I finally got the chance to watch DMCL, decades after enjoying it on network television back in the 1970s and it still is a very watchable and thrilling piece of filmmaking. First I have to compliment the way the story boarding brought the characters together. Deke (my favorite) joins up with Larry and eventually, Mary and the trio wind up running afoul of the law. Headed by a no-nonsense captain, his squad battle over ribbons of two-lane highways that showcase driving and flying skills as well as one of the most classic rides in muscle car lore, the 1969 Dodge Charger R/T 440.
It could have been easy to scoff at Larry - an egotistical, narcissistic race car hopeful - paired with Mary, a very attractive woman who really talked far more than I could have tolerated. Deke was the moral compass who kept the whole operation from going belly up. While ready to take care of business, he showed a sense of compassion very early in the film and that moment was conveyed by Adam Roarke through moments of candor and even a simple smile.
"Comedy" should also be added to the description of this cool retro chase flick. There are plenty of one-liners which keep the entertainment flowing, coupled with moments of facial expressions and glances by a number of the supporting cast. Also look for Hank, played by Eugene Daniels, as the ground-based obsessive patrolman, driving a pursuit special and the talent of James Gavin, who operates the Bell Huey helicopter. A fine piece of suspenseful flying.
I revisit some of my favorite films that I recall as a youngster to see whether they could stand the test of time and DMCL definitely is one for the muscle car enthusiast. It's a classic, IMHO. As long as you get past Mary's incessant chatting.
It could have been easy to scoff at Larry - an egotistical, narcissistic race car hopeful - paired with Mary, a very attractive woman who really talked far more than I could have tolerated. Deke was the moral compass who kept the whole operation from going belly up. While ready to take care of business, he showed a sense of compassion very early in the film and that moment was conveyed by Adam Roarke through moments of candor and even a simple smile.
"Comedy" should also be added to the description of this cool retro chase flick. There are plenty of one-liners which keep the entertainment flowing, coupled with moments of facial expressions and glances by a number of the supporting cast. Also look for Hank, played by Eugene Daniels, as the ground-based obsessive patrolman, driving a pursuit special and the talent of James Gavin, who operates the Bell Huey helicopter. A fine piece of suspenseful flying.
I revisit some of my favorite films that I recall as a youngster to see whether they could stand the test of time and DMCL definitely is one for the muscle car enthusiast. It's a classic, IMHO. As long as you get past Mary's incessant chatting.