Movie Info

Michael Schultz directs this charming bio-drama about America’s first black stock car racing champion. Richard Pryor plays Wendell Scott, a wide-eyed ...(read more...) young man who has always loved the thrill of speed. After marrying the gorgeous Mary (Pam Grier), Wendell begins to sell bootleg moonshine with his partner Pee Wee (Cleavon Little). But when Sheriff Cotton (Vincent Gardinia) finally tracks him down, a business proposition keeps him out of the slammer. Impressed with Wendell’s accomplished driving skills, the sheriff asks him to try his hand at the racetrack, which will hopefully bring in the Black community as spectators. Both plans work. Soon, Wendell has committed to becoming a racing champion, and with the help of Pee Wee and the free-spirited Hutch (Beau Bridges), he becomes just that.

Based on a true story, Schultz’s film remains a crackling Hollywood creation, due in large part to the bouncy script by Melvin van Peebles, Kenneth Vose, Lawrence DuKore, and Leon Capetanos. It also glides on the charm of Pryor, whose Scott is an inspirational figure for individuals of every color. Proving that will power can surmount any odds--including racism and poverty--GREASED LIGHTNING is a breezy motion picture with its heart in the right place.

Director: Michael Schultz

MPAA: PG

Running Time: 1 hr. 36 min.

Release Date: Jan 01, 1977

Cast: Beau Bridges, Bill Cobbs, Cleavon Little, Earl Hindman, Noble Willingham, Pam Grier, Richard Pryor, Vincent Gardenia