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Have you seen this movie!?
‘The Great Race’, a slapstick comedy, debuted in theaters 07/01/1965 & quickly became noted for “the greatest pie fight ever”. Written by Blake Edwards & Arthur A Ross, the film was directed by Edwards & featured Henry Mancini’s music & Russell Harlan’s cinematography. Edwards based this movie on a loosely interpreted 1908 New York to Paris Race. While the vehicles in this image are a 1908 Ford & a 1911 Mercer, the hero’s white car (“Leslie Special”) was specially-built by Warner Brothers to resemble a Thomas Flyer, the car that won the 1908 New York to Paris Race. 4 of these were built, 1 of which is at the Tupelo MS Automobile Museum, listed as a 1963 Leslie Special Convertible. Meanwhile, 5 of the villain’s black car (“Hannibal Twin-8”) were made, 1 of which is at the Petersen Automobile Museum (Los Angeles CA) & 1 of which is at the Volo IL Auto Museum. As for the famous “pie scene”, it was filmed over 4 days, utilized ~4,000 pies (most ever filmed), lasted 4:20 (the length of some songs), & cost $200,000 ($18,000 for the pastries). Colorful cream pies (raspberry, strawberry, blueberry & lemon) were used; to keep up continuity, the actors were photographed at the end of each day so they could be re-created in the morning. Over a weekend off, the remaining pie residue spoiled all over the scenery, requiring the building to be cleaned & “aired out”.
One of the things I enjoy about your posts Cort, are the historical details and background you give, whether it’s a song or a television show, or a movie.
That’s pretty cool. I looked up the cars used and apparently, the “Leslie Special” was repainted and used in a couple of other WB movies around that time.
Thank you, Brian! I sure try to give some “historical highlights” for each … because I love finding out unique details, “small world” connections, etc.
Yes, I read that, too, Ben … neat, eh!?