Gone In 60 Seconds (1974): The Longest Car Chase in Cinema History
Hello everyone, welcome back to RareMovieDB! Today, we're taking a look at Gone in 60 Seconds, a 1974 independent film featuring one of the longest car chases in cinematic history.
Before going any further, let me tell you, this is a must-watch if you enjoy car-chase movies.
- Title: Gone in 60 Seconds (1974)
- Also Known As: La grande casse, Vanishing in 60, 60 segundos,
- Year: 1974
- Director(s): H.B. Halicki
- Country of origin: United States
- Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller
Synopsis
Maindrian Pace, the main character in the movie, is an insurance investigator who also secretly leads a car theft ring.
They have a chop shop. What they do is buy wrecked cars, then they chop them and save the serial number. Then, they go out and steal an identical car and put the serial number from the wrecked car on it.
But the real story begins when Pace takes on a seemingly impossible task: stealing 48 cars in just five days.
The list of targets is impressive - Rolls Royces, limousines, even Ferraris. But one car stands out: a prized 1973 Ford Mustang soon to be nicknamed Eleanor.
Eleanor, the car, and Pace become partners in a high-speed escape that you will never forget.
Cast
The film features H.B. Halicki as Maindrian Pace, Marion Busia as Pumpkin Chase, and George Cole as Atlee Jackson.
Director
The independent filmmaker H.B. Halicki, who plays Maindrian Pace, also wrote, produced, and directed the movie.
This is the first of H.B. Halicki's car chase trilogy, and definitely don't forget to watch the second one, The Junkman.
A Must-Watch for Car Enthusiasts and Chase Movie Fans
Gone in 60 Seconds (1974) is a true independent film and a must-watch for car chase fans. It follows Maindrian Pace, an insurance investigator by day and car thief by night. Pace takes on a seemingly impossible job: stealing 48 cars in just five days. But the real challenge, and the movie's highlight, comes with a special car on the list – a prized 1973 Mustang nicknamed Eleanor.
While the plot may be simple, the action keeps you on the edge of your seat. The 40-minute car chase at the end is one of the longest ever filmed and a true classic.
Low Budget, High Impact
The film was made on a small budget of around $150,000, but it became a cult classic and was highly profitable, grossing over $40 million worldwide.
This is the original Gone in 60 Seconds, which inspired a 2000 remake starring Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie.