Original interpretation — not a still from the production
Filmed at the real circuits, with the real cars, when the sport still killed people every season.
The Continental Verdict
Highly Recommended
The drama between races is soap opera; the racing is documentary of the highest order. Frankenheimer strapped cameras to genuine Formula One machinery in 1966 and captured Monaco, Spa and Monza as they actually were — hay bales, cobbles, and drivers who understood the odds.
Watch it for the Monaco opening, which remains the best three minutes of motor racing ever filmed, and for the melancholy of Montand's ageing champion.
Why Watch It
The Gentleman Factor
The paddock manners of 1966 — jackets, ties, and no press officers.
Look Out For
- The Monaco titles
- Spa in the rain
- The Monza banking
The Locations
Monaco, Spa-Francorchamps, Brands Hatch, Monza and Clermont-Ferrand.
More from the travel pages →The Cars
Real BRMs, Ferraris and Lotuses, dressed as fictional teams.
More from motoring →The Wardrobe
Open-neck shirts, driving gloves, the sunglasses that founded an aesthetic.
More on style →The Soundtrack
Maurice Jarre, mostly drowned out by engines, which is correct.
Into the music room →Watch Next
Where to Watch
Warner Archive Blu-ray; the widescreen transfer matters here more than most.
For the Collection
Also in Cars on Film
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