The Great Race

Synopsis

The Great Race is a 1965 American comedy film directed by Blake Edwards. The story follows the rivalry between the daring daredevil The Great Leslie, played by Tony Curtis, and the villainous Professor Fate, portrayed by Jack Lemmon, as they race across the world from New York to Paris. Along the way, they encounter hilarious obstacles and ridiculous challenges, including a dangerous ice-covered trek over the Bering Strait. The film is a delightful blend of slapstick humor, extravagant set pieces, and clever one-liners, making it a timeless classic that appeals to audiences of all ages.

Cast

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  Jack Lemmon

  Professor Fate

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  Tony Curtis

  The Great Leslie

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  Natalie Wood

  Maggie Dubois

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  Peter Falk

  Max

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  Keenan Wynn

  Hezekiah

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  Arthur O'Connell

  Henry Goodbody

Reviews

The Great Race received a mix of positive and negative reviews from critics. While some praised the film's lavish production design and comedic performances, others criticized its overly long runtime and lack of depth in character development. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film an approval rating of 67% based on reviews from contemporary critics, highlighting its entertaining escapades and impressive stunt work. IMDb rated the movie 7.2/10, with users appreciating its whimsical charm and memorable race sequences. Metacritic was more critical, giving The Great Race a score of 71/100, noting its reliance on slapstick humor over substance. Despite the varying opinions, the film remains a beloved classic that continues to entertain viewers with its lighthearted humor and energetic performances.