Assured ace race car driver Dave Owens (a likable performance by Frankie Avalon) goes down south to compete in the local stock car races. Dave winds up at loggerheads with cocky reigning champion Sony Leander Fox (a deliciously smarmy portrayal by Fabian). Moreover, Dave also starts running moonshine for sleazeball auto garage owner Charlie Bigg (a nicely slimy turn by Harvey Lembeck). Director/co-writer William Asher relates the entertaining story at a snappy pace, maintains a breezy tone throughout, delivers a flavorsome evocation of the downhome setting, and stages the rousing vehicular carnage with considerable panache. Yummy blonde looker Julie Parrish vamps it up well as good-hearted young widow Martha. Nifty supporting contributions by the ever-adorable Annette Funicello as the sweet Jane, Chill Wills as jolly racetrack owner Big Jaw, Douglas Henderson as shifty federal agent Hastings, and Len Lesser as a genial hillbilly. The gritty and exciting racetrack footage is the authentic gnarly article. A couple of rough'n'ready fistfights are also pretty stirring. The cute claymation animation featured at the very start and end is a real hoot. Both Les Baxter's groovy swinging score and Floyd Crosby's sharp, bright widescreen cinematography are up to speed. As an added bonus, Frankie and Annette belt out a few catchy and charming songs. Better still, the characters even have a little depth to them. A fun flick.
Review of Fireball 500
