The Gumball Rally

The Gumball Rally is a 1976 American comedy film directed by Chuck Bail and starring Michael Sarrazin, Tim McIntire, and Raul Julia. The movie is a classic car racing comedy that tells the story of a group of wealthy thrill-seekers who participate in a cross-country race from New York City to California.

The film starts with a group of car enthusiasts who attend a party in New York City, hosted by automobile enthusiast Michael Bannon, a millionaire businessman. Bannon announces that he has organized an illegal cross-country race, called the Gumball Rally, which starts from New York City and ends in California.

The participants consist of eclectic characters, including a current and former Vietnam War veteran racing team, a married couple in a sports car, a womanizing British driver, and a con artist with a souped-up ambulance. Each team has its own unique car and style of racing, and their goal is to not only finish the race but also to win it.

The race is not sanctioned, which means that the drivers will have to overcome various obstacles to avoid getting caught by the police. The participants have to drive across several states, as they encounter multiple challenges on their way to the finish line. These obstacles include running out of gas, mechanical breakdowns, and dealing with the various law enforcement authorities chasing them all along the way.

As the race begins, the teams zoom out of New York City, and the competition gets underway. The Gumball Rally showcases the exploits of each team, including their struggles, victories, and mishaps as they make their way across the United States.

Notably, the film has a unique approach to its racing scenes, most of which were filmed with the actual cars, making use of closed roads and real-life locations rather than relying on green screens or CGI. The movie is shot in a variety of locations, including urban cityscapes, wide-open highways, and dusty backroads, providing the viewer with a diverse visual experience that captures the beauty of the American countryside.

Throughout the film, there are numerous comedic moments as well. The teams engage in playful banter with each other while also making jabs at each other's cars and racing strategies. The British driver and his team of admirers chase a beautiful hitchhiker, while other teams have to deal with the comedic consequences of their illegal racing escapades.

The climax of the film takes place in California, where the teams have to cross the finish line in the shortest time possible. The final stretch of the race is filled with intense action as the teams speed across the Los Angeles streets, dodging obstacles and evading the law enforcement authorities.

In conclusion, The Gumball Rally is an exciting and hilarious film that is sure to entertain car enthusiasts, comedy lovers, and action movie fans alike. Its unique take on the classic car-racing genre, stunning visuals, and comedic moments make it a classic film still enjoyed by many today.