Silver Dream Racer
| Silver Dream Racer | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | David Wickes |
| Written by | David Wickes |
| Based on | story by Michael Billington |
| Produced by | David Wickes |
| Starring | David Essex |
| Cinematography | Paul Beeson |
| Music by | David Essex |
Production company | Rank Film Productions |
| Distributed by | Rank Organisation |
Release date | 11 April 1980 |
Running time | 111 minutes (UK) 101 minutes (U.S.) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $5 million[1] |
Silver Dream Racer is a 1980 motor-racing film starring British pop star David Essex and Beau Bridges. The film was produced, written and directed by David Wickes. It would become the last film to be made by the Rank Organisation.[2][3]
Plot
Nick Freeman (David Essex) is an aspiring motorcycle racer, whose brother has been developing an experimental motorcycle. When his brother dies before being able to test and race the new bike, Nick inherits the responsibility to prove his brother's design. In spite of a series of tough setbacks, including the loss of his girlfriend, Nick goes into the big race at the British Grand Prix with all his energy and concentration bent on winning. However, an underhanded American racer (Beau Bridges) is also among the competitors, and is determined to ruin Nick's chances. Numerous incidents happen before Nick crosses the finish line in first place. Two completely different endings were filmed depicting Nick after he has won the race, and both versions were released.
Cast
- David Essex as Nick Freeman
- Beau Bridges as Bruce McBride
- Cristina Raines as Julie Prince
- Clarke Peters as Cider Jones
- Harry H. Corbett as Wiggins
- Diane Keen as Tina Freeman
- Lee Montague as Jack Freeman
- Sheila White as Carol
- Patrick Ryecart as Benson
- Ed Bishop as Al Peterson
- T. P. McKenna as Bank Manager
- David Baxt as Ben Mendoza
- Barrie Rutter as Privateer
- Steve Henshaw as privateer
- Doyle Richmond as Cider's Brother
- Nick Brimble as Jack Davis
- Malya Woolf as Mrs. Buonaguidi
- Stephen Hoye as Clarke Nichols
- Richard LeParmentier as Journalist
- Murray Kash as 1st TV Reporter
- Bruce Boa as 2nd TV Reporter
- Christopher Driscoll as Photographer
- Leslie Schofield as Reporter
- Robert Russell as Garage Mechanic
- Morris Perry as Financier
- Elisabeth Sladen as Bank Secretary (as Elizabeth Sladen)
- Jim McManus as Bike Salesman
- Antony Brown as Executive
- Edward Kalinski as Disco Boy
- Joanna Andrews as Disco Girl
- Vincent Wong as 1st Japanese Man
- Cecil Cheng as 2nd Japanese Man
- David Neville as Man at Bank
- Godfrey Jackman as Bank Doorman
- June Chadwick as Secretary
- Kate Harper as 1st Party Guest
- Derrie Powell as 2nd Party Guest
- Perry Cree as 3rd Party Guest
Tuesday Weld had talks about playing the female lead. She eventually took another role, and Cristina Raines took the part.[4]
Some scenes were filmed during the 1979 Grand Prix at Silverstone, Northamptonshire. The Silver Dream Racer was a real motorcycle, designed by Barry Hart of the Barton company.[5] English motorcycle racer Roger Marshall did most of David Essex's riding for the film.[6][7]
Reception
The Guardian said "the story is as boring as hell".[8] The Los Angeles Times called it a "lively genre piece".[9]
The film was not a commercial success at the box office. It holds a 33% fresh rating on review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes.[10]
References
- ^ Perry, S (Summer 1980). "FINANCE FOR LOCAL TALENT". Sight and Sound.
- ^ John Huxley (7 June 1980). "Losses of £1.6m sound the knell for cinema production". The Times. London. p. 17 – via The Times Digital Archive.
- ^ Nicholas de Jongh, A. C. (7 June 1980). "Rank films poised for final cut". The Guardian. ProQuest 186155411.
- ^ SCHREGER, C. (22 July 1979). "THE CASTING DIRECTORS--WHO, WHAT, WHY, HOW". Los Angeles Times. ProQuest 158885421.
- ^ "Whatever Happened to the Silver Dream Racer". Motorcycle News. July 2016.
- ^ "Silver Dream Racer". Visor Down.
- ^ My life in bikes; Roger Marshall Motorcycle News, 23 May 2016. Retrieved 24 June 2019
- ^ "Anatomy of an American dream". The Guardian. 27 March 1980. ProQuest 186245002.
- ^ Thomas, K. (31 March 1984). "'SILVER DREAM RACER' AIRS ON THE Z CHANNEL". Los Angeles Times. ProQuest 153766963.
- ^ "Silver Dream Racer". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 21 October 2017.