Grand Theft Auto – Tricked Out Edition (1977/Disney)
Picture:
C Sound: C+ Extras: C Film: C
The
Southern-flavored bandit/chase/outlaw cycle from the 1970s has yet to really be
examined or celebrated, but it has been influential on many action films and
reflected a sense in the country of instability to come. One of Roger Corman’s greatest gimmicks was
to get then-perceived “squeaky clean” actor (and now giant producer/director)
Ron Howard (who just dropped Ronny as his first name) to star in a film from
that genre called Eat My Dust!
When the
1976 film was a hit out of the curiosity of fans and feature films showed what
TV could not, Corman got Howard to do another film, with Howard agreeing to do
so if he could direct. The result was Grand Theft Auto in 1977, also a hit
and the beginning of what turned out to be one of the most commercially
successful directing careers in film history.
Essentially,
Howard’s character elopes with a rich girl (Nancy Morgan) when her parents
reject him and the car chase that follows is so colossal that it gets the
then-unheard of constant media coverage that was rare for any news event in an
era before cable, DVD, VHS, digital, satellite, TiVo, HD and other multi-media
we more than take for granted. A $25,000
reward (think a few $100,000 now) for his girl’s return only makes it crazier.
Marion
Ross also stars in a film whose confined criminality still madder it safe for
young adults, but the film is also predictable, even when it has its moments of
charm and unintentional humor to go with the actual jokes. Best of all, I think it is one of the least
known films that most film and video makers should look at now just to see what
Howard did with a low budget versus the money he often gets now for his bigger
productions. There is much to be learned
here on that level.
The 1.33 X
1 color image is softer than this film should be, especially since the Gary
Graver’s cinematography is good for this kind of film. Future director Joe Dante served here as
editor. The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is
only so good since this was a low budget monophonic theatrical release. Fortunately, it is still better than mono and
the combination is good for playback. I
wonder how a high definition Blu-ray version will look.
Extras
include intro by Corman, the original trailer for the film and very good
feature length audio commentary by Corman & Howard. All in all, the film is a 1970s time capsule,
but an enjoyable one and those who bash Howard for being too safe in his
filmmaking will like the free hand he uses here.
- Nicholas Sheffo
