Johnny Dark Movie Book

128 Classic Action Sports Car Race Drama: A young auto racing enthusiast and automotive engineer, Johnny Dark (Curtis) designs a new type of race car that his auto manufacturer - employer, Fielding Motors, won't build, so he enters it in a Reno, Nevada to Tijuana, Mexico road race. His girlfriend, Liz (Laurie), daughter of the CEO of Fielding Motors, as strong - willed as he is, finally realizes how important his passion for racing is, and fully supports him to win his heart. A really fun picture, in glorious Technicolor. This film was made by many of the same personnel who worked on THIS ISLAND EARTH (1955), including the producer, and featured some prime examples of a custom - fiberglass bodied sports car made in Lynwood (a suburb of Los Angeles, Calif.) in limited numbers by a small auto - maker company. The car was the Woodill Wildfire, made from 1953 to 1957 in small, hand - crafted numbers by Woody Woodill Motors. Film also features many other rare early - 1950s American sports cars, made in small num- bers by independent manufacturers. They are rare collectors' cars today. This movie was remade exactly ten years later by Bill Alland and director Jack Arnold as The LIVELY SET (Universal, 1964). Great fun for all. Hey, Universal, why isn't this movie out on video? Romance Plus Exciting Car Racing for the Fans I just happened to notice this film was on TV tonight and had never seen it before. Usually I'll watch be- cause of the actors who are in it. Although the movie is mainly about car racing I really did enjoy seeing a youngish Tony Curtis (in the lead as Johnny) and Piper Laurie (as Liz). Both are strong willed so romance isn't easygoing at the start. Johnny is the auto engineer who is determined to drive his new model race car to win the 2200 - mile race from Canada to Mexico and Liz, when she realizes her love for him, supports him entirely. Lots of action throughout from players and race cars. The speeding cars keep you on the edge of your seat - great film shots from the air and the road as they blaze along from stop to stop during the race.