"The other reviewers really don't get the appeal. HRTH has been a favorite BAD movie of mine since I was a teenager in the 70s, when I first saw it on late-night TV. It was gloopy even then. Sure, Dana is awful, wooden and pedantic. But that is what fans of this movie really love. And how about Duke's immortal line when he tell's Laurie Mock's character that her father better not take over Dailey's Motel (which also contains the "cool kids" nightclub hangout) or "No one's going to have any fun...not even you." Heavens what a threat!
The movie is chock full of dopey lines and Jeanne Crain's overacting is a real hoot. Anyone who is buying this should be doing so with their eyes wide open, knowing that while the makers had no idea they were making a Camp Classic, that is just what this is. Filmmakers could not make it as unintentionally funny, if they tried. In fact, I've heard that someone is trying to remake the film under it's original title: "52 Miles to Terror." If they ever do, I'll probably see it, knowing that they'll update it and make it like the "Fast and Furious." And I'll probably be a little sad, as the original, for all its flaws has an undercurrent of naivite that is endearing. A modern remake will be brutal and remorseless, much like our world is today."
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
Derek Flint | BROOMALL, PA USA | 06/13/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I remember seeing this as a kid, double-billed with GOODBYE CHARLIE, at the McDade Drive-In. Maybe I'm just nostalgic for simpler times - the "juvenile delinquents" in this film are pikers compared to the drug-addled, sex-obsessed and gun-toting mutants that appear in films these days - but having seen it recently on Turner Classic Movies, I realized that it wasn't a bad little film. If I read correctly somewhere, this was originally one of the first made-for-TV films out of MGM studios that the powers-that-be decided to release theatrically. Anyway, if you long for the days when hot rods were good ol' American beauties, (unlike in the FAST AND THE FURIOUS series) you might enjoy this fast-paced little thriller."
HOT RODS TO HELL~HELL YA !!!~
DEALER DAVE | HARLEYSVILLE,USA | 08/02/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First let me start by saying I am not a movie critic, but I am a big fan of this movie. This is a movie to enjoy just for fun !!! Filmed in only 2 week's time in the desert outside of Palmdale,Ca. this low budget "B" movie was intended to be a "Movie of the Week". Made back in 67', it was a little racy (no pun intended), for the masses. It has become a cult movie for anyone who loves cars of the late 50's~early 60's. And what makes this movie so good you ask ? Well ,how about, bad acting, so-so plot, bad editing, low budget, Kool cars & Gloria. Did I mention Kool cars & Gloria? Dukes bad-to-the-bone '58 vette still looks as good as when I first saw the movie back in 1968. I still to this day want a straight axle corvette !!! Made in a time when these "Bad Seed Teens" seem mild to today's real life gun toting teen's of today. I believe if this was made into a video game today, teens would spend less time playing video games !! It's that bad in a good way. Sit back, relax & enjoy.The Fast & Furious has nothing on "HOT RODS TO HELLS". If you don't enjoy this movie , well, you probaly won't enjoy the 60's. I wonder why they never gave Elvis a shot at Duke's part? That would have been WAY TOO KOOL !!!! SEE YA DADDY O ! "
Camp Classic Finally On DVD
Sonny Chiba | Malibu, CA United States | 07/01/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This film is amazing. Originally made for NBC as one of TV's first color Movies Of The Week, it was deemed "too hot" for TV! The acting is so over the top, the script is beyond terrible, yet is all adds up to one of the most enjoyable nights at the movies you could ever ask for. Dana Andrews plays a man who's suffered a terrible automobile accident and although apparently physically recovered, is now riddled with self doubt. Thankfully his high strung wife Jean Crain (in full co-dependent, full on denial mode) has all the faith in the world that he'll one day return to being a fully functional man (don't miss the final scene for the answer to this). Thankfully they have a Doctor who perscibes peace and quiet (and plenty of it!). So they buy a motel in he desert, as you do in this kind of film. But there's no peace to be had when the local teens run WILD! WILD I TELL YOU! The teens look a fast 25, speak like jazz heads from the 50's and are very, very rude! But Crain and Andrews are the real show here, they don't leave any scene un-milked for maximum DRAMA! A palatable sense of career desperation gently wafts between them, as if they both believe that by overacting to 11 they can somehow lift this turkey. They can't, they don't and let's all thank god for their bold, misguided attempt. Highly reccomended."
Enjoy a time capsule of a film.
steve wilson | Kutztown PA USA | 12/11/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"HRTH was shown on network TV in the sixties,I watched it as an 11yr old. Couldnt imagine a better way to live. Driving a fast,cool car with a sidekick and a pretty girl dangling off of the roll bar.The film was an overacting mess from the first scene,but the themes of redemption,self discovery and rising to the occasion like a true man has to are timeless and actually endearing.After forty yrs I saw it again last night. It is beyonddescribing to people not of that era. Just buy some pizza and beer and invite everyone.Almost every performance in the film is laughable,but there remains a thread of sincerity that wins you over in the end.The idea of evil young men terrorizing innocent americans to the tune of surf music is something everyone needs to experience. I feel it is a great way to show viewers how out of touch the hollywood people were with the fast changing times. The overbearing cop,the obnoxious drunk,the whiney teenage girl,the thoughtless playboy town brat,the ultimate insquare parents,the seedy hotel owner,it just manages to get better and better.You also get a glimpse at period hot rod equipment.The poor beaten 1958 Corvette used in the film is smoking so bad you wonder how they made it to the end of the film.Its an hour and a half look at another time,a far,far more innocent time. A time where clean cut kids threatened to dance,flirt,make some noise and,God forbid,drive over the speed limit out in the middle of nowhere. Seemed sosinister in 1966.Almost comforting,now.Buy the DVD,its wonderful."