Winning (1969)

A look at late 1960's auto racing

I saw this in the theater about 40 years ago. As far as a movie, it's far, far from Paul Newman's best effort.... nor does this in the same league as "Grand Prix" or "Le Mans". But, it's watchable, and if you collect racing stuff, it's a "must have". The footage at Indy is pretty good, and late 1960's Indy cars are, to my eye, some of the best looking racecars ever. December 29, 2008

I enjoyed this film just as much as some of Newman's huge classics.

This film does not measure up to films like The Hustler, Hud, or The Verdict but I believe it really should. Even though what happens is not exactly revolutionary by todays standards, the story really is interesting and the strong and effective acting by the three leads really does makwe this a highly entertaining film. Much like other Newman sport movies (Huster, Color of Money) the game itself is not the point of the film its the characters that matter most and the sport they play just so happens to be what they do for a living. Great Film December 3, 2008

"WINNING" MOVIE REVIEW

EXCELLENT MOVIE !! PAUL NEWMAN AND JOANNE WOODWARD ARE EXCELLENT AS IS
RICHARD "JOHN BOY" THOMAS IN HIS FIRST ROLE. GIVES INSIGHT INTO EARLY
INDY CAR RACING AND ONE OF THE GREAT CRASHES OF THE INDY 500. MUSIC IS ALSO ENJOYABLE.
October 29, 2008

Great Guy; Good Film.

Some afternoon or evening when you want to watch racing films watch Grand Prix with Jim Garner and this film. If time allows throw in LeMans with Steve McQueen. October 14, 2008

Endearing, Exciting, Stands the Test of Time

The last time I saw this film was 40 years ago, in a theater, but I wanted to add it to my permanent DVD library, both because I've been on a Paul Newman kick lately, and because I'm increasingly interested in films from the late 1960s and early 1970s.

In my view, Winning is an overlooked gem with great performances from Newman and Woodward (always great to watch these two in action together), a mature plot with a credible dramatic setup, and some fantastic racing footage based at the Indianapolis 500. (Check out the wreck that happens just about a minute after the great race begins: it's one of the most frightening things ever captured in cinema. I don't know if this wreck was staged or just happened to be captured on film.)

Great to see Richard Thomas in an early role as a troubled but likable teenager. And here's to Robert Wagner, Newman's arch rival on the track and in the bedroom, who's a villain you almost have to love!

Good work all around. Some of the music soundtrack appears a bit dated with 40 years hindsight, but Winning still wins: it's a great looking film with exciting action and great stars that also serves as a fascinating time capsule of the 1960's car culture.



July 25, 2008

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