Review #1,126: 'The Car' (1977)

Owing much to the popular 'road movies' of the 1970's such as Vanishing Point, Death Race 2000 and, in particular, Steven Spielberg's Duel, Elliot Silverstein's The Car also takes its influence from another Spielberg movie, Jaws. Released in 1975, Jaws killed it at the box office as well as terrifying its audience members, and Universal was keen to replicate this formula, only this time on land. Spielberg played with people's fear of sharks and the unknown beasts lurking in the water, so what ignites the same kind of terror and has people fleeing for their lives on land? Cars, apparently, and here a small town in the deserts of New Mexico is stalked by a demonic Lincoln Continental.

Following the murder of two cyclists rammed off the road and a young hitchhiker crushed after insulting the passing vehicle, reports flood into the sheriff's office of an aggressive black car with apparently no driver. Sheriff Everett (John Marley) calls out for road-blocks to surround the town, but neighbouring areas never see the car enter or arrive. Chief Deputy Wade Parent (James Brolin) is having to deal with the issue of introducing his girlfriend Lauren (Kathleen Lloyd) to his daughters as a permanent member of the household, but this becomes the least of his problems when he finds himself placed in charge of saving his town from the unstoppable automobile.

The similarities to Jaws are numerous and The Car was universally panned upon release for being little more than a rip-off without any of Spielberg's technical mastery. However, the years have been kind to The Car and it comes across now as a rather charming slice of 70's exploitation. Although the premise is ridiculous and without explanation, it takes itself quite seriously, and the titular Lincoln proves itself to be an intimidating foe at times. There is also a surprising amount of attention given to the colourful supporting characters, including Marley as the ageing sheriff with a still-burning love for a domestically abused childhood sweetheart, and a recovering alcoholic cop played by Ronny Cox. A fun if forgettable little movie, perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon.


Directed by: Elliot Silverstein
Starring: James Brolin, Kathleen Lloyd, John Marley, R.G. Armstrong, Ronny Cox
Country: USA

Rating: ***

Tom Gillespie