Car Movies

Dirty Mary Crazy Larry, why does it get 5 out of 5 stars from me? Simply because for what this type of movie is, it does it better than almost any other film of this genre. Sure it’s a trashy roller coaster ride, but the camera shots are beautifully done and the actors deliver the lines just right. Peter Fonda is determined to make the big time no matter what, even if involves armed robbery and extortion. He’s remorseless and reckless, yet delivers some great lines. “Yeah, yeah, so we got off to a bad start. Know what that means?…” as the director zooms in on Fonda, “…not a goddamn thing!” (as he puts the accelerator to the floor).

His sidekick played by the underrated Adam Roarke slowly asserts himself in the movie, projecting a coolness that contrasts with Fonda’s obsessiveness. Susan George plays the slatterny Mary who throws a monkey wrench into Fonda’s plans, three’s a crowd indeed.

Vic Morrow lights up the screen with one of his classic hardass portrayals. He’s the rule breaking cop who’s determined to hunt Fonda’s car down and take him out. “You know how to take orders?” he says to the nodding helicopter pilot he’s comandeering. “Good, cause I give lots of ‘em!”

The car chases are excellent, don’t get me wrong. The drawbridge scene, the crazy driving on the orchard roads, the close calls with tractor trailers, the good ol’ boy cop in his loaded car chasing Fonda down a dusty rural road, just great action all around. For those who like Dodge Chargers you’ve come to the right movie.

Don’t forget Roddy McDowall’s uncredited cameo as the supermarket manager. Oh yes, the ending is great, no spoilers here, enjoy.