Le Mans - The Movie

[Steve Holmes]

I don't care what anyone says, I love this movie. It was a box-office failure, partially because of the general lack of a strong storyline, partially because there is little dialogue (Steve McQueen doesn't murmur a single word until 36 minutes into the movie) and partially because the race itself doesn't have a wide following in the US.

But of course, I've never watched it for its storyline, or its acting. As a motor racing flick, to my mind, Le Mans is one of the more accurate. I've not watched it from start to finish too many times, but certain segments I think I must have seen hundreds of times. The scene building to the start of the race, the flag drop, and the explosion of engines bursting into life, plus the stunningly produced opening lap, gives me goosebumps every time I watch it. I also love how the instrumental kicks into life as the leading cars all burst across the line to complete their opening lap. Its a very artistic film that captures the period just perfectly.

I know, I know, the 1969 Le Mans race featured the last 'Le Mans' running start, and the dramatic ending between the Jacky Ickx/Jackie Oliver Ford GT40 and the Hans Herrmann/Gerard Larrousse Porsche 908, whereas the 1970 race featured a Porsche 917 demolition of the results, with Herrmann/Richard Attwood winning by 5 laps. But that doesn't take away from the enjoyment to be had from watching this film, in which the final laps are completely fictitious.

I didn't realise this until very recently, that Enzo Ferrari refused to supply cars for the film, unless the script was changed to let a Ferrari win the race. This is very typical Enzo.

The sound is very well done. Its impossible to tire of the thunderous Porsche 917 and Ferrari 512s, and its exciting to see how twitchy these cars are, and how hard the drivers had to work.

I think this film gets better with age.

For those who don't want to view the complete film, someone has kindly taken the time to create this heavily cropped version of the film, removing everything that isn't a racing scene.

Part 1:

[Steve Holmes]

Part 2:

[Steve Holmes]

And for those who have some spare time, here is the full movie. I highly recommend watching this on a high definition device, such as a tablet, as it really brings it to life:

[Steve Holmes]

[SPman]

Love this movie - and Grand Prix - again, not for the "plot", but for all the great period footage.

[Mark Fiddyment]

Yes a great car racing movie and Grand Prix I thought was also very good as well as Rush but Driven with Sly Stallone was a major let down

[Jeff]

Dialogue was not needed in these movies... just keep that flat 12 exhaust note coming
Love it.

This short film is a ripper -

Le Mans legend Derek Bell takes a step back in time to the 917 he first raced..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=resu77vBKm0

[Mark Fiddyment]

Listen to this for a great engine sound, the BRM H16. Turn up the volume.
http://youtu.be/tV-9A6UP1xo

[ERC]

Listen to this for a great engine sound, the BRM H16. Turn up the volume.
http://youtu.be/tV-9A6UP1xo

If you can get hold of a copy of the computer game 'Grand Prix Legends', you'll be able to drive it!!! Most difficult computer race game ever.

Check it out on Wikipedia as even though it is an old game, there are game developers who are still generating tracks and updating the cars.

For those not aware, it is a faithful recreation of the 1967 Grand Prix season, with realistic sounds and skittish car behaviour, plus, you can put it into demo mode and ride with Clark, Gurney etc. It even has the full 14 mile Nurburgring.

[Growler]

Awsome simulation...but as you say bloody hard to master. (I could never get under 1.30 at Monza...)
An updated Spa is being released soon.


The beta of rFactor 2 has the old Spa with 67' type cars too.

[Bondy]

I love the Movie, i have watched it sooo many times

Speaking of GP Legends, the Lotus 49 in IRacing is alot of fun, i still play GP Legends, GT Legends etc

[Steve Holmes]

Wow, that is cool! I bought GP Legends when it was first released, must have been back in the late 90s. It was incredible for the time, and each car had its very different characteristics, eg, the Brabham was sure-footed and reliable, but not as fast as some of the other cars. The Lotus was a bullet, but very skitterish. But looking at Bondys photo above, it looks like the graphics have been improved over the years too?

[Bondy]

Wow, that is cool! I bought GP Legends when it was first released, must have been back in the late 90s. It was incredible for the time, and each car had its very different characteristics, eg, the Brabham was sure-footed and reliable, but not as fast as some of the other cars. The Lotus was a bullet, but very skitterish. But looking at Bondys photo above, it looks like the graphics have been improved over the years too?

The Graphics are pretty decent on IRacing, some guys have made GP Legends alot prettier than it used to be though. The Le Mans cars are available for GT Legends and as a mod for RFactor.

Steve i think you would like GT Legends, as you can add cars such as Monza's, Camaro's, other cool IMSA stuff I'll try take a screen shot soon.. but to give you an idea

[Steve Holmes]

Those are seriously cool Bondy! I'm amazed at what people have been able to do with that platform.

[SPman]

GP Legends have updates for 1965, 1966, 1967, 1967 F2 & 1969 and Canam 1971- someone is working on a 1955 F1 mod as well. Also sets of Tasman series cars, 1964 - 68. And several sports cars
Tracks - how about the full Targa Florio track, with cars to suit! Also Ardmore, Levin, Wigram, Amaroo, Oran Park, Mt Panorama 1967........

[Growler]

If you want good graphics, Assetto Corsa is supposed to be the next big thing...

[ERC]

This needs a separate thread guys! Far too good to be hidden!

[Bondy]

If you want good graphics, Assetto Corsa is supposed to be the next big thing...

Yes its pretty cool, i have been playing that for a while. For ease and being able to catch up with old race mates though, i have found Iracing the best and its easy to quickly make a paint scheme and share it with everyone.

[seaqnmac27]

Back on point, some pics from the 1970 Le Mans with car number 29, a Porsche 908/2 which was the camera car that was used for most of the action shots. Driven by Herbert Linge and Jonathan Williams, it actually finished, unclassified in what would have been 9th. also a shot of a GT40 used for some other action shots.

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks Sean. Is the Porsche 908 the same car Steve McQueen shared with Peter Revson to finish second at the 1970 Sebring 12 Hour race?