Speedway

Speedway is a high-spirited, romantic and musical entertainment tour de force revolving around the lives in an auto racing circle, released in 1968. Directed by Norman Taurog, it was one of the final movies that featured rock and roll legend Elvis Presley before his untimely death. With Elvis taking on the role of a racing car driver, there is absolutely no shortage of adrenaline-charged action and mellifluous music.

Elvis stars as Steve Grayson, a fast-living, generous-hearted racecar driver who has a carefree attitude towards life. The character of Steve not only showcases Elvis’ magnetic screen charisma, but also his sublime talent in making each song performance unforgettable. His life off the tracks is as accelerated as when he's in his red, white, and blue racing vehicle, as the film showcases both the sporting and personal aspects of life in the fast lane.

Coming from the worlds of politics and entertainment, Steve not only satisfies his fans on the race track, but also in his interactions with them off the track. As a man known for his philanthropy just as much as his talent behind the wheel, Grayson's financial matters aren't always quite as they should be. His reckless spending habits and sizable donations to charities have put him in hot water with the tax authorities.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, we have Nancy Sinatra playing a diligent Internal Revenue Service (IRS) worker named Susan Jacks, who is tasked with auditing Steve's tax returns. Nancy's performance blends steeliness and warmth perfectly. As Sinatra's first film role outside of her father's shadows, this offered her the perfect platform to showcase her acting talents. Her chemistry with Elvis, coupled with her own singing ability, adds a certain magic to the film.

Bill Bixby, known for his later role in "The Incredible Hulk", aids in the plausibility of the plot by playing his manager and best friend, Kenny Donford, whose activities are not pretty much above board. There's a rather interesting dynamic between Elvis’ swashbuckling racecar driver and Bixby's equally magnetic but morally fluid manager. Unscrupulous and always looking for an angle, Donford is an interesting counterpoint to the well-meaning but financially irresponsible Grayson.

The film revolves largely around this trio's varied interactions and the personal growth their characters exhibit. Alongside the hectic life of the racing world, the film seamlessly weaves in the romantic angle between Steve and Susan which blossoms amidst tax inspections and speed trials.

In typical Elvis fashion, Speedway is loaded with toe-tapping music with songs that have since turned into classic Elvis hits. Scenes of Elvis performing the melodic tunes onstage add a special charm to the movie and give audiences a taste of the singer's unique performance style. The film revitalizes the spirit of the swinging sixties with its captivating appeal and musical scores.

What distinguishes Speedway isn’t just its action and romance, but also how naturally comedy is woven into the fabric of the story. There are many moments of laughter, hinging on slapstick humor, one-liners, and situational comedy, adding further enjoyment for the audience. This is all nicely balanced with the high-stakes world of car racing that makes the heart thump hard with its intense, edgy scenes.

From car races and Elvis concerts to four-part harmonies and moral predicaments, there is a little something for everyone in Speedway. Ultimately, it offers up an irresistible blend of likable characters, melodious tunes, and high-octane racing sequences that still captivates audiences. It gives a vibrant, entertaining look at the world of auto racing, blended with purposeful laughs, good-old romantic elements and compelling performances by the legendary Elvis Presley, Nancy Sinatra, and Bill Bixby.

To this day, Speedway retains its charm, serenading viewers with its timeless music, engaging storyline and commemorative performances. Whether you're a die-hard Elvis fan, a lover of the racing world, or simply in the mood for a good, old-fashioned flick, Speedway is a joyride that you can't afford to miss.