nearly three hours – The Great Race never feels slow or bloated. The pacing is brisk, and the dialogue crackles with wit and humor. The film is also visually stunning, with bright colors and creative camera angles that enhance the sense of adventure and excitement. The period costumes and production design are also top-notch, making the film a treat for the eyes as well as the funny bone.

The Great Race was a box-office success upon its release in 1965, and it has since become a beloved classic. It is a perfect example of the kind of old-fashioned, family-friendly entertainment that was popular in the 1960s, and it still holds up today as a timeless comedy adventure. The movie is a testament to the talents of its director and cast, who all bring their A-game to the proceedings. If you're looking for a fun and lighthearted movie that will leave you feeling entertained and satisfied, The Great Race is definitely worth checking out.

The Great Race is a 1965 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 71.