User reviews

This Movie contains enough Raw Drag and Street Racing to be a great Drag Racing movie, you can almost smell the rubber and smoke.

If you didn't love Hemi's before watching the movie you will after. I think this movie made Grey primer cool, and as for Willy's Coupes! Well you will just have to watch the movie.

One of my favorite parts is when they all sneak into the museum and steal the Blower from Munn's own car, Sticking it to the man is always good watching.

Gregg Henry who plays Brian Edison ( the lead ) is believable as the happy go lucky guy next door type, who we can all relate to.

The Soundtrack fits well to the movie and brings you right into the story line, makes you wish for Drive In Movie's and Summer.

I wish it was out on DVD.

Old TV movies are the comfort food of cinema. The preponderance are middling, some are downright awful, and a relatively rare few are genuinely fantastic, but one way or another they tend to be lighter and more readily digestible - the fundamental qualities of more or less appealing to, or at least being suitable for, a wide broadcast audience. Unsurprisingly, ABC's 1979 drama 'Hot rod' is part and parcel of that so-so slurry. From the very beginning we're greeted with production values that are a hair below the standard for contemporary cinematic releases; milquetoast writing, and even-keeled direction and acting, by which everything is sterilized as much as possible; outright ham-handedness, and amiability that borders on the same; stock characters and a familiar scenario; and a soundtrack filled with yesterday's B-sides more than the hits, because more of the more recognizable hits (e.g., "Great balls of fire") would have exceeded the TV studio's allotted budget. Having been born well after the hey-day of drag racing, I also allow for the possibility that I've a misunderstanding of what the pastime entailed, but it seems to me that a plot partly centered around "sanctioned" drag racing isn't drag racing at all. Yep, 'Hot rod' is a TV movie, alright.

Don't get me wrong, we do get some swell stunts and action sequences, and depiction of true, illegal drag racing. The story and all component parts are unremarkable and common, but not specifically any less worthy; the entertainment to be had here is soft as aspiring racer Brian makes a stir in The Middle Of Nowhere, USA where a "nationals" competition is being held (?), but it's still apt entertainment. Particularly notable herein is the prominent plot element of small-town corruption (and small-town nobodies imperiously flexing what muscle they have), bought and paid for by the wealthy and powerful, which resonates all too substantially forty-five years on. There are plenty of names and faces in these ninety-five-some minutes that we know and love, and though the flick doesn't exactly test them, they're clearly all having a good time, and that counts for something. Some specific instances of cinematography or editing are questionable, but for the most part this is well made and some examples are better than others. The music is very enjoyable, and all the sights and sounds kind of make for a (much less than comprehensive and fully representative) time capsule of the late 70s. No matter how much we want to nitpick, 'Hot rod' is decent.

There are issues, sure. Some reasonable nitpicking belongs to the most glaringly gauche examples of camerawork or inelegant editing, nevermind some moments of direction that are less sure-footed. Some scene writing and characterizations are treated incompletely; the plot development is decidedly mild and sometimes repetitive as Brian has repeated run-ins with the local sheriff. Even setting aside the haphazard sequencing that weaves in some racing scenes, some such scenes feel somewhat pointlessly tacked on Just Because, as if producer Sam Manners or filmmaker George Armitage thought we might have forgotten the thrust of what we were watching. With all this in mind, I wonder if the whole isn't longer and slower than it should have been as the plot progresses in a rather piecemeal and scattered fashion. Still, some facets are distinctly smart and well done in what is overall a duly satisfying picture, and there's occasional minor humor to appreciate. Armitage reminds us in no uncertain terms of the evergreen, universal truth that All Cops Are Bozos, and in general there's no mistaking the ugliness of the antagonists and what they represent. Such as they are I do like the production design, costume design, hair and makeup, and so on.

And I don't even like automotive racing! In fact, I hate it! Actually, though we could possibly debate the extent to which this meaningfully deserves to be called "a racing film," I'd unflinchingly say it's vastly superior to some other supposedly iconic genre staples, like 'Days of thunder' or 'Talladega nights.' No matter how you slice it this is far from a must-see; it has faults, and it never aims all that high even at its best. But it's sort of fun exactly as it is, it ably stands firm on its own merits, and where TV movies are concerned, I might go so far as to say that it's a tad above average. It would have benefited from tighter, more focused writing and direction, yet all told it's fairly solid, and it's all that it needs to be to succeed. I'll even allow that I'm being too harsh, and the most significant troubles wane as the length draws on. One way or another don't go out of your way for 'Hot rod,' but if you're looking for something on the lighter side and don't mind the imperfections, this is worth checking out if you have the chance.

By far the best drag racing movie ever, especially the cars that are used and the music soundtrack really makes it an overall great film, i really wish that they would put it on video or dvd. Or atleast show it on television now and then.

Dialog as banal as this makes several scenes more than a little cringe-worthy. But I'm getting ahead of myself. I saw this movie years ago as a rental and the guys I watched it with along with myself laughed quite a few times at some of the implausible things we saw, as well as the absolutely BAD dialog and cardboard cutout characters. As a matter of fact, we still use the "9/16ths" comment as part of our expressions at the track, mostly as a method of disrespect. Once things got to the dragstrip, however, "Hot Rod" was a bit more palatable. I enjoyed the rocket Funny Car making a pass down the track (rocket cars having been outlawed for nearly 20 years now), and some of the old school drag cars really gave a look into the late 70's drag scene. Being a drag racer myself, I appreciate the history. The story is standard TV movie fare (this was an ABC Friday Night Movie after all), and even after saying this, I still went and bought a copy on VHS. Should it be on DVD? Considering the dreck that's already on DVD ("reality" shows and the like), I'd vote for a DVD release. File this one as "so bad it's good".

Being a big fan of drag racing, i think this movie is deffinately the finest 1/4 mile drag movie of all time, the cars are phenominal and the track actions is the greatest especially being about vintage drag racing, also the music soundtrack couldnt be any better, overall just a great movie and i wish it would be available on dvd or vhs to purchase.

By far the best movie I have ever seen. I'm having a hard time remembering as I seen it many years back.This movie deserves to be shown again and I would love to see it released on DVD or any other type of video I could purchase. Does anyone know If a video exists?? Please let me know and how I could obtain a copy. True die hard Willy's coupe fan.This story is based on street racing, that has a great message for all. Racing should be a track event only and no one should race on public streets. The choice of cars was interesting. A Willy's coupe against local boys Oldsmobile 442.Very dramatic story line and a edge of your seat thriller. My hats off to everyone involved in the making of this movie.

I just love this movie!!! From the first time that I had watched this movie, I just can't get enough of it. I remember first watching it when it re-aired late night on our local ABC channel at 2am in the morning. Ever since then I searched for the movie not knowing that my mother had actually taped the movie. After about eleven years, I watched the movie again. All in all for being a low budget film, I think they did one heck of a job. I also really love the small bits of humor throughout the movie as well as the music and you can't forget the racing!!

This is a great low budget racing movie!! I remember watching it many years ago when it came on TV late at night. It's almost hard to believe that ABC made this movie to be shown as a made for TV movie in 1979. It would be nice if they listed in the credits of the movie what songs were featured in it and the name of the band in the concert scene. A soundtrack release for this movie would've been nice also, but as far as I know, they never did have one. Anyway, I've noticed a few comments about finding this movie. I would check ebay. I have found many old movies on there that have been old video store rentals or were released for a short time. There are copies of this movie on there but the majority are bootleg copies and not actual video releases. As far as I know, they had not released the movie since the time that it appeared in the 90s in the movie store as a rental. Hope this helps.

As far as racing movies go, this one is a great one to get ahold of. I personally looked for this movie for several years and was able to get a used VHS copy of it. I believe it just came out on DVD not too long ago and I am sure that it is a limited release. I love the 1969 Cutlass driven by Grant Goodeve (Sonny Munn) that they have in it, and there aren't many movies that feature a '69 Olds in them. I have a 1969 4-4-2 and a 1969 Cutlass Convertible and had to have this movie in my collection. I believe that this may have been a made-for-TV movie, and was originally titled "Rebel Of the Road." This made it very difficult to find, since the video release was called "Hotrod." In this ABC made-for-TV movie, Brian Addison (Gregg Henry) comes to town to compete in the National Drag Races. Unknown to him, the deck is stacked against him. But with the help of some local folks, he puts together a hemi-powered and blown 1941 Willys coupe. Jenny (Robin Mattson) provides the romance and Robert Culp is T. L. Munn, the low-life promoter along with Pernell Roberts as the corrupt cop.

Lots of drag racing from the Fremont Drag Strip in No Cal. with various hot rods, funny cars and top fuelers from the '70s. Hang on for a fun ride! A "must have" for any fan of drag racing.

I have this movie on DVD...This one is a classic any fan of hot rods will want to see. It's all about the Munn's Root Beer Nationals at the "Bayland" drag strip in Freemont,Califorina, and every competitor who doesn't run a Munn's decal on their car is harassed by the corrupt local cops. But you'll see enough interesting cars to make it worth your while. A young racer attempts to win a dragstrip competition in this film alternately known as Hotrod and Rebel of the Road

N-e one who would like to own this movie just click on the link below and you can download it through demonoid.com

ThanXz

http://www.demonoid.com/files/details/1290448/24540152/

I saw this movie on TV many years ago luckily i taped it . and as usually happens lent it out to friends who were also suitably impressed but unfortunately i never got it back . I have been trying for years to get another copy so if anyone knows where i can get a copy i will be thrilled . not only the fast action of the drag racing but the absolutely superb soundtrack by many top artists and some not so well known adds to the edge of the seat excitement . I have watched many other drag racing movies but none holds a candle to this one.not only was the storyline well written it was well acted and i feel that it was totally realistic and totally believable . I wish i could give it more than 10 out of 10

From a genuine car enthusiast... this IS the best car movie ever made... and it was made for TV ??? !!!! wow ! Sure, some of the sound tracks are a bit silly, but the intent was there. My favourite scene ? easy... The real life, real sound, stick shift burnout in the middle of the night ! My favourite quote ? easy... Brian Edison says, "You see, the secret to street racing is a mystery to most people.... if it blows up with a 4 barrel carb, go dual quads. If that blows up, inject it" Jenny asks, "how far" ? Brian replies, "Till it's an automatic.... which is boring". The fact is, a stick shift IS faster, but that's the best TV gear head lines I've ever heard ! The movie is timeless, and it's unlikely that it will ever be out done. A big thank you to ABC, for going out on a limb, and making this.

this is the most real drag race movie ever made!!!! unlike the new rice burner movies out now that lead everyone to believe that you 4 door rice burner can turn 10s in the 1/4 mile HAHAHAHAHA!!LOL ON THAT ONE.there is no substitute for cubic inches sorry!!!! hotrod was one of the only truthful depletions of what will happen if you install a high CID big block into you classic muscle car..."LOAD AND LOADS OF TORQ HP AND SPEED" not a farting sound like you hear in wall-marts parking lot on nay given afternoon.there is a reason the only car older rear wheel drive cars "MUSCLE CARS" the new cars don't make muscle!!! did you know auto makers change the way they rate hp every couple of years so they can falsely advertise the hp pf the new cars coming out!!!they stared doing the back in the early 1980s..why did they do this?? because of the garbage rice burners!! they have found that the general public is dumb and will believe anything!! its true check into it... so throw away the fake FTF movies and go with the real racing "HOT ROD" !!!!!!!!

I also have been looking for this movie for about 20 years. I never knew the name of it and any "Car Person" I spoke to never knew what the heck I was talking about.

Thanks to this site I was able to obtain the name and also locate a copy on Ebay.

Thanks for all the info. I can't wait to receive the movie and watch it again. If I can help someone to locate this movie I can give you the name of seller on ebay or at least send you in the area I searched to find another copy. I think this last movie will conclude my car movie collection.

if anyone knows how to get this on DVD please let me know so that we can get a copy of it we have been looking for this movie for years now and can't find it if any one knows how to get it please let me know thank you very much my husband saw this movie years ago and wants me to see it he saw the cars in the movie and remembers it was a very good movie and wishes that he can get it on DVD I thank you very much if any one knows of any other kind of movies that is like this please let us know that too always looking for this type of movie any movies with cars in it mostly a willies I'm also looking for the movie with the 1st women funny and rail car I think her name was Maldowny thanks again for any of your help

Great for a movie that was filmed in 15 days a true classic and a made for TV movie to boot. Come home after a crappy day, watch this and it puts you in an instant good mood. We need more movies like this, they really knew how to do it back in the day. RIP Kenny, I know this was one of your favorites!

Just finished watching this movie on Youtube, yes you heard it right the full movie is now on Youtube. Talk about a great movie to get you out of a bad day at work, this did the truck. Saw it a few years ago for the first time and I don't know what happened to my copy but I thought I'd do a search for it on good old YT and sure enough it was there, looks like someone posted it about a year ago. There are two copies but one gets stuck about a quarter way through the movie. Watch the one from Marcelo Hotrod it's missing a few minutes from the beginning of the movie but nothing major just Brian working on his car in the garage.

For all the great fans of the best drag racing movie made the willys coupe is a 1939 prewar car the movie is out again on DVD and you can it from CHARTER ENTERAINMENT for about $18.00 if you have any questions about the movie I would be more than glad to help you if i can i watch it all the time. i'm not saying i know everything but i know the movie as well as most die-hard car guys.now the one thing i know is for question about the song cannonball was singing i have no ideal ware that came from that was the first and only time i ever heard it sorry i can't help you on that one.We need to email GEROGE on that one and see what he has to say about where it came from.I have it on VHS and DVD and i watch it all the time love this movie.and ED BEGLEY, JR. plays his part very well as the rest of the cast.One movie to see and buy.

The greatest drag racing movie ever made, by far, is American Nitro. Originally released in 1979, this classic movie has developed a cult following among drag race fans and is currently in re-release on DVD.

Along with all the top drivers of the 1970s, this film includes a whole sync sound color sequence on "Jungle Jim" Liberman and the only full color, professionally shot, sequence on "Jungle" Pam's drag strip performance.

This movie brings back the golden age of drag racing.

The film just sucks you in. Many people have commented that they have watched it 20 times and more.

If you go to the American Nitro Facebook page you will see their comments.

Google it.

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